Scanning Endoscope External Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning endoscopes cannot visually recognize the location of external factor light, such as light emitted by treatment instruments, due to their configuration that assumes all detected light is return light from the subject, making it impossible to distinguish and image external light sources within the light receiving range.
Innovation Solution
A scanning endoscope apparatus with a light source, a light conducting section, a first light detection section that detects light with the same directivity as the light conducting section, a second light detection section that detects light with broader directivity, and an image processing section that combines detection results to determine the direction of detected light and generate an image, allowing visualization of external factor light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single light detection section with broad directivity is used to receive all light from the scanning range, then the light receiving capability is improved, but the ability to distinguish external factor light from return light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light detection section is divided into two separate detection sections: a first light detection section with narrow directivity aligned with the light conducting section, and a second light detection section with broad directivity. This segmentation allows the system to separately detect return light (through the first section) and external factor light (through the second section), thereby preserving direction information while maintaining comprehensive light receiving capability.
2Device complexity
If the configuration assumes all detected light is return light from the subject, then the image configuration process is simplified, but the ability to visualize external light sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two parallel channels that process different types of light separately. The first detection section processes return light for normal imaging, while the second detection section processes external factor light. This segmentation maintains relatively simple image configuration processes for each channel while significantly improving image accuracy by correctly identifying and visualizing external light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A light separation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the broad directivity light receiving section and the image processing system. This intermediary separates external factor light from return light based on their different directional characteristics, allowing each type of light to be processed appropriately and improving overall image accuracy without excessive complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a light detection section with narrow directivity aligned with the light conducting section is used, then the ability to detect return light is improved, but the light receiving range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light detection function is segmented into two specialized detection sections: the first detection section uses narrow directivity to precisely detect return light from the irradiation direction, while the second detection section uses broad directivity to receive light from all directions within the scanning range. This segmentation simultaneously achieves high return light detection precision and comprehensive light receiving range.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual detection section configuration provides multi-functionality: the first detection section specializes in return light detection for normal imaging, while the second detection section handles external factor light detection. Together, they create a universal light detection system that can handle both narrow-angle return light and broad-angle external light, achieving both precision and range.
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 the visualization of external factor light sources within the subject image, allowing for the identification of light emission regions from treatment instruments, improving image recognition and processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light conducting section that conducts the illumination light and irradiates the illumination light from a distal end to a subject with directivity
Implementation Method 2
a first light detection section that detects light with the same directivity as the distal end of the light conducting section
Implementation Method 3
a second light detection section that detects light from a scanning range of the distal end of the light conducting section by the scanning section with directivity which is broader than directivity of the first light detection section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A scanning endoscope apparatus (1) includes a light source section (2) that emits illumination light, an optical fiber (3) that irradiates the illumination light from a distal end to a subject with directivity, a drive element (7) and a scanning drive section (8) that perform scanning by the distal end of the optical fiber (3), a first light detection section (11) that detects light with the same directivity as the distal end of the optical fiber (3), a second light detection section (12) that detects light from an entire scanning range of the distal end of the optical fiber (3), and an image processing section (15) that adds a detection result by the first light detection section (11) and a detection result by the second light detection section (12), and calculates from which direction the addition result indicates the result of detection of the light based on information on the direction of the distal end of the optical fiber (3) from the scanning drive section (8) and configures an image.