Autonomous Endoscope Control via Magnetic Sensing and Path Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgeries, such as kidney stone removal, face challenges with radiation exposure for doctors and patients, operator fatigue, and precision issues due to limited endoscope flexibility and communication difficulties during complex procedures.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous endoscopic system that includes a control unit managing an endoscope operating device within a protective sheath, using sensors and driving records to autonomously navigate and perform repetitive tasks, reducing operator fatigue and improving precision by automatically returning to previous positions and optimizing movement paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual endoscope operation is used, then operator control and adaptability are maintained, but operator fatigue increases and precision decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous endoscope operation where the endoscope navigates and performs tasks automatically based on pre-planned paths and real-time sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous manual control and reducing operator fatigue while maintaining surgical precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to navigate the endoscope, substituting human physical operation with an automated mechanical-electronic system that does not experience fatigue
2Measurement precision
If radiodiagnostic equipment is continuously used to check endoscope position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces magnetic sensors as an intermediary measurement method that indirectly tracks endoscope position through magnetic field interactions, providing positioning data without requiring continuous radiodiagnostic imaging and thus reducing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes radiodiagnostic equipment with a magnetic sensing system that uses magnetic fields instead of ionizing radiation to track and measure endoscope position, eliminating the harmful radiation effect while maintaining positioning capability
3Ease of operation
If a slender endoscope with limited bending freedom is used, then insertion ease is improved, but surgical adaptability and precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the endoscope's bending configuration during navigation and surgical operations, allowing the slender endoscope to adapt its shape as needed while maintaining ease of insertion, with the control system compensating for limited mechanical freedom through coordinated actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the endoscope by using controlled magnetic or electric fields to adjust bending angles and positions dynamically, transforming a statically limited structure into a dynamically adaptable tool that maintains both insertion ease and surgical versatility
4Productivity
If manual navigation without path memory is used, then real-time operator judgment is maintained, but navigation efficiency and repeatability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary path planning and stores navigation routes in advance, allowing the endoscope to automatically navigate along pre-determined efficient paths, improving navigation efficiency while the control system manages the complexity of path storage and execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of navigation paths and operational sequences, storing them in memory for repeated use, which improves efficiency by eliminating redundant manual navigation while the digital copying mechanism manages the complexity of path representation and retrieval
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
Significantly reduces operator fatigue and surgery time, allowing for more precise and efficient kidney stone removal by autonomously navigating the endoscope based on previous records, potentially reducing patient anesthesia time and improving surgical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor positioned at a distal end of the protective sheath to sense a relative position between the endoscope and the protective sheath
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous endoscopic system capable of controlling movement of an endoscope inserted into a protective sheath installed in the body of a patient includes: an endoscope operating device capable of operating a relative position of the endoscope with respect to the protective sheath, a rolling angle of the endoscope, and a bending angle of a bending portion which is located at the end of the endoscope and is bendable; and a control unit for controlling the endoscope operating device, wherein the control unit controls the endoscope operating device on the basis of a driving record of the endoscope.