Intelligent Endoscopic Light Source with Attenuator Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopic light sources with high intensity lamps face challenges in controlling light intensity, managing infrared energy, and monitoring color temperature, leading to inconsistent output and potential incorrect diagnoses due to lamp degradation.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent endoscopic light source system that automatically detects lamp intensity, adjusts output via a movable attenuator, and alerts users when intensity falls below a threshold, color temperature drifts, or infrared energy exceeds limits, using a sensor module with a wireless transceiver and photovoltaic cell for real-time monitoring and adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high intensity lamps are used to provide sufficient light output, then illumination intensity is improved, but infrared energy increases causing potential damage to tissues and materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight output intensityVSAvoidinfrared energy damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light output into useful visible light and harmful infrared radiation by using a filter system that allows visible light to pass while blocking infrared energy. This segmentation separates the beneficial illumination function from the harmful thermal effect, enabling high intensity lighting without the damaging infrared component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary filter system between the high intensity lamp and the target area. This intermediary component selectively transmits visible light while attenuating infrared radiation, acting as a mediator that protects tissues and materials from thermal damage while maintaining adequate illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical attenuators are used to control light intensity, then intensity control is improved, but the system cannot detect lamp degradation or color temperature drift

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintensity controlVSAvoidlamp status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor lamp intensity and color temperature, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect lamp degradation and color temperature drift in real-time, allowing for automatic adjustment or user alerts, thereby preventing diagnostic errors caused by inaccurate lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical intensity control with an electronic control system that uses sensors and processors. This substitution enables digital monitoring and control of lamp parameters, providing precise intensity adjustment and comprehensive lamp status detection that mechanical systems cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If lamps operate at full power throughout their lifespan, then illumination intensity is maintained initially, but color temperature drifts causing inaccurate tissue color representation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial light outputVSAvoidcolor temperature consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of lamp operation by continuously adjusting intensity based on real-time sensor feedback. As the lamp ages and color temperature drifts, the system dynamically modifies operating parameters to maintain consistent color temperature and accurate tissue color representation throughout the lamp's lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters (intensity, power delivery) based on lamp age and measured color temperature. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system compensates for lamp degradation and maintains consistent lighting conditions, preventing color temperature drift from affecting diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Ensures consistent light output, prevents incorrect diagnoses by maintaining optimal intensity and color temperature, and alerts users to replace the light source when necessary, reducing the risk of infrared damage.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor is mounted to the attenuator for measuring the first intensity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the sensor includes a photovoltaic cell that allowing the sensor to be powered by the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10345571B2Intelligent light source

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 KARL STORZ ENDOVISION INC

AI summary

An intelligent endoscopic light source system for controlling the intensity of a light source, including a light source emitting light at a first intensity, an attenuator positioned to receive light from the light source at a first intensity and movable to pass light from the light source at a second intensity, a sensor mounted to the attenuator for measuring the first intensity, and a controller for receiving the intensity measurement from the sensor and moving the attenuator to pass light at a desired second intensity.