Electronic Endoscope Optical Filter for Simultaneous Spectral and Color Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic endoscope systems cannot simultaneously observe both spectral and normal color images, leading to imprecise comparisons between organisms and reduced image brightness due to narrowband filters.
Innovation Solution
An electronic endoscope system with a light source, optical filter, and color solid-state image pickup device that allows for the generation of enhanced brightness spectral images by using an optical filter with specific transmittance peaks within continuous wavelength bands, enabling simultaneous observation of both spectral and normal color images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a narrow band filter is used to generate spectral images, then the spectral image highlights a particular organism, but the light amount is cut off largely and the brightness of the obtained image is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength band into multiple regions: a first wavelength band (380-780nm) for normal color imaging and a second wavelength band (780-2500nm) for spectral imaging. This segmentation allows the system to capture both normal color images and spectral images with sufficient brightness by using appropriate filters for each band, resolving the contradiction between spectral precision and image brightness.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow band filter is used to generate spectral images, then the spectral image highlights a particular organism, but it is impossible to simultaneously observe both spectral image and normal color image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging capability into two separate channels: one for normal color images (380-780nm) and one for spectral images (780-2500nm). This segmentation enables simultaneous observation of both image types by capturing them through different optical paths and processing them separately, thus maintaining both spectral precision and observational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the spectral imaging capability into the infrared dimension (780-2500nm) beyond the visible range. By adding this dimensional extension, the system can simultaneously provide normal color images in the visible range and spectral images in the infrared range, enhancing both measurement precision and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bandpass filter turret is used to switch wavelength bands, then selective generation of spectral and normal color images is possible, but it is impossible to simultaneously observe both images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into parallel channels for normal color and spectral imaging. This allows both image types to be captured simultaneously rather than sequentially, eliminating the time loss associated with switching filters and enabling immediate comparison between the two image types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous capture of both normal color images and spectral images through parallel optical paths. This continuity eliminates the interruption and time loss that would occur with sequential filter switching, allowing uninterrupted observation and comparison of both image types.
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 enhances image brightness and allows for precise comparison between organisms by displaying both spectral and normal color images on a single screen, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter that has a transmittance peak at least at a particular wavelength band within a continuous wavelength band including at least the visible light band
Implementation Method 2
a color solid state image pick-up device that receives reflected light from a subject illuminated with illumination light via the optical filter
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic endo scope system includes a light source that emits light including at least a visible light band, an optical filter that has a transmittance peak at a particular wavelength within a continuous wavelength band including at least the visible light band and that has a transmittance distribution which is based on the transmittance peak within an entire of the continuous wavelength band except the transmittance peak, an optical filter switching unit that inserts and retracts the optical filter into and out of an illumination optical path of the light source, a color solid state image pick-up device that receives reflected light from a subject illuminated with illumination light which has passed, or not passed, through the optical filter, and an image generating unit that generates a color image displayable on a monitor by processing an imaging signal output by the solid state image pick-up device.