Endoscope Optical Member Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes face image distortion due to temperature variations and clouding of optical members when used in high-humidity, high-temperature environments, such as within the human body, leading to unclear images.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a heating section, first and second temperature detectors, and a control unit that maintains the optical members at a stable temperature, using thermistors to detect temperature differences and prevent abnormality in the detectors, thereby controlling the heating to prevent clouding and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a heating member and temperature sensors are added to control temperature, then clouding of the optical member is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature detection functions into a single integrated temperature detection unit that monitors both the optical member temperature and the housing temperature. This merging approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to prevent clouding through coordinated heating control
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature detection unit serves multiple functions: detecting optical member temperature for clouding prevention, detecting housing temperature for image distortion correction, and providing data for both heating control and image processing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems
2Manufacturing precision
If the insertion section diameter is reduced to eliminate image distortion, then temperature control becomes more difficult, but image quality improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature control systems with a combination of targeted heating at the distal end and software-based image processing corrections. This substitution allows for effective temperature management in a compact insertion section without requiring complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters based on real-time temperature detection and uses image processing to compensate for thermal effects. This parameter-based control approach enables precise temperature management in a compact design
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to detect temperature differences, then temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple temperature sensing capabilities into a single temperature detection unit that can measure both optical member temperature and housing temperature. This integration maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensing systems
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 achieves precise temperature control of the endoscope's distal end portion, reducing image distortion and maintaining clear images while minimizing the diameter of the insertion section, thus enhancing image quality and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating section configured to heat the optical member
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature detector configured to detect first temperature information of the distal end portion
Implementation Method 3
a second temperature detector connected in parallel with the heating section and configured to detect second temperature information of the distal end portion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having an insertion section adapted to be inserted into a subject; an optical member positioned at a distal end portion; a heating section configured to heat the optical member; a first temperature detector configured to detect first temperature information of the distal end portion; a second temperature detector connected in parallel with the heating section and configured to detect second temperature information of the distal end portion; a control unit configured to control the heating section based on the first temperature information; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of abnormality in the first temperature detector and the second temperature detector based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information.