Light Source Apparatus Optical Sensor Shielding Indirect Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses for endoscopes face challenges in accurately detecting light emission intensity while preventing indirect light from interfering with the detection process, leading to potential inaccuracies in light quantity adjustment and stability under environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a light source with a first and second optical portion, a detection portion, a shielding part to block indirect light, and a transmission part to allow direct light to be detected, ensuring accurate light intensity measurement by isolating indirect light and heat management through a heat transfer portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection portion is positioned to receive light from the light source, then light intensity detection is enabled, but indirect light from reflection or scattering interferes with detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding part is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and detection portion. This shielding structure blocks indirect light paths (reflected or scattered light) while allowing direct light to reach the detector, thereby eliminating interference without compromising detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The optical space is segmented into direct light paths and indirect light paths. The shielding part creates distinct zones: one allowing direct light transmission to the detection portion, and another blocking reflected/scattered light, enabling selective detection of only direct light
2Measurement precision
If the detection portion is placed close to the light source for accurate detection, then detection sensitivity improves, but heat from the light source affects detection stability
Solution Approach 1:
The detection portion is extracted from the immediate vicinity of the light source and repositioned to receive only direct light at an optimized distance. This spatial extraction allows the detector to maintain sensitivity while being removed from the harsh thermal environment of the light source
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding part acts as a thermal mediator, blocking not only indirect light but also thermal radiation from reaching the detection portion. This protects the detector from heat-related drift while maintaining optical detection capability
3Measurement precision
If a shielding part is added to block indirect light, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding part is designed with local quality optimization: it provides complete blocking in directions where indirect light arrives (reflected/scattered paths), while maintaining transparency or openness in directions where direct light travels. This selective shielding achieves high detection accuracy without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure is designed to work dynamically with the optical geometry of the system, adapting to the specific angles of direct and indirect light paths. This allows effective interference rejection with minimal material and structural complexity
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 configuration enables stable and accurate detection of light intensity, preventing interference from indirect light and heat-related inaccuracies, allowing for precise adjustment and maintenance of light emission, even under environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
indirect light that is generated by reflection or scattering of the light emitted by the first light source
Implementation Method 2
indirect light that is generated by reflection or scattering of the light emitted by the first light source
Implementation Method 3
configured to allow transmission of the light
Implementation Method 4
a heat transfer portion that is configured to transfer heat of the detection portion
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor that detects intensity of light is disposed, inside an optical case, at a position that allows the optical sensor to receive light other than light received by a lens system, out of light emitted by an LED. The optical sensor is housed in a dedicated photometric case. The photometric case is provided with a light guide portion that includes a transmission part and a shielding part. The transmission part is disposed in an optical path of light that directly travels from the LED to the optical sensor and allows transmission of the light. The shielding part blocks indirect light that is reflected or scattered inside the optical case, from entering the optical sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect only the light in the direct optical path from the LED.