Endoscope Beam Path Element for Automatic Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopes lack effective identification and information provision methods, particularly for ensuring the correct optical properties and preventing image distortions during procedures like measuring oxygen content in blood.
Innovation Solution
A planar element positioned in the endoscope's beam path with varying surface areas having different transmission coefficients, forming a label or coding that can be recognized by a camera, which contains a unique identifier and optical properties, allowing for automatic verification and validation of the endoscope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If markings are applied to endoscope diaphragms using perforated discs or fluorescence methods, then endoscope identification is enabled, but the complexity of manufacturing and reliability of identification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different coefficients of transmission (optical density variations) to different surface areas of the diaphragm element, creating a label/coding system that appears as distinct visual patterns (similar to color coding) when viewed through the endoscope. This eliminates the need for complex fluorescence materials or perforated discs while maintaining reliable identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (coefficient of transmission) of the diaphragm material across different surface areas to encode identification information. By varying the transmission coefficient rather than using physical structures like holes or fluorescent coatings, the solution simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable optical contrast for camera detection.
2Extent of automation
If a planar element with varying transmission coefficients is positioned in the beam path, then automatic identification and validation is enabled, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm element serves multiple functions: it limits the beam path (its traditional function) and simultaneously carries identification information through varying transmission coefficients. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate identification components, maintaining optical system simplicity while enabling automatic identification and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the identification function with the existing diaphragm structure by encoding transmission coefficient variations directly into the diaphragm material. This consolidation eliminates separate identification components and integrates the coding system into the optical path without adding discrete elements.
3Loss of information
If surface areas of the element have different coefficients of transmission, then a label or coding is formed for identification, but the uniformity of the beam path is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local variations in transmission coefficient to specific surface areas of the diaphragm to encode identification information, while the overall diaphragm structure maintains its beam-limiting function. The local quality changes (transmission variations) are confined to specific regions and do not compromise the global uniformity and stability of the beam path.
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
Enables automatic identification and validation of the endoscope, prevents image distortions, and ensures accurate color representation during procedures by using a camera to read and process the label or coding, thereby ensuring the endoscope's suitability for use.
Implementation Method 1
via at least two different coefficients of transmission of the surface areas, a label and/or coding containing a unique identifier of the endoscope and/or optical properties of the camera is formed
Data Source
AI summary
An element positioned in a beam path of an endoscope is proposed, which adjoins an element-free area to the beam passage. The element is made planar having various surface areas, and a label and/or coding is formed via at least two different coefficients of transmission of the different surface areas of the element, which are in turn different from a coefficient of transmission in the element-free area. The label and/or coding contains a unique identifier of the endoscope, via which identification of the endoscope is enabled and/or information of an endoscope is provided. The label and/or coding is captured, recognized, and/or processed by a camera during a setting of the camera, in particular during a white balance of the camera.