Endoscope Balloon Control Feedback on the Monitor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope devices with balloon control systems require operators to switch between inflation and deflation states using remote controllers or switches, making it difficult for operators to instantly determine the current balloon operation, especially when gazing at the monitor.

Innovation Solution

The endoscope device incorporates a remote controller with individual operation switches and a processor that changes the display mode of these switches based on the operation input, allowing operators to easily identify the current balloon operation directly from the monitor, and includes an emergency stop switch and pressure detection sensors for immediate feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator uses a remote controller or switch to control balloon inflation and deflation, then the balloon operation can be performed, but the operator cannot instantly grasp which operation is being performed when gazing at the monitor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballoon operation controlVSAvoidoperation status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the remote controller interface on the monitor display. The remote controller image displays current operation status (inflation/deflation) and balloon state information, allowing the operator to see the same information that would be on the physical remote controller while watching the monitor. This resolves the contradiction by providing operation status feedback without requiring the operator to switch attention to the physical controller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback about balloon operation status and balloon state (inflated/deflated) directly on the monitor. The remote controller image updates to reflect current operations, and the system detects and displays balloon state changes automatically. This feedback mechanism ensures the operator always knows what operation is active and what state the balloon is in, eliminating the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the operator operates the switch in the operating part, then balloon inflation and deflation can be controlled, but the operator cannot directly grasp which operation is being performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch operationVSAvoidoperation type information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays an image of the remote controller on the monitor that corresponds to the operating part switches. When a switch is operated, the corresponding indicator on the remote controller image changes to show the operation type (inflation/deflation). This visual copy provides immediate feedback about which operation is active, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the simplicity of switch operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If the operator divides attention between the monitor and the remote controller to grasp operation status, then operation information can be obtained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation statusVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the remote controller interface with the monitor display by showing a remote controller image on the same screen as the endoscopic images. This integration allows the operator to obtain operation status information and balloon state information from a single viewing position (the monitor), eliminating the need to divide attention between separate devices. The result is maintained information awareness with improved operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4289333B1Endoscope device
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4289333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4289333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4289333B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an endoscope device that enables an operator to easily grasp which operation is being performed in a case in which the operator operates a controller operation switch provided in an endoscope. An endoscope device includes: a balloon; a balloon controller; a remote controller capable of inputting a plurality of types of balloon operations including an inflation operation and a deflation operation of the balloon; a controller operation switch (multifunctional switch) for operating the balloon controller, the controller operation switch being provided in an endoscope and capable of inputting a plurality of types of the balloon operations that are common to the remote controller; and a processor (display control unit), in which the processor is configured to, in a case in which the balloon operation is input to the controller operation switch, reflect a type of the balloon operation input to the controller operation switch on a remote controller image displayed on a monitor.