Endoscope Measuring Device for Luminosity Readjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The light output power of endoscopes decreases over time due to degradation effects such as fiber breaks, increasing connector losses, and contamination of optics, leading to insufficient luminosity at the distal end, which is costly and time-consuming to replace.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a measuring device that includes a light detection unit and processing unit to determine characteristic parameters of the lighting system, allowing for readjustment of the maximum luminosity to maintain a minimum required output power, thereby avoiding the need to replace affected elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light output power is increased to compensate for degradation, then the luminosity at the distal end is maintained, but the risk of thermal damage to the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a measuring device continuously monitors the actual light output power at the distal end of the endoscope. The control unit receives this measurement data and dynamically adjusts the light source intensity to maintain the required luminosity while preventing excessive power output that could cause thermal damage. This closed-loop control ensures optimal illumination without exceeding safety thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the light source based on real-time measurements of optical element degradation. The control unit adjusts the light output power parameter according to the measured transmission characteristics, allowing the system to compensate for degradation effects while maintaining safety limits through continuous parameter optimization.
2Illumination intensity
If optical elements are replaced to restore light output power, then the luminosity is restored, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the endoscope system to self-diagnose and self-compensate for degradation effects. The measuring device automatically detects changes in light transmission characteristics, and the control unit autonomously adjusts the light source intensity to maintain required output power. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, expert analysis, or physical replacement of optical elements, allowing continuous operation without downtime.
3Illumination intensity
If the light source intensity is increased to compensate for fiber losses, then the distal end luminosity is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of light source intensity based on real-time measurements of actual light transmission. Rather than continuously operating at maximum intensity to compensate for potential degradation, the system adapts the power level to match the actual transmission characteristics of the optical elements. This dynamic optimization maintains required luminosity while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary over-compensation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains the required light output power at the distal end of the endoscope, reducing material and time costs by compensating for degradation effects without replacing optical fibers or other components.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection unit and a processing unit, wherein the light detection unit is adapted to determine the characteristic parameter
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an endoscope apparatus comprising a measuring device mountable on an endoscope head of the endoscope apparatus for determining a characteristic parameter of an endoscope lighting of the endoscope apparatus, wherein the endoscope lighting comprises at least one optical element through which light passes, wherein the measuring device comprises a light detection unit adapted to determine the characteristic parameter, wherein the endoscope head comprises a light exit area through which the endoscope lighting outputs a light amount of a light emitted from a light source, the light emitted from the light source having a luminosity up to a preset maximum luminosity, and the characteristic parameter is based on the light amount incident on the light detection unit; and a processing unit adapted to readjust the preset maximum luminosity based on the determined characteristic parameter.