Micro-LED Endoscope Illumination for Machine Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic illumination technologies, such as miniature light bulbs and fiber-optically introduced cold light illumination, are inadequate for automated inspection systems due to size constraints, thermal radiation issues, and high costs, failing to provide optimal image quality for machine vision applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and cost-effective illumination device using a multiplicity of micro-LEDs with a maximum lateral extent of less than 500 microns, arranged in arrays or lines, which can be curved or flat, and attached to a lighting support at the distal end of an endoscope, allowing for adjustable illumination patterns and improved image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If miniature light bulbs are attached to the distal end of the endoscope, then illumination is provided, but the device size becomes too large for very small, thin endoscopes and thermal radiation causes excessive heat input
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple individual LED components arranged in an array on the distal end of the endoscope. Each LED is a separate, miniaturized light source that can be independently positioned, allowing the overall illumination system to be compact while providing sufficient light output through the combined effect of multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional incandescent light bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology. This substitution eliminates the thermal radiation problems associated with incandescent lamps while maintaining effective illumination. LEDs provide the necessary light output without generating excessive heat that would constrain the endoscope design.
2Temperature
If fiber-optically introduced cold light illumination is used, then thermal radiation is minimized, but the lighting arrangement is structurally fixed and requires powerful, expensive cold light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from the external position and relocates it directly to the distal end of the endoscope. By integrating miniaturized LEDs into the distal end, the system eliminates the need for external cold light sources and complex fiber optic transmission systems, simplifying the overall lighting arrangement while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is made self-contained by integrating the LED light sources directly into the distal end of the endoscope. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external light sources and complex transmission systems, allowing the endoscope to provide its own illumination without requiring powerful, expensive external equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dark field illumination with fiber optic light bundle is used, then glare is avoided for human viewing, but lighting parameters cannot be adjusted for automated image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the LED array, allowing individual LEDs or groups of LEDs to be independently controlled. This dynamic capability enables the system to adjust lighting parameters such as intensity, duration, and spatial distribution to match different inspection requirements and image processing algorithms, transforming a static illumination system into an adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling independent control of individual LEDs or regions within the LED array. Different areas can be illuminated with different characteristics, allowing optimization for specific inspection tasks. This local control provides the versatility needed for automated image processing while maintaining the ability to avoid glare where necessary.
4Measurement precision
If bright field illumination is achieved by inserting light source into the bore, then image quality improves for automated inspection, but the illumination has wide beam aimed at optics and cannot detect bottom of blind bores
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling independent control of individual LEDs or groups of LEDs within the array. Different regions can be activated based on the inspection requirements - some LEDs provide broad illumination for general visibility while others provide focused illumination for detecting specific features or blind areas, optimizing both image quality and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the LED array, allowing the illumination pattern to be adjusted in real-time based on the inspection task. The system can switch between wide-beam and focused illumination modes, and can selectively activate different regions of the LED array to illuminate blind areas or focus on specific features, thereby improving both image quality and detection capability.
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
The use of micro-LEDs enables high-quality, uniform illumination in tight spaces, overcoming size and thermal limitations, and allows for optimized image acquisition in automated endoscopic inspections, enhancing the detection capabilities of machine vision systems.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible and cost-effective illumination device using a multiplicity of micro-LEDs with a maximum lateral extent of less than 500 microns
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1(b)~1(d)
Figure 2
AI summary
The illumination device has an illumination carrier (60), which is attached to the distal end (20) of an endoscope (10) and a number of micro-light emitting diodes (LEDs) (30), each of which has main surface from which the radiation takes place. The main surface has a maximum lateral expansion of 500 micrometers. The micro-LEDs are arranged at the illumination carrier such that a proximity of distal end of the endoscope is illuminated in sections by electrical excitation. An independent claim is also included for a method for the operation of an illumination device for an image recording device at distal end of an endoscope.