Integrated LED Light Source for Fluorescent-Marker Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems do not provide specific wavelengths of light or excitation of fluorescent markers at surgical sites, often using incandescent light and multiple components, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single light source capable of providing white, ultraviolet, and infrared light, with movable filters to enable various illumination modes, and modular light engines for additional flexibility, allowing for efficient excitation and imaging of fluorescent markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and multiple components are used to provide excitation light for fluorescent markers, then the ability to excite fluorescent markers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (white light source and ultraviolet light source) into a single integrated light source assembly. The white light source includes multiple LEDs emitting at different wavelengths (blue, green, red) that can be selectively activated, while the ultraviolet LED provides excitation for fluorescent markers. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the ability to provide both white light illumination and fluorescent excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can provide white light for standard endoscopic imaging, ultraviolet light for fluorescent marker excitation, and selective wavelength combinations for different imaging modalities. The control system enables the light source to switch between different operating modes, making a single device capable of replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If incandescent light is used to provide excitation light, then the ability to excite fluorescent markers is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the incandescent light source (which relies on thermal radiation from a heated filament) with LED-based light sources. The ultraviolet LED directly converts electrical energy to ultraviolet photons through electroluminescence, eliminating the need for thermal heating. This substitution dramatically improves energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient ultraviolet intensity for fluorescent marker excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the light source by using LEDs with specific wavelength emissions tailored for fluorescent excitation. The ultraviolet LED emits at wavelengths optimized for exciting common fluorescent markers, providing higher energy efficiency and more targeted spectral output compared to the broad spectrum of incandescent light. The white light LEDs also operate at higher efficiency with less heat generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide different wavelengths, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED chips emitting at different wavelengths (blue, green, red) into a single white light LED module, along with a separate ultraviolet LED. This consolidated approach provides broad spectral coverage (ultraviolet through visible range) while maintaining a compact, integrated light source assembly rather than requiring multiple separate light source devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow selective activation of different LED elements based on the required imaging mode. The control system can dynamically switch between ultraviolet emission for fluorescent excitation, white light emission for standard imaging, or selective wavelength combinations, providing adaptable spectral coverage without requiring physical reconfiguration of multiple light sources.
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 precise illumination and imaging of surgical sites using fluorescent markers, enhancing surgical visibility and efficiency by providing multiple light spectra and modes, while reducing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A single light source capable of providing white, ultraviolet, and infrared light, with movable filters to enable various illumination modes, and modular light engines for additional flexibility, allowing for efficient excitation and imaging of fluorescent markers
Implementation Method 2
The embodiment includes one or more movable light filters to provide a variety of illumination modes
Implementation Method 3
A single light source capable of providing white, ultraviolet, and infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source includes a first LED to provide light of a first light wavelength spectrum along a first light path; a second LED to provide light of a second light wavelength spectrum along a second light path; a dichroic filter for passing light emitted from at least one of the first LED and the second LED and reflecting light emitted from at least one of the first LED and the second LED; an optical filter movable between a first position in which the optical filter receives light from the first light path and a second position of which the optical filter does not receive light from the first light path; a light output; a controller which is capable of switching the light source between a first mode for providing a first light to the light output and a second mode for providing a second light to the light output.