Multi-Wavelength Laser Illumination for Endoscopic Image Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as endoscopes, require broad spectrum illumination for high-quality image reproduction but face challenges in achieving high color rendering properties and efficient light delivery through narrow-diameter light guides, particularly when using gas or LED light sources.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus utilizing multiple lasers with different central wavelengths, controlled by a light source controller, to emit light that is combined and directed through optical fibers, allowing for wavelength-specific image acquisition and combination to form observation images in various modes, including normal, vascular depth, oxygen saturation, and microvascular modes, using a color imager and wavelength-specific image information processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas or LED light sources are used for broad spectrum illumination, then high image reproducibility is achieved, but light delivery efficiency through narrow-diameter light guides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The broad spectrum light source is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength components, each delivered through separate optical fibers. This segmentation allows each fiber to efficiently transmit specific wavelength ranges while collectively providing comprehensive spectral coverage for high-quality image reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of light source from conventional gas/LED broad spectrum sources to multiple laser sources with specific wavelengths. This parameter change enables optimized light delivery through narrow-diameter fibers while maintaining the spectral characteristics needed for high image reproducibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers with different wavelengths are used, then wavelength-specific image acquisition is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser sources serve multiple functions: each laser provides illumination for specific observation modes (normal, vascular depth, oxygen saturation, microvascular) and can be individually optimized for different tissue penetration depths and contrast mechanisms, enabling a single system to perform diverse diagnostic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-specific image information acquirers as intermediaries that process images from the imager and extract specific wavelength components. These intermediaries simplify the overall system by providing automated wavelength-specific processing rather than requiring complex manual filtering or switching mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated light sources are arranged for each observation mode, then image quality is improved, but the number of light sources and system volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple laser sources are merged into a single illumination system where their outputs are combined and delivered through a unified optical fiber bundle. This merging maintains the spectral advantages of multiple dedicated sources while consolidating the physical footprint into a compact configuration suitable for endoscopic applications.
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 solution enables high image reproducibility and efficient light delivery into narrow-diameter guides, reducing the number of lasers needed, lowering costs and volume, while enhancing frame rate and moving image performance by accurately acquiring laser wavelength-specific image information.
Implementation Method 1
lasers to respectively emit lights having central wavelengths different from each other that are applied to a subject
Implementation Method 2
an imager to output an image signal upon receiving light from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes lasers to respectively emit lights having central wavelengths different from each other, an imager to output an image signal upon receiving light from a subject, a laser wavelength-specific image information acquirer to acquire, from the image signal output from the imager, pieces of laser wavelength-specific image information, and an image former to combine the pieces of laser wavelength-specific image information supplied from the laser wavelength-specific image information acquirer, so as to form an observation image in each mode included in the observation modes.