Endoscope Controller for Seamless Manual-Robotic Mode Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic endoscope systems lack a seamless transition between manual insertion and robotic navigation modes, leading to increased procedural time and patient discomfort due to the need for skilled operators to manage multiple control mechanisms and avoid accidental activation of functions during manual insertion.
Innovation Solution
A controller interface system that allows for interchangeable manual and robotic control, featuring a handheld controller with limited accessible functions during manual insertion, which automatically transitions to a robotic mode upon docking, enabling intuitive and safe operation by restricting access to inappropriate controls during each mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic endoscope system uses multiple control mechanisms for manual insertion and robotic navigation, then the system can provide both manual control flexibility and automated navigation precision, but the operator complexity increases and procedural time is extended due to the need to manage multiple control interfaces and avoid accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes its operational mode based on the detected state of the endoscope system. When the endoscope is being manually inserted, the controller operates in manual control mode with full control interface accessibility. When the endoscope reaches the target location and robotic navigation is initiated, the controller automatically transitions to robotic navigation mode, restricting access to certain control functions. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both control modes through a single intelligent controller that adjusts its behavior according to the procedural stage.
Solution Approach 2:
A single controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a manual control interface and a robotic navigation interface. The controller includes a control section that can operate in different modes, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for manual insertion and robotic navigation. This multi-functionality reduces operator complexity while maintaining the versatility to provide both manual and automated control modes as needed during different stages of the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If all control functions are accessible during manual insertion, then the operator has full control capability, but the risk of accidental activation of inappropriate functions increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the accessibility of control functions based on the procedural stage. During manual insertion, all control functions are accessible to the operator. However, when the endoscope reaches the target location and the system transitions to robotic navigation mode, the controller automatically restricts access to certain control functions that could cause harmful effects if activated inappropriately. This dynamic control of accessibility resolves the contradiction by providing full control capability when needed while preventing accidental activation of harmful functions during robotic navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the endoscope system, mediating control function accessibility based on the procedural context. The controller includes a control section that intelligently determines which functions should be accessible at any given time, blocking inappropriate functions during robotic navigation while allowing full access during manual insertion. This intermediary role resolves the contradiction by filtering control signals to prevent harmful activations while maintaining operational ease when appropriate.
3Measurement precision
If the system requires skilled operators to manage multiple control mechanisms, then accurate tip angulations and instrument insertion can be achieved, but procedural time is extended and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single unified controller performs both manual control and robotic navigation functions, eliminating the need for operators to learn and manage multiple separate control mechanisms. The controller includes a control section that automatically adapts its functionality based on the procedural stage, providing accurate tip angulation control during manual insertion and precise robotic navigation control at the target location. This reduces procedural time by eliminating control mechanism switching while maintaining measurement precision through automated robotic navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically detects the procedural stage and transitions between control modes without requiring operator intervention or manual switching. The system self-manages the transition from manual control to robotic navigation based on endoscope position and procedural context, reducing the skill burden on operators while maintaining accurate tip angulation and navigation precision. This self-service capability reduces procedural time by eliminating manual control switching steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to control an endoscope probe either in manual mode or in robotic mode. The system comprises: a handle at a proximal end of the probe; a handheld controller attachable to the handle; and a robotic controller in communication with the handle and/or the handheld controller. The handheld controller includes separate controls for the manual and robotic modes. In manual mode, the handheld controller combined with the handle and the probe is used to manually control insertion and actuation of the probe into a first location of a lumen. In robotic mode, the handheld controller is removed from the handle, and the robotic controller controls handle to robotically navigate the probe to a second location within the lumen. Attachment and detachment of handheld controller to the handle is such that only certain controls appropriate to a particular portion of a workflow are accessible to the user.