Scanning Endoscope Resonance Frequency Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning endoscopes face challenges in maintaining a consistent scanning locus and image quality due to changes in the resonance frequency of the optical fiber, which can occur due to factors like temperature changes, aging, or external pressure, leading to displacement of sampling points and frame rate inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A scanning endoscope system that includes an optical fiber scanner, a controller, and a resonance-frequency detector, where the driving frequency and modulation frequency are adjusted at the same rate as the change in the resonance frequency of the optical fiber, along with adjusting the sampling rate and waiting time to maintain a constant scanning locus and frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical fiber is vibrated at a fixed driving frequency to maintain stable scanning, then the scanning locus remains consistent, but the resonance frequency of the optical fiber changes due to temperature, aging, or external pressure, causing displacement of sampling points and frame rate inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the resonance frequency of the optical fiber is continuously monitored, and the driving frequency is automatically adjusted based on the detected resonance frequency changes. This closed-loop control ensures that the scanning endoscope adapts to changes in optical fiber characteristics while maintaining consistent scanning locus and frame rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static fixed-frequency driving approach to a dynamic frequency adjustment approach. The driving frequency is no longer fixed but is dynamically adapted to match the changing resonance frequency of the optical fiber, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If the driving frequency is adjusted to match changes in resonance frequency, then the scanning locus consistency is maintained, but additional control mechanisms and frequency detection are required, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the control unit: it serves as both the resonance frequency detector and the driving frequency controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to adapt to resonance frequency changes.
3Reliability
If the modulation frequency is adjusted proportionally with the driving frequency, then the frame rate remains constant despite resonance frequency changes, but the control system must maintain proportional relationships between frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters (driving frequency and modulation frequency) in proportion to each other to maintain the scanning locus and frame rate consistency. When the driving frequency is adjusted to match resonance frequency changes, the modulation frequency is simultaneously adjusted by the same proportion, ensuring that the temporal characteristics of the scanning system remain consistent.
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 approach ensures that the scanning locus and image quality remain consistent even with changes in the optical fiber characteristics, preventing the need for re-checking scanning positions or adjusting sampling points, and maintains a stable frame rate, thus ensuring sharp images and consistent moving-image performance.
Implementation Method 1
vibrating the radiation end part of an optical fiber at a driving frequency set according to the frequency characteristics of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a resonance-frequency detector that detects the resonance frequency of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning endoscope including an optical fiber scanner that vibrates a distal end of the optical fiber that guides illumination light and emits the illumination light from the distal end thereof, a controller that conducts control for vibrating the optical fiber at a certain driving frequency set according to a resonance frequency of the optical fiber and for controlling amplitude of the vibration so as to be changed at a certain modulation frequency, and a movement detector that detects the resonance frequency of the optical fiber, wherein the controller changes the driving frequency and the modulation frequency at the same rate as the rate of change of the resonance frequency when the resonance frequency of the optical fiber detected by the movement detector changes.