Endoscopic Light Switching Control for Dual White and Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes used in abdominal and craniotomy surgeries hinder operator operation due to perceptible light switching when alternating between white and infrared light emission.
Innovation Solution
A medical observation system that simultaneously performs normal and infrared observation by controlling light sources to emit white and infrared light in specific wavelength bands, superimposes infrared images on white-light images, and adjusts light emission to minimize perceptible differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If white light and infrared light are alternately emitted in chronological order, then both normal observation and infrared observation can be performed, but the operator perceives the switching of light which may hinder operation
Solution Approach 1:
The white light source continuously emits light throughout both normal observation and infrared observation modes, rather than being switched off during infrared mode. This continuous emission maintains visual continuity for the operator, eliminating perceptible light switching while enabling dual observation functionality through alternating wavelength bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the wavelength band parameter of the light source between modes: in normal observation mode it emits visible light (380-780nm), and in infrared observation mode it emits infrared light (780nm-1mm) while maintaining continuous emission. This parameter change enables dual observation capability without disrupting operator perception.
2Measurement precision
If the white light source is switched off during infrared observation, then infrared observation can be performed clearly, but the operator experiences perceptible light switching
Solution Approach 1:
The white light source maintains continuous emission during infrared observation mode, providing a background illumination that prevents perceptible light switching for the operator while allowing infrared light to be captured for clear infrared observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different wavelength bands for different observation purposes: visible light (380-780nm) for normal observation and infrared light (780nm-1mm) for infrared observation. By controlling the wavelength band rather than completely switching off the light source, the system achieves clear infrared observation while maintaining operator comfort.
3Device complexity
If the same light source is used for both normal and infrared observation, then device complexity is reduced, but the system must alternate between modes which may be perceptible
Solution Approach 1:
The white light source is designed to perform multiple functions: it emits visible light for normal observation and infrared light for infrared observation by controlling the wavelength band. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by using a single light source configuration while enabling dual observation modes through wavelength band control.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source operates by changing its emission wavelength band parameter rather than requiring separate light sources. In normal observation mode it emits visible light (380-780nm), and in infrared observation mode it emits infrared light (780nm-1mm). This parameter-based control achieves versatility with simplified device structure while maintaining continuous emission for operational smoothness.
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
Enables simultaneous normal and infrared observation without hindering operator operation by reducing perceptible light switching and adjusting light amounts.
Implementation Method 1
a white light source configured to emit white light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light source configured to emit infrared light
Implementation Method 3
an imaging unit configured to capture a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A medical observation system includes a white light source that emits white light, an infrared light source that emits infrared light, a light source controller that performs control to alternately repeat a first mode and a second mode in chronological order, in the first mode the white light source is caused to emit the white light, and in the second mode the infrared light source is caused to emit the infrared light and the white light source is caused to emit light with a wavelength from green to blue wavelength bands, and an imaging unit that captures a subject. Therefore, a medical observation system is provided that is configured to simultaneously perform normal observation and infrared observation without hindering the operation of an operator.