Endoluminal Device Shape Control via Touch Gesture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic examinations using traditional endoscopes can be fatiguing for doctors due to the manual manipulation of angle knobs and levers, leading to a desire for more efficient control methods.
Innovation Solution
An endoluminal device system incorporating a contact detection device and processors to detect user inputs, allowing for shape control and maintenance of the endoscope's bending portion through intuitive gestures, reducing physical strain and enhancing control precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a doctor manually manipulates angle knobs and angle fixing levers to control the bending portion, then the bending portion can be precisely controlled and fixed, but the doctor experiences significant fatigue during the examination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system (angle knobs and angle fixing levers) with an automated actuator system controlled by a touch panel. The actuator automatically adjusts the bending portion based on touch panel inputs, eliminating the need for continuous manual mechanical operations and thereby reducing doctor fatigue while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the touch panel interface automatically translates user gestures into precise bending portion adjustments and locking actions. The actuator system performs the physical work of bending and locking without requiring the doctor to manually manipulate mechanical components, making the system serve itself in executing control commands.
2Measurement precision
If separate button inputs are required for bending and locking operations, then precise control is achieved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bending control and locking control functions into a single integrated touch panel interface. By combining these operations into one unified input system, the patent reduces operation complexity while maintaining precise control through the actuator's ability to respond to different touch patterns (e.g., drag gestures for bending, tap gestures for locking) within the same interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel serves multiple functions: it controls both the bending portion adjustment and the angle locking mechanism, replacing multiple specialized mechanical controls. This multi-functional interface simplifies the overall system operation while maintaining precise control capabilities through software-based command differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulation detection portion detects a first manipulation on the basis of a motion of an object in contact with a contact detection device. A drive control portion performs a shape control process of changing a shape of at least a part of an endoluminal device on the basis of the first manipulation. The manipulation detection portion detects a second manipulation on the basis of the motion of the object while the object is continuously in contact with the contact detection device after the detection of the first manipulation starts. The drive control portion performs a control process of maintaining a shape in which at least a part of the endoluminal device is changed on the basis of the second manipulation.