Endoscopic Speckle Reduction via Selective Mode Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic systems using coherent light face challenges in reducing speckle interference patterns, which degrade image quality in observation modes other than speckle observation, and existing solutions complicate the endoscope design with additional components.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic system with a speckle reduction unit that selectively reduces speckle in non-speckle observation modes by using a phase multiplexing unit or optical path length difference mechanism, controlled by a controller to manage illumination and image processing based on observation modes, allowing efficient switching between modes without increasing the endoscope's diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a speckle reduction unit is added to reduce speckle in non-speckle observation modes, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speckle reduction unit is designed to be selectively activated based on the observation mode. The controller determines whether to activate the speckle reduction unit based on whether speckle observation or non-speckle observation is being performed, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each observation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation by selectively activating or deactivating the speckle reduction unit based on the current observation mode. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different requirements (speckle analysis vs. general imaging) without permanent structural modifications, resolving the contradiction between image quality and device complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components are added for speckle reduction, then speckle interference is reduced, but the endoscope diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speckle reduction unit shares the same optical path and illumination system with the endoscope's imaging function. By making the speckle reduction capability multi-functional rather than adding dedicated separate components, the system reduces speckle interference without proportionally increasing the endoscope diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The speckle reduction functionality is merged into the existing endoscope structure, sharing components such as the illumination light source and optical path. This consolidation allows speckle reduction to be achieved without adding proportional bulk to the endoscope diameter
3Manufacturing precision
If the speckle reduction unit is always active, then image quality in non-speckle modes is improved, but speckle observation capability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically controls the activation state of the speckle reduction unit based on the current observation mode. In non-speckle observation modes, the unit is activated to improve image quality; in speckle observation mode, the unit is deactivated to preserve speckle patterns for analysis. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between improving image quality and maintaining speckle observation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or conditional activation of the speckle reduction unit based on the observation mode requirements. Rather than continuous operation, the unit is selectively activated only when non-speckle observation is needed, allowing both high-quality imaging and speckle analysis to function at appropriate times
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 reduces speckle in white-light and special-light observation modes, maintaining image quality while preventing speckle interference, and allows for efficient switching between observation modes without adding bulk to the endoscope, thus enhancing illumination performance and reducing the risk of image deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
speckle generated on the observed portion by the light that has the coherence
Implementation Method 2
phase multiplexing unit
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic system includes a speckle reduction unit which is reduce speckle generated on an observed portion by light that has coherence, a controller which controls an operation of the speckle reduction unit and a plurality of observation modes including a speckle observation mode of observing the observed portion based on the speckle generated on the observed portion by the light. The controller controls the operation of the speckle reduction unit in accordance with the observation modes such that the speckle reduction unit does not reduce the speckle in the speckle observation mode and the speckle reduction unit reduces the speckle in the observation modes other than the speckle observation mode.