In Vivo Endoscope Illumination with Split Short-Range and Long-Range Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope capsules face inefficiencies in imaging and illumination within the gastrointestinal tract due to unpredictable capsule orientation and non-uniform illumination, leading to inadequate focus and exposure in varying tissue distances and positions.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources, including a short-range and long-range source, positioned relative to the camera's optical axis to ensure uniform illumination and adequate focus across different tissue distances, with the short-range source illuminating tissue in contact or close proximity and the long-range source illuminating tissue at greater distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used in the capsule, then the device complexity is reduced, but the illumination uniformity across different tissue distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple light sources positioned at different locations within the capsule. Each light source targets a specific distance range, with at least one source positioned to illuminate tissue within 10mm and another to illuminate tissue beyond 10mm, achieving uniform illumination across varying distances without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the illumination system are assigned different functional qualities based on their positioning. Light sources are strategically placed to provide localized illumination appropriate for their specific distance from the tissue, with the optical axis of the camera aligned to receive reflected light from these localized illumination zones
2Manufacturing precision
If the capsule orientation is fixed, then the imaging consistency is improved, but the adaptability to varying gastrointestinal tract geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is designed with universal functionality to adapt to various capsule orientations and gastrointestinal tract geometries. Multiple light sources are positioned to provide comprehensive illumination regardless of how the capsule settles or orients itself within the tract, making the system effective across diverse anatomical configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from considering only a single imaging dimension to accounting for multiple spatial dimensions and orientations. By positioning light sources around the optical axis in three-dimensional space, the system maintains imaging consistency across varying orientations without requiring mechanical fixation
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to capture more tissue, then the coverage area is improved, but the focus quality across the extended distance range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Light sources are pre-positioned at specific distances from the camera optical axis to illuminate tissue at predetermined distance ranges. This preliminary spatial arrangement ensures that when the camera captures images across an extended field of view, tissue at various distances receives appropriate illumination for adequate focus quality
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light sources create multiple illumination zones that are effectively copied across different distance ranges. Each light source replicates the illumination function for its specific distance range, allowing the extended field of view to maintain focus quality through distributed illumination copying
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 enhances image quality by ensuring proper focus and exposure across a wider field of view, reducing the need for redundant imaging and improving diagnostic accuracy within the gastrointestinal tract.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs 126 for illuminating surface 106 of the organ so that images can be captured from the light that is scattered off of the surface
Implementation Method 2
images can be captured from the light that is scattered off of the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An in vivo endoscope illuminates tissue using multiple sources. Light from a short-range source exits a tubular wall of the endoscope through a first illumination region that overlaps an imaging region, and the light returns through the imaging region after reflection by tissue, to form an image in a camera. Light from a long-range source exits the tubular wall through a second illumination region that does not overlap the imaging region. The endoscope of some embodiments includes a mirror, and light from an emitter for the short-range source is split and reaches the first illumination region from both sides of an optical axis of the camera. Illuminating the first illumination region with split fractions of light results in greater uniformity of illumination, than illuminating directly with an un-split beam. The energy generated by each source is changed depending on distance of the tissue to be imaged.