Endoscope Narrow Band Light Source for Vessel Contrast
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope apparatuses face challenges in effectively highlighting and distinguishing between blood vessels and characteristic substances like indigo carmine within the observation object, particularly in achieving high contrast for diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope apparatus employs a light source unit with multiple narrow band laser light sources, including blue-violet, blue, green, and red, which emit light based on the absorption spectra of hemoglobin and indigo carmine, allowing for specific illumination modes to enhance contrast of blood vessels and characteristic substances, and an image processing circuit to process images for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple narrow band light sources are used to illuminate different characteristic substances, then the contrast and visibility of blood vessels and characteristic substances are improved, but the device complexity and number of light sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent narrow band light sources, each targeting a specific characteristic substance (hemoglobin, indigo carmine, crystal violet, Lugol's solution). This segmentation allows selective illumination of different substances based on their unique absorption spectra, improving diagnostic precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The light source unit is designed with multi-functionality, where a single illumination system can simultaneously or selectively illuminate multiple different characteristic substances using different narrow band light sources. This universal design allows the same hardware platform to serve multiple diagnostic purposes without requiring separate illumination systems for each substance
2Loss of information
If sequential illumination of multiple substances is performed, then the diagnostic information and observation capabilities are improved, but the observation time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by sequentially activating different narrow band light sources in a structured manner. Each light source is activated in turn to illuminate specific characteristic substances, allowing the system to gather comprehensive diagnostic information through repeated cyclic illumination patterns that can be optimized for speed and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple narrow band light sources with specific wavelengths matched to the absorption spectra of target substances. This preliminary setup allows for rapid switching between different illumination modes during observation, reducing the time needed for diagnostic procedures compared to systems that would require physical reconfiguration
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 configuration enables the endoscope to acquire images with enhanced contrast of blood vessels and characteristic substances, facilitating better diagnostic capabilities by providing clear visualization of lesions and tissue patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a first narrow band light source and a second narrow band light source, the light source unit being configured to emit at least two kinds of narrow band light of first narrow band light selected based on an absorption spectrum of a first characteristic substance, and second narrow band light selected based on an absorption spectrum of a second characteristic substance
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus includes a scope including an imaging unit provided at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into an observation object, and a main body including a light source unit configured to emit illumination light that illuminates the observation object through the scope. The light source unit is configured to emit first narrow band light selected based on an absorption spectrum of a first characteristic substance, and second narrow band light selected based on an absorption spectrum of a second characteristic substance. The main body includes an image processing circuit configured to process image information acquired by the imaging unit. The endoscope apparatus also includes a display configured to display image information processed by the image processing circuit.