Endoscopic Scope Force Model Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope control technologies face challenges in accurately and precisely controlling flexible endoscopes, especially during complex movements within the body, due to the fragile and irregularly shaped environment of digestive organs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a force model to control endoscopic scopes by modeling the forces required for control, identifying key parameters based on scope shape and movement, and applying these forces to achieve precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional endoscope control methods are used, then the scope can be inserted into the body, but precise control during complex movements becomes difficult due to changing scope characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of controlVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual state of the endoscope (position, orientation, curvature) and comparing it with the desired state. The controller adjusts the actuator commands based on the error between actual and desired states, enabling precise control despite changing scope characteristics during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamic control by adapting the control strategy in real-time based on the scope's changing characteristics. The system updates the control parameters and model predictions continuously during the insertion process, allowing the scope to navigate complex geometries while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the scope is manipulated to navigate complex digestive organ shapes, then the scope can reach the target area, but the operator experiences increased difficulty and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to organ shapeVSAvoidoperator convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the endoscope to self-adjust by using its own state information (from sensors) to automatically compensate for navigation difficulties. The scope's actual curvature and position are fed back to the controller, which automatically adjusts actuator commands to maintain the desired trajectory without requiring constant manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the required actuator commands based on the desired trajectory and scope characteristics before execution. The controller predicts the scope's response to commands and pre-adjusts the actuator positions to achieve the target configuration more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If force modeling is implemented to control the scope, then control precision improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control mechanisms with a computational force model. Instead of using complex mechanical linkages or multiple sensors for direct position control, the system uses a mathematical model that predicts the scope's behavior and computes appropriate actuator commands, simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a force model that predicts scope behavior based on key parameters (position, orientation, curvature). The controller adjusts these parameters dynamically to achieve the desired trajectory, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations or multiple feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4559375A1Method, computer program, and apparatus for controlling endoscopic scope
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 MEDINTECH INC
  • EP4559375A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4559375A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4559375A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method of controlling an endoscopic scope that is performed by a computing device including at least one processor. The method includes modeling the force required to control an endoscopic scope to provide power to the scope; identifying at least one parameter constituting a force model based on data on the shape or movement of the scope; and controlling the scope by providing the force, calculated based on the force model, to the scope.