Endoscope Insertion System with State Detector for Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope insertion systems face challenges in accurately recognizing the insertion position and direction of insertion members due to difficulties in manually sensing the distal end's position and rotational direction during insertion.

Innovation Solution

An insertion system equipped with a state detector and a calculation unit that detects the insertion amount and rotation amount of the insertion member, utilizing optical pattern detection and shape sensors to provide operation support information for precise insertion operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual sensation is used to recognize insertion position and rotational direction, then the operator can directly sense the insertion member's state, but the recognition accuracy of insertion position and direction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition accuracy of insertion position and directionVSAvoidmanual sensation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A state detector acts as an intermediary between the insertion member and the operator's perception system. The detector measures the insertion member's position and rotation state, converts these physical quantities into detectable signals (such as optical patterns or electrical signals), and transmits them to the operator via display devices, thereby enabling accurate recognition without relying on imprecise manual sensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sensing method (manual sensation by the operator) with an optical or electromagnetic detection system. The state detector uses optical patterns, electromagnetic fields, or other non-mechanical means to measure the insertion member's position and orientation, substituting the operator's tactile sense with a more precise measurement system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If a state detector and calculation unit are added to detect insertion amount and rotation amount, then the recognition accuracy of insertion position and direction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of insertion amount and rotation amountVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The state detector is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. A single detector unit performs multiple measurement tasks including detecting insertion amount, rotation amount, and potentially other parameters simultaneously, thereby avoiding the need for multiple separate detection devices and simplifying the system structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the state detector, calculation unit, and information output device into an integrated system. The detector and calculation unit are merged into a unified measurement and control system that processes detection results internally and outputs operation support information, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If operation support information is provided based on detection results, then the operability of insertion members is enhanced, but the loss of time for processing and transmitting detection data occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability of insertion memberVSAvoidprocessing and transmission time of detection data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The calculation unit continuously processes detection results in real-time as data becomes available, rather than waiting for complete datasets. Operation support information is generated and transmitted immediately upon calculation, reducing the time delay between detection and information delivery while maintaining continuous operability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous detection, calculation, and information transmission operations throughout the insertion process. The state detector continuously monitors the insertion member's state, the calculation unit continuously processes this data, and operation support information is continuously updated and transmitted, ensuring uninterrupted operability without significant time losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10188315B2Insertion system having insertion portion and insertion member

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

To accurately recognize the position and direction of an insertion member, there is provided an insertion system which detects operation support information such as an insertion amount and a rotation amount of the insertion member, and the position and shape of the distal end thereof. The insertion system includes an insertion portion including at least a grasp portion, an insertion portion to be inserted into a specimen, an insertion channel passing from the proximal end of the insertion portion to the distal end, the insertion member to be inserted into the insertion channel, a first state detector which is disposed in the insertion portion and which detects information to calculate at least one of an insertion amount of the inserted insertion member in an insertion direction along a longitudinal direction and a rotation amount of the insertion member around its central axis along the insertion direction, and a calculation unit which calculates operation support information from a detection result by the first state detector.