Endoscope Bend Detection Using Spectral Ratio Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bend information computation apparatuses for endoscopes face challenges in accurately determining bend direction and magnitude due to variations in absorption spectra of light absorbers, leading to incorrect bend information computation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light guide with detection targets that change light quantity based on their bent state, using detected light quantity information, absorption spectra, and unique characteristic values, including correction values, to compute bend information, thereby accounting for individual differences and changes in absorption spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bend detection methods using optical modulators are used, then bend information can be detected, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in absorption spectra of light absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the detection approach from direct intensity measurement to spectral ratio analysis. By calculating the ratio of light intensities at different wavelengths and comparing it to a reference ratio, the system compensates for absorption spectrum variations. This parameter transformation enables accurate bend detection despite changes in light absorber properties over time or due to individual differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the measured spectral ratio against a pre-stored reference spectral ratio. The arithmetic operator uses this comparison to compute bend information, creating a closed-loop detection system that automatically compensates for drift in absorption characteristics. This feedback mechanism ensures long-term reliability without requiring recalibration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light absorbers with different absorption spectra are used to detect bend information, then detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to individual differences and changes in absorption spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by converting absolute intensity measurements into relative spectral ratio measurements. This transformation eliminates the influence of individual differences in absorption spectra and temporal changes in absorber properties. The system measures the ratio of intensities at different wavelengths rather than absolute intensities, making the detection immune to variations in light source output and absorber characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using spectral ratio as a mediating parameter between the physical bend state and the final measurement. Instead of directly measuring bend-induced intensity changes that are confounded by absorption variations, the system first computes wavelength-dependent intensity ratios, then compares these ratios to reference values to derive accurate bend information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical modulators are incorporated into the insertion section to detect curvatures, then bend detection function is added, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single optical fiber that serves multiple functions: light transmission, bend sensing, and spectral ratio measurement. The same optical fiber that guides illumination light also detects bend information through changes in light transmission characteristics. This eliminates the need for separate sensing fibers or complex optical modulator assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
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
This solution enables accurate computation of bend information even with variations in absorption spectra, ensuring precise bend direction and magnitude determination, enhancing the reliability of endoscope operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having at least one light absorber and configured to change a light quantity of light that is transmitted through the light guide according to a bent state of the light absorber
Data Source
AI summary
Bend information computation apparatus includes: an input unit having detected light quantity information representing a relation between a wavelength in a predetermined wavelength band and a light quantity, the detected light quantity information being acquired using a light guide having at least one light absorber for changing a light quantity of light transmitted through the light guide according to a bent state of the light absorber to detect a light quantity after a change; and an arithmetic operator for computing bend information representing a bend direction and a bend magnitude of each light absorber based on the detected light quantity information, an absorption spectrum of each light absorber, a bend coefficient of each light absorber that varies according to a bend direction and a bend magnitude of each light absorber, and a unique characteristic value of each light absorber including a value for a correction relating to the bend coefficient.