Endoscope System Distal End Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope systems face challenges in safely switching between observation modes due to potential movement of the distal end portion during mode changes, which can lead to incorrect image processing and diagnostic errors.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that generates specific illumination lights and calculates feature values based on images obtained before switching between observation modes, disabling mode changes if the distal end portion's movement exceeds a predetermined threshold to prevent unsafe operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If observation mode switching is allowed during endoscope operation, then diagnostic functionality and observation flexibility are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential distal end movement causing incorrect image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of distal end position and movement state before allowing mode switching. The control unit checks whether the distal end has moved excessively during the mode transition period, and only permits switching if the movement is within acceptable thresholds, thereby preventing unreliable image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the distal end position and movement characteristics, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables real-time assessment of whether mode switching is safe, allowing the system to dynamically control switching based on actual movement conditions rather than static rules
2Reliability
If mode switching is restricted to prevent movement-related errors, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited switching flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static mode switching control to dynamic control based on real-time distal end movement detection. The switching permission is not fixed but adapts according to the detected movement state, allowing flexible switching when safe and preventing switching when risky, thus balancing reliability and operational convenience
3Reliability
If distal end movement detection is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing incorrect image processing, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image data from the imaging unit as an intermediary to detect distal end movement indirectly. By analyzing changes in the captured image content and comparing them with reference images, the system infers movement without requiring separate complex sensor systems, thus maintaining reliability while controlling complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes a light source apparatus configured to generate first/second illumination light, an image pickup apparatus, a switching instruction device configured to be able to set one of a first observation mode in which an image obtained by image pickup of an object illuminated with the first illumination light is displayed and a second observation mode in which an image obtained by processing a color/pattern of an image obtained by image pickup of the object illuminated with the second illumination light is displayed and a processor configured to calculate a feature value indicating movement of a distal end portion of an endoscope and disable an instruction for setting the second observation mode when the feature value is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.