Endoscope Bending Control via Touch Panel Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope apparatuses lack efficient control mechanisms for bending sections, relying on manual inputs which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when navigating complex or confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope apparatus with a processor-controlled bending section that responds to distinct input methods via a touch panel, allowing for precise control through stroking and tapping operations, enabling angle lock and unlock states to optimize image capture and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input methods are used for controlling the bending section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome controls and operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with automated image processing and analysis. The processor automatically determines bending directions and control commands based on analyzing the endoscopic image data, substituting the mechanical manual control system with an automated computational system that reduces operator fatigue and improves ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the endoscopic images and generating bending control commands without requiring continuous manual input from the operator. The processor autonomously determines the optimal bending directions based on the image data, allowing the system to serve itself in the control loop and reducing the operational burden on the user
2Productivity
If manual input methods are used for controlling the bending section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical control with automated image-based control processing. The processor rapidly analyzes endoscopic images and generates bending commands automatically, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual control operations and reducing potential human errors, thereby improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by continuously processing endoscopic images and generating bending control commands in real-time. This continuous automated operation eliminates interruptions and delays associated with manual control, ensuring uninterrupted navigation and improving overall productivity
3Measurement precision
If automated image-based control is implemented, then the precision of bending control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to processor and touch panel integration
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: it processes endoscopic images, determines bending directions, generates control commands, and coordinates with the touch panel. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high precision control while managing device complexity by having a single component perform multiple critical tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel acts as an intermediary between the automated image analysis system and the bending section control. It receives commands from the processor and translates them into appropriate control signals for the bending section, mediating the interaction and enabling precise control while maintaining system modularity
4Adaptability or versatility
If distinct input methods (stroking and tapping) are implemented on the touch panel, then the adaptability of control operations is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple input recognition modes
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel is designed with multi-functionality to recognize both stroking and tapping gestures. This single component handles multiple input modes, allowing the system to adapt to different operational needs without adding separate control devices, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through consolidation
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope apparatus determines whether a first instruction input by an operation section is detected, performs first operation control on a bending section when determining that the first instruction input is detected, determines whether a second instruction input by a touch panel is detected, and performs second operation control different from the first operation control on the bending section when determining that the second instruction input is detected.