Modular Light Source Apparatus for Endoscope Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light source apparatuses for observation instruments, such as endoscopes, face challenges in efficiently combining and optimizing light from semiconductor sources to achieve desired wavelength characteristics and luminous intensity distributions for improved viewability, particularly in generating observation light for various purposes.
Innovation Solution
A modular light source apparatus with detachable light source modules, each containing semiconductor light sources and storage for characteristic information, which can be optically and electrically connected to a main unit for combining light and deriving exit light characteristics, allowing for automatic determination of achievable observation light and preventing combination errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple semiconductor light sources with different wavelength characteristics are combined to generate observation light for various purposes, then the versatility and functionality of the light source apparatus is improved, but the risk of combination errors and safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by deriving and storing characteristic information of achievable exit light in advance before actual light combination occurs. The exit light characteristic deriving unit calculates expected wavelength distributions and luminous intensities based on stored light source characteristics, enabling pre-verification of combination correctness and preventing erroneous configurations before they cause safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by comparing derived exit light characteristics with expected or safe parameter ranges. When combination errors are detected through characteristic derivation, the system can provide feedback to alert operators or automatically adjust configurations, ensuring safety while maintaining versatility in generating different observation light types.
2Ease of operation
If light source modules are made detachable and modular for easier configuration and replacement, then the ease of operation and adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source apparatus is divided into independent, detachable light source modules that can be individually configured and replaced. Each module contains specific semiconductor light sources with defined wavelength characteristics, allowing users to easily attach or detach modules based on observation requirements without dealing with complex integrated systems, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable light source modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that work across different module types. This universality allows the same main body unit to accommodate various light source modules with different wavelength characteristics, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the variety of available modules, and enabling easy reconfiguration for different observation purposes.
3Productivity
If characteristic information of light source modules is stored in storage mediums for automatic derivation, then the productivity and automation level is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Characteristic information of light source modules is stored in advance in storage mediums associated with each module or the main body unit. This preliminary storage of wavelength characteristics, luminous intensity data, and module identification information enables rapid automatic derivation of exit light characteristics without requiring real-time measurement or complex calculations during operation, thus improving productivity while keeping the processing system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source modules are equipped with storage mediums that automatically provide their own characteristic information when attached to the main body unit. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external databases or manual input of light source parameters, as each module independently contributes its characteristic data to the system, enabling automatic derivation of exit light characteristics without adding significant complexity to the overall system architecture.
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 flexible and safe use of light source modules for multiple observation purposes, preventing unintended light exit and ensuring optimal light combination for intended observation light types, while allowing for user control and error detection.
Implementation Method 1
a light combining unit to combine light entering the entrance parts
Implementation Method 2
Each light source module includes at least one light source
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes a main unit, light source modules attachable to and detachable from the main unit, and storage mediums storing characteristic information of the light source modules. Each light source module includes at least one light source and a light connection part to be optically connected to the main unit. The main unit includes entrance parts to be optically connected to the light connection parts of the connected light source modules, a light combining unit to combine light entering the entrance parts, at least one exit part to cause light combined by the light combining unit to exit, and an exit light characteristic deriving unit to derive characteristic information of achievable exit light based on characteristic information of the light source modules stored in the storage mediums.