Rotational Filter Light Source for Endoscope Imaging Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope systems face challenges in achieving high-quality images during special light imaging modalities like narrow band imaging and auto fluorescence imaging due to limitations in light transmission and image brightness, particularly with narrow band blue light, which results in darker images and potential image quality deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system incorporates a light source apparatus with a rotational filter unit and band selection filter section that allows for the sequential and controlled placement of filters in the light path, enabling the use of complementary color filters to enhance light transmission and brightness, particularly by combining blue and red light for narrow band imaging, and using excitation light filters for auto fluorescence imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single filter is used in the light path for normal light imaging, then the structure is simple, but the image brightness and quality deteriorate during special light imaging modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotational filter unit that can dynamically change filter configurations in the light path. The unit includes a first rotational filter section with multiple filters (blue, green, red, yellow) and a second rotational filter section with complementary color filters. By rotating these sections, the system can switch between different filter combinations optimized for normal light imaging versus special light imaging modalities, thereby adapting the optical characteristics to match the imaging requirements without increasing permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is divided into multiple independent filter sections (first rotational filter section and second rotational filter section) that can be independently controlled. Each section contains specific filters suited for particular imaging modes. This segmentation allows the system to select optimal filters for each imaging modality separately, improving image brightness and quality for special light imaging while maintaining simplicity for normal light imaging through selective filter placement
2Measurement precision
If narrow band blue light is used for narrow band imaging, then the contrast of blood vessels is improved, but the image brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filters (blue filter and red filter in the first rotational filter section, plus complementary color filters in the second rotational filter section) to create a composite filter system. When configured for narrow band imaging, the system merges the transmission characteristics of these filters to allow narrow band blue light for high contrast blood vessel visualization while simultaneously permitting red light and complementary colors to maintain overall image brightness, thus resolving the contradiction between contrast enhancement and brightness maintenance
3Measurement precision
If multiple filters are placed in the light path for special light imaging, then the image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational filter unit is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both normal light imaging and special light imaging requirements. The first rotational filter section contains filters for general illumination, while the second rotational filter section provides specialized complementary color filters for narrow band and auto fluorescence imaging. This universal design allows a single device to handle multiple imaging modalities with high image quality without requiring separate filter systems for each mode, thereby managing device complexity through integrated multi-functionality
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 results in brighter and higher-quality images for both normal and special light imaging modalities, improving image contrast and reducing noise, while maintaining image quality across varying distances and observation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotational filter section that can place a first filter that passes light of a first wavelength band, a second filter that passes light of a second wavelength band having a longer wavelength than the first wavelength band or a third filter that passes light of a third wavelength band having a longer wavelength than the second wavelength band and light of the first wavelength band in a light path
Implementation Method 2
a band selection filter section that can place a band limiting filter that limits light of the first wavelength band and light of the second wavelength band to a narrow band and intercepts light of the third wavelength band in the light path
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus includes a first rotational filter section that can place a blue filter, a green filter and a magenta filter in a light path, a second rotational filter section that can place a yellow filter in the light path and a band selection filter section that can place an NBI filter that limits blue and green light to a narrow band, wherein the first and the second rotational filter sections are controllable so that in the case of normal light imaging, the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the magenta filter is placed in the light path and in the case of narrow band imaging, the NBI filter is placed in the light path LP and the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the green filter is placed in the light path.