Endoscopic System Instrument Tracking Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscopic systems frequently disrupt surgical operations by undesirably moving the endoscope to maintain a central view of surgical instruments, which can vary in distance during procedures.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic system comprising a mechanical arm with a kinematic chain and a control unit that processes images to determine the configuration of surgical instruments and moves the endoscope to a stable position, minimizing unnecessary movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the endoscope is automatically moved to maintain a central view of surgical instruments, then the visibility of surgical instruments is improved, but the stability of the surgical operation is worsened due to frequent disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of surgical instrumentsVSAvoidstability of surgical operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously captures images, detects instrument positions, and automatically adjusts the endoscope position based on real-time feedback. The control unit processes images to determine instrument locations and generates control signals to move the mechanical arm, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains optimal visibility without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the endoscope with an automated control system. The control unit substitutes human operators by automatically processing images, determining instrument positions, and controlling the mechanical arm's movement, thereby eliminating the need for manual repositioning that disrupts surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the endoscope is frequently moved to track surgical instruments, then the tracking accuracy is improved, but the disruption to surgical operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracy of instrumentsVSAvoiddisruption time of surgical operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous image capture and processing throughout the surgical procedure. The control unit continuously monitors instrument positions and makes smooth, automated adjustments to the endoscope position, ensuring uninterrupted tracking without the need to stop or pause the surgical operation for manual repositioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of instrument positions and plans endoscope movement in advance. By continuously analyzing instrument trajectories and predicting future positions, the control unit can proactively adjust the endoscope position before instruments move out of view, maintaining tracking accuracy without reactive disruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10624525B2Endoscopic system and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 HIWIN TECH CORP

AI summary

An endoscopic system includes a mechanical arm, an endoscope and a control unit. The endoscope is held by the mechanical arm, and is configured to capture an image. The control unit is electrically connected to the mechanical arm and the endoscope, and is configured to receive and process the image captured by the endoscope, to determine whether the image has at least two specific instruments that are arranged in a specific configuration, and to drive the mechanical arm to move the endoscope when the determination is affirmative.