Optical Scanning Probe with Dynamic Light Emission Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical probes require multiple optical detectors to capture images using pulse lights of different wavelengths, which increases complexity and costs, and existing techniques for reducing detector numbers either require complex timing control or sequential laser switching, which may not optimize image quality.
Innovation Solution
An optical scanning observation apparatus with a light source emitting multiple colors, a light emission timing controller that adjusts the ratio of light emissions based on image quality contributions, an oscillatable fiber tip, and an actuator for two-dimensional scanning, along with an object color detector to optimize light emission ratios for improved image quality and reduced current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical detectors are used to capture images using pulse lights of different wavelengths, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection functions into a single optical detector by using sequential illumination with different wavelengths and temporal separation of detection signals. The single detector captures reflected light from multiple wavelengths at different time points, merging the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple simultaneous detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic illumination with different wavelengths in sequence, where the light source emits pulse lights of different wavelengths alternately and the optical detector captures reflected light during specific time windows. This periodic action allows a single detector to collect information across multiple wavelengths without requiring simultaneous multi-wavelength detection capability.
2Device complexity
If sequential laser switching is used to reduce detector numbers, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality may not be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a control unit that manages the sequential operation of the light source and optical detector, with timing control that coordinates illumination and detection phases. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single optical detector captures reflected light at the appropriate times for each wavelength, maintaining image quality while using fewer detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the illumination and detection timing based on the sequential wavelength switching. The light source and optical detector operate in coordinated time-varying modes, with the detector actively capturing signals only during specific time windows when reflected light from the current wavelength is expected, optimizing performance for each wavelength sequentially.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all colors are emitted with equal frequency, then color balance is maintained, but current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source controller dynamically changes the emission parameters of different wavelengths, adjusting the frequency and duration of pulse light emission for each color based on image quality requirements. Instead of equal-frequency emission, the system varies emission parameters to prioritize wavelengths that contribute more to diagnostic image quality, reducing overall current consumption while maintaining necessary color information.
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 apparatus reduces current consumption while maintaining or improving image resolution by dynamically adjusting light emission ratios based on the contribution of each color to image brightness, thereby enhancing user convenience and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber guiding the illumination light from the light source and emitting the illumination light from a tip part of the fiber
Implementation Method 2
an actuator vibratory driving the tip part of the fiber
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector detecting detection light obtained from the object via the irradiating of the illumination light and converting the detection light obtained from the object into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical scanning observation apparatus includes: a light source selectively emitting a plurality of illumination lights of different colors; a light emission timing controller controlling light emission timing, based on a predetermined ratio of number of light emissions of each color of the illumination light emitted from the light source; a fiber guiding the illumination light from the light source; an actuator vibratory driving the tip part of the fiber; an optical system for irradiating the illumination light emitted from the fiber; an optical detector; and a signal processor.