Light Source Apparatus Dichroic Mirror Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light source apparatuses for endoscopic observations lack the ability to seamlessly switch between white light and special light modes, resulting in limited visibility enhancements for specific tissue structures within body cavies.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus comprising a first and second light source emitting white light across specific wavelength bands and a dichroic mirror that selectively transmits and reflects these bands to generate mixed illumination light for white light observation, and narrower band light for improved tissue visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source apparatus uses separate light sources for white light and special light observations, then the visibility of specific tissue structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines white light and special light observations into a single illumination optical path using a beam splitter. The beam splitter directs both types of light through the same optical path to the objective lens, allowing dual observation modes without requiring separate complete optical paths, thus improving tissue structure visibility while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination light into different wavelength components using a dichroic mirror. The dichroic mirror reflects specific wavelength bands for special light observation while transmitting other wavelengths for white light observation, enabling selective tissue structure enhancement without requiring entirely separate light sources and optical paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the light source apparatus includes multiple light sources and optical components for mode switching, then the adaptability for different observation modes is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical path that handles both white light and special light observations through a single illumination system. The beam splitter and dichroic mirror configuration allows the same optical path to serve multiple observation modes, improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through a unified control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary component that manages the switching between white light and special light modes. By using the beam splitter to direct different wavelength components through appropriate optical paths, the system achieves multi-mode adaptability while the control unit simplifies operation by automatically managing the complex switching logic based on selected observation modes.
3Productivity
If the system uses a beam splitter and dichroic mirror for light path management, then the productivity of observation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination optical path for both white light and special light observations through a single path after the beam splitter. This consolidation allows simultaneous or rapid switching between observation modes using the same objective lens and imaging path, improving observation productivity while the beam splitter and dichroic mirror manage the necessary optical complexity efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic light path routing using the beam splitter and dichroic mirror configuration. The system can dynamically switch between white light and special light modes by controlling which light paths are active, enabling efficient multi-mode observation. The control unit dynamically adjusts the illumination based on the selected mode, improving productivity while the optical components handle the path management.
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 efficient switching between white light and special light modes, enhancing visibility of tissue structures by providing tailored illumination for improved diagnostic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic mirror configured to selectively transmit light in the predetermined wavelength band from one light of the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band, selectively reflect light in a third wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus, capable of supplying white light including a predetermined wavelength band and a special light, which is light including the predetermined wavelength band and narrower in a band than the white light, includes: a first light source configured to emit light in a first wavelength band including the predetermined wavelength band, a second light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength band including the predetermined wavelength band, and a dichroic mirror configured to selectively transmit light in the predetermined wavelength band from one light of the lights in the first and second wavelength bands, selectively reflect light in a third wavelength band other than the predetermined wavelength band from the other light of the lights in the first and second wavelength bands, and mix and emit the light in the predetermined wavelength band and the light in the third wavelength band.