Capsule Endoscope System Wireless Initialization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems face inefficiencies in the initialization process when multiple receiving devices are used, particularly in associating image data with the correct capsule endoscope identification and subject information.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope system comprising a capsule endoscope that wirelessly transmits image data, a receiving device capable of recording and identifying the capsule endoscope, and a workstation that connects to the receiving device to perform initialization processes by matching image data with subject identification information, ensuring efficient data association across multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple receiving devices are used to receive and record image data from capsule endoscopes, then the system can handle more examinations simultaneously, but the initialization process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of examinations handled simultaneouslyVSAvoidinitialization process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering receiving devices with the workstation before actual examinations. The workstation stores reception capability information and device identification information in advance, so when a capsule endoscope is introduced, the system can quickly match and initialize without complex manual configuration. This pre-registration process resolves the contradiction by preparing the system beforehand to handle multiple devices efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving devices automatically perform self-identification and self-registration with the workstation. Each receiving device transmits its own reception capability information and identification information to the workstation, which automatically stores this information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual initialization configuration, allowing multiple devices to be managed without proportionally increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual initialization process is performed for each receiving device, then data association can be accurate, but the process requires significant time and operational effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata association accuracyVSAvoidinitialization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the workstation automatically transmits subject identification information to the receiving device based on capsule endoscope identification. The receiving device receives this feedback information and automatically associates it with the image data. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate data association while eliminating manual initialization time, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation acts as an intermediary that mediates between the capsule endoscope and the receiving device. It receives identification information from the capsule endoscope, matches it with pre-stored receiving device information, and automatically transmits appropriate subject identification information to the correct receiving device. This intermediary role ensures accurate data association without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing initialization time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic device selection is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the risk of selecting the wrong device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical device selection with automated electronic identification and matching. The workstation uses electronic comparison of identification information (capsule endoscope ID vs. pre-registered receiving device IDs) to automatically select the correct receiving device. This substitution of manual selection with electronic automated matching maintains high operational efficiency while ensuring reliable and accurate device selection through precise digital comparison rather than manual choice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10917615B2Endoscope system, receiving device, workstation, setting method, and computer readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope system includes: a capsule endoscope that is capable of being introduced into a subject and that wirelessly transmits image data obtained by capturing an image inside the subject; a plurality of receiving devices each of which receives and records the image data wirelessly transmitted by the capsule endoscope, each of the receiving devices including a receiver configured to receive, by using wireless communication, identification information for identifying the capsule endoscope, a recorder configured to record the image data, and a first controller configured to establish wireless communication with the capsule endoscope according to a reception result of the receiver and record, in the recorder, the image data transmitted from the capsule endoscope by associating the image data with the identification information of the capsule endoscope; and a workstation that is connected to the plurality of the receiving devices, the workstation including a processor comprising hardware.