Endoscope Mode Switching for Dye and Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic dye observation methods face challenges in effectively distinguishing between lesion areas and normal tissue, particularly when using dyes like indigo carmine, toluidine blue, and crystal violet, as they often interfere with the visualization of underlying tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope with a mode-switching capability that uses a combination of laser lights to create specific illumination spectra, allowing for both dye valid and dye invalid observation modes, where the dye is either prominently visible or appears transparent, enabling clear imaging of tissue structures regardless of dye presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dyes are dispersed during endoscopic inspection to recognize lesions, then lesion recognition is improved, but tissue structure visualization deteriorates due to dye interference
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system dynamically switches between two observation modes (dye valid mode and dye invalid mode) based on diagnostic needs. The light source can be changed from white light (where dye is visible) to narrow-band light centered on the dye's absorption peak (where dye appears transparent), allowing flexible adaptation between lesion recognition and tissue structure visualization without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spectral parameters of the illumination light to control dye visibility. By adjusting the light spectrum from broad-spectrum white light to narrow-band light at the dye's absorption wavelength, the system transforms the dye's optical properties from highly visible to transparent, thereby controlling information display based on observation requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If white light is used for illumination, then overall tissue visibility is improved, but dye contrast is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between white light illumination (for overall tissue visibility) and narrow-band light illumination (for maximum dye contrast). This dynamic adaptation allows the observer to select the appropriate lighting condition based on whether the priority is general tissue overview or specific dye-enhanced lesion detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spectral distribution parameter of the illumination light. White light provides broad spectral coverage for general visibility, while narrow-band light concentrated at the dye absorption peak maximizes dye contrast. The system enables parameter switching between these two illumination states.
3Measurement precision
If narrow-band light at dye absorption wavelength is used, then dye contrast is improved, but overall tissue structure visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope system provides dynamic switching between narrow-band illumination (optimizing dye contrast) and white light illumination (optimizing overall tissue structure visibility). This allows the diagnostician to alternate between detailed lesion examination and comprehensive tissue architecture assessment without being constrained by a single lighting mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in the illumination spectrum, switching between narrow-band light (high dye contrast, lower overall visibility) and white light (balanced visibility). This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing context-dependent optimization.
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
This approach enhances color reproducibility and allows for faithful imaging of tissue surfaces, reducing interference from dyes and providing clear, high-quality images of both dye-affected and dye-transparent areas, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The light source section 12 includes a plurality of lasers 14A to 14F that respectively emit lights of wavelengths different from one another
Implementation Method 2
The dye is a material having a light absorbing wavelength region and a light transmission wavelength region in a visible light wavelength region
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes an observation mode switch to switch observation modes. The observation modes include a dye valid observation mode allowed to acquire an image in which the dye is visually recognized well, and a dye invalid observation mode allowed to acquire an image in which the dye is substantially not visually recognized.