Light Source Device Color Balance Control via Wavelength Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In endoscope systems, the indirect detection of light emitted from laser diodes (LD) by optical sensors leads to inaccurate color balance adjustments, resulting in lost color balance during multiplexing of light from LED and LD sources.

Innovation Solution

A light source device comprising a first light source emitting white light, a second light source emitting a specific wavelength band, a detector to measure the specific wavelength band, and a processor to control the light sources based on detection results, ensuring accurate color balance by multiplexing different wavelength bands and adjusting the light emission accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical sensor is provided in the vicinity of the LD element to detect light emitted from the LD, then the color balance can be adjusted by controlling the amount of emitted light from LED elements and LD element, but the LD is not capable of accurately detecting the amount of emitted light, resulting in loss of color balance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of light amountVSAvoidcolor balance accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wavelength selection optical member (dichroic mirror or interference filter) as an intermediary component that separates the specific wavelength band light from the first light source before it reaches the detector. This intermediary enables accurate detection of the LD's emitted light by isolating it from the LED's white light, allowing the detector to measure only the LD contribution to color balance adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the light detection function by separating the detection of specific wavelength band light (from LD) from the overall white light detection. The wavelength selection optical member divides the light path into separate channels: one for detecting LD-specific wavelength and another for multiplexing the full spectrum, enabling independent and accurate measurement of each light source's contribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If white light from LED elements and white light from LD element are multiplexed on the same light path, then the illumination system can provide comprehensive spectral coverage, but the color balance is lost due to inaccurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidcolor balance detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by spatially separating the detection path from the multiplexing path using a wavelength selection optical member. The detector receives only the specific wavelength band light through a separated optical path, while the main light path maintains multiplexed white light from both LED and LD sources, allowing accurate color balance detection without compromising spectral versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wavelength selection optical member acts as an intermediary that selectively extracts the LD-specific wavelength band from the multiplexed light for detection purposes, while allowing the full multiplexed spectrum to proceed to the subject. This mediator enables simultaneous achievement of comprehensive spectral coverage and precise color balance measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Maintains accurate color balance and brightness of white light by directly detecting and controlling the light emission from both LED and LD sources, preventing color balance loss during multiplexing.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical member configured to multiplex light of a wavelength band different from the specific wavelength band in the first light, and the second light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical multiplexing: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the first optical member configured to multiplex light of a wavelength band different from the specific wavelength band in the first light, and the second light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic reflection: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 3

a first detector configured to detect an amount of light of a specific wavelength band included in the first light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11534057B2Light source device, medical observation system, illumination method, and computer readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit first light including a white wavelength band or one or more wavelength bands of at least red, green, and blue; a second light source configured to emit second light including a specific wavelength band included in the first light; a first detector configured to detect an amount of the light of the specific wavelength band in the first light; a first optical member configured to multiplex light of a wavelength band different from the specific wavelength band in the first light, and the second light; and a processor configured to control the first light source based on a detection result of the first detector.