Endoscope Control Device Touch Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope operators face complications in performing procedures due to the need to manually position the endoscope's central area on a display monitor, which can be cumbersome, especially when using tools like forceps or high-frequency knives, as existing auto-focus techniques fix the processing area to the central image.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an image processing unit, video output unit, transmission/reception unit, and control unit that allows for bidirectional communication with an external device, enabling operators to instruct processing on specific touch positions on the display image, including electronic zoom and focus adjustments, to facilitate processing at desired positions without manual hand movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the processing area is fixed to the central area of the display image, then the auto-focus function can be implemented, but the operator needs to manually move the endoscope to position the desired area at the center, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A touch panel is introduced as an intermediary device between the operator and the endoscope control system. The touch panel displays the endoscope image and allows the operator to directly touch the desired processing area on the display, which then automatically positions that area in the center of the imaging field without requiring manual endoscope manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical operation of manually moving the endoscope is replaced by a digital control system. The operator's touch input on the display screen is converted into electronic signals that automatically adjust the endoscope's positioning, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated electronic control mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator manually moves the endoscope to center the desired area, then the central area can be processed, but the operator's hand is occupied making other operations difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning based on touch panel input. When the operator touches the desired area on the display, the system automatically centers that area without requiring the operator to physically manipulate the endoscope, allowing the operator's hands to remain free for other tasks such as holding surgical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch panel serves as an intermediary that translates the operator's visual selection into automated positioning commands, eliminating the need for direct mechanical interaction with the endoscope while maintaining precise positioning control.
3Ease of operation
If the operator places the treatment tool in another place to free the hand, then the hand becomes available, but the operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of repositioning treatment tools is replaced by an electronic control system. The operator simply touches the desired area on the display panel, and the system automatically positions the endoscope and adjusts focus, eliminating the need to physically relocate treatment instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically handles the positioning and focusing operations that would otherwise require manual intervention, allowing the operator to maintain a simple workflow where the system serves itself by automatically centering and focusing on the touched area without requiring complex manual coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device, an external device, a medical observation system, a control method, a display method, and a program capable of performing predetermined processing to a position desired by an operator even under a situation where the operator's hand is not available. A control device includes: an image processing unit that processes an image signal generated by an imaging unit to generate a display image for display; a transmission/reception unit that transmits the display image generated by the image processing unit to a display device and an external device, which has a display function and is capable of bidirectional communication and receives an instruction signal including at least a position of the display image transmitted from the external device; and a control unit that executes predetermined processing on a touch position of the display image according to the instruction signal from the external device.