Endoscope Modulated Light Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems fail to reliably detect whether the insertion portion is present inside or outside an object, especially in environments without fluorescent lamps, leading to inaccurate detection and potential glare issues.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope system with an illumination unit that modulates visible light in a predetermined pattern and a detection section to determine the insertion portion's presence, using the modulated light to ensure accurate detection inside or outside an object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detection means using fluorescent lamp flicker is used, then detection can be achieved in environments with fluorescent lamps, but detection fails in environments without fluorescent lamps or when other illumination apparatus is present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having the illumination unit emit modulated visible light before the detection section attempts to detect. This active illumination approach ensures that detection can proceed independently of ambient lighting conditions, resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and environmental adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination unit applies periodic action by modulating visible light in a predetermined pattern (e.g., blinking or pulsing). This periodic modulation creates a distinctive signal that the detection section can identify, enabling reliable detection across different environments including those without fluorescent lamps or with other illumination sources present

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If light source emits high energy light (laser, UV, blue light), then observation quality improves, but risk of eye and skin damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation qualityVSAvoideye and skin damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies feedback by using the detection section to continuously monitor whether the insertion portion is inside or outside the body, and then using this information to control the light source emission. The light source control section adjusts light output based on detection results, maintaining high observation quality while preventing excessive light exposure that could cause eye or skin damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting light source emission parameters (intensity, duration) based on the detected location of the insertion portion. When inside the body, emission is controlled to stay within MPE limits; when outside, emission can be higher for better observation, thus resolving the contradiction between observation quality and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If light source is continuously on, then observation capability is maintained, but energy consumption increases and light source life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination unit applies periodic action by modulating light emission in predetermined patterns rather than continuous emission. This allows the system to maintain observation capability during active use while reducing overall energy consumption and extending light source life through controlled intermittent operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism controls light source emission based on actual observation needs and insertion portion location. The light source is activated or intensified only when the insertion portion is inside the body and observation is required, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining observation capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively detects the insertion portion's presence with certainty, preventing false detection and ensuring proper light control based on the location, enhancing both medical and industrial endoscope operations.

Implementation Method 1

a modulation section configured to control a visible light source so that visible light from the visible light source is subjected to intensity modulation in a predetermined pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntensity modulation:

Implementation Method 2

a detection section configured to detect the modulated visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9615729B2Endoscope detecting system

Publication Date: 2017.04.11 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope system includes an illumination unit which includes a modulation section configured to control a visible light source so that visible light from the visible light source is subjected to intensity modulation in a predetermined pattern, and emits modulated visible light as illumination light, a detection section configured to detect the modulated visible light, and a determination section configured to determine whether an insertion portion of an endoscope is present in an object based on a detection result of the detection section. The illumination unit is arranged outside the object, and the detection section is arranged at the insertion portion.