Endoscope Sensor Switching for Oxygen Saturation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution special images while maintaining the sensitivity required for calculating oxygen saturation levels of blood, often necessitating the use of high-intensity narrow band lights or high-sensitivity image sensors, which can be inefficient, especially in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system with a lighting section that applies special illumination light with specific wavelengths, an imaging section using both normal and high-sensitivity image sensors, and a control system that dynamically switches between sensors based on reflected light amounts to optimize image quality and sensitivity, ensuring high-resolution special images can be produced while maintaining adequate sensitivity for oxygen saturation calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-intensity narrow band light is used for special observation, then sensitivity for detecting reflected light is improved, but energy consumption increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the sensitivity parameter of the image sensor dynamically based on imaging conditions. When special observation is performed and reflected light is weak, the sensitivity is increased to ensure adequate signal detection. When reflected light is sufficient, sensitivity is reduced to normal levels, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and system complexity associated with always using high-sensitivity sensors.
2Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity image sensor is used for special observation, then sensitivity for detecting reflected light is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between normal image sensors and high-sensitivity image sensors based on imaging conditions. Instead of using high-sensitivity sensors continuously, the system activates them only when special observation requires enhanced sensitivity detection, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If normal image sensor is used for special observation, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sensitivity for detecting reflected light becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between normal and high-sensitivity image sensors based on real-time assessment of reflected light conditions. When special observation is performed and reflected light is insufficient, the system switches to high-sensitivity sensors to ensure adequate detection. When reflected light is sufficient, normal sensors are used, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate sensitivity.
4Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity image sensor is used continuously, then sensitivity for detecting reflected light is maintained, but resolution of special images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between normal image sensors (providing high resolution) and high-sensitivity image sensors (providing enhanced sensitivity) based on imaging conditions. Instead of using high-sensitivity sensors continuously, the system activates them only when sensitivity is required for adequate signal detection, thereby maintaining high resolution in special images while ensuring sufficient sensitivity when needed.
5Adaptability or versatility
If dual image sensor system is implemented, then both high resolution and high sensitivity are available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between normal and high-sensitivity image sensors based on real-time assessment of imaging conditions and reflected light levels. This dynamic switching strategy allows the system to maintain both high resolution and high sensitivity capabilities while managing device complexity by activating the high-sensitivity sensor only when necessary, rather than operating both sensors continuously.
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 produces high-resolution special images while ensuring the necessary sensitivity for oxygen saturation level calculations, optimizing sensor usage based on light conditions to enhance image quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The special illumination light has a wavelength at which oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin have different absorption coefficients
Implementation Method 2
the light amount of the first and second light reflected from the internal body portion
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic endoscope has normal and high-sensitivity image sensors. In a special mode for imaging an oxygen saturation level of blood, one of the normal and high-sensitivity image sensors is selected in accordance with a reflected light amount of special illumination light. When the normal image sensor is selected, the normal image sensor captures an image under irradiation with the special illumination light and outputs a second normal-sensor image. When an average pixel value of the second normal-sensor image is less than a first sensor selection threshold value, the use of the high-sensitivity image sensor is started. When the high-sensitivity image sensor is selected, the high-sensitivity image sensor captures an image under irradiation with the special illumination light and outputs a high-sensitivity-sensor image. When the average pixel value of the high-sensitivity-sensor image is more than a second sensor selection threshold value, the use of the high-sensitivity image sensor is stopped.