Medical Light Guide Cable With Wavelength-Based Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Due to differences in application, the characteristics of illumination light change when a light source device is connected to an endoscope versus a medical illumination device, leading to potential erroneous transmission of selected illumination light.
Innovation Solution
A medical observation system with a light guide cable that includes separate paths for illumination light and connection detection light, utilizing a reflective member with a wavelength conversion member to determine the type of connected device based on the wavelength of return light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light source device is made connectable to both endoscope and medical illumination device, then the versatility is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to erroneous light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connection detection by emitting connection detection light through the light guide cable before actual illumination operation. The control unit determines the connected device type based on the wavelength of return light detected by the wavelength detection unit, and only then enables illumination light emission. This preliminary detection action prevents erroneous light transmission by ensuring the correct device is identified before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where connection detection light is emitted, return light is detected by the wavelength detection unit, and the control unit uses this feedback information to determine the connected device type. Based on this feedback, the control unit selectively emits illumination light only to the appropriate device, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining versatility across different device types.
2Device complexity
If connection detection light is transmitted through the same light guide cable as illumination light, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to wavelength interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide cable is segmented into functionally distinct paths: a connection detection transmission path for emitting and receiving connection detection light, and an illumination light transmission path for transmitting illumination light. This segmentation allows the wavelength detection unit to accurately measure the wavelength of return light from connection detection without interference from illumination light, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through functional separation rather than complete physical isolation.
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 adaptive provision of light characteristics matching the connected device, ensuring accurate determination and connection of the appropriate device, thereby preventing erroneous light transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A reflective member including a wavelength conversion member may be provided at a connection portion of the device with the light guide cable or the light guide cable, and the wavelength conversion member may convert a wavelength of the connection detection light and reflect the connection detection light.
Implementation Method 2
a light guide cable that guides illumination light to a device
Implementation Method 3
a light source that emits the illumination light and connection detection light toward the light guide cable
Data Source
AI summary
A technique advantageous for adaptively providing light having characteristics corresponding to each of a plurality of types of devices (including an endoscope) connectable to a light source device to a medical device connected to the light source device.A medical observation system includes: a light guide cable that guides illumination light to a device; a light source that emits the illumination light and connection detection light toward the light guide cable; and a light detection unit that detects a wavelength of return light of the connection detection light; and a connection determination unit that determines at least one of presence or absence of connection between the light guide cable and the device and presence or absence of connection between the light guide cable and the light source on the basis of the wavelength of return light of the connection detection light.