Wireless Imaging System with Integrated Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic surgical equipment is hindered by power-intensive light sources that generate excessive heat, leading to safety issues and requires cumbersome cables, which complicate setup and use, reducing usability and flexibility during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless medical imaging system with an integrated light source that includes an emissive radiation source, optical element, volumetric spectrum converter, optical reflector, and output filter, eliminating the need for external cables by providing efficient, low-heat illumination and enabling wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If power-intensive light sources are used to provide sufficient illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light source by using a blue LED (430-470nm) combined with a yellow phosphor converter to generate a broad-spectrum white light output. This parameter change in the light generation mechanism achieves high illumination intensity while maintaining low power consumption and minimal heat generation compared to traditional xenon or halogen sources.
2Reliability
If traditional cable-based systems are used to transmit power and data, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to cumbersome setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the physical cable connections from the system by implementing wireless power transmission and wireless data communication. The head unit communicates wirelessly with the light source unit and displays, removing the need for complex cable management while maintaining system reliability through wireless protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver in the head unit performs multiple functions including wireless data transmission, wireless power reception, and system control communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate cables for data, power, and control signals into a single wireless interface, reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transceiver and battery are integrated in the head unit, then ease of operation is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional units: a lightweight head unit containing only the image sensor and wireless transceiver, and a separate battery unit that provides power. This segmentation places the battery weight outside the head unit, reducing the weight of the moving head unit while maintaining ease of operation through wireless connectivity between components.
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 system offers improved energy efficiency, reduced heat generation, increased flexibility, and enhanced safety by eliminating cable-related hazards, allowing for more efficient and safer surgical procedures with reduced setup times and improved patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a volumetric spectrum converter, the converter being located to convert emissions directed from the emissive radiation source to emissions having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum
Implementation Method 2
an optical reflector located about the converter; and an output filter, the reflector being located to reflect the converter emissions towards the output filter
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless imaging system comprising a head unit and a light cable is provided. The head unit comprises a head unit case, a head unit electrical connector, an image sensor, a wireless transceiver, a central processing unit, and a user-input component. The light cable comprises a light cable electrical connector, a power cable, and an integrated light source. The integrated light source comprises an emissive radiation source having a first spectrum, an optical element located to direct emissions from the emissive radiation source, a volumetric spectrum converter, and an optical reflector located about the converter. The converter converts emissions directed from the emissive radiation source to emissions having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum. The reflector reflects the converter emissions towards the output filter.