Endoscope Color Adjustment Jig for Oblique Angle Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopes in the medical field face challenges in obtaining appropriate images due to individual differences and degradation over time, necessitating precise image signal corrections like white balance adjustment, which is complicated by varying oblique angles and outer diameters, especially in rigid scopes where pre-shipment calibration is not possible.

Innovation Solution

A processor device that determines the type of endoscope by imaging a chart on an endoscope color adjustment jig, using a processor to calculate the oblique angle and outer diameter based on the imaged shape, and adjusts imaging conditions accordingly to perform accurate image signal correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If image signal correction is performed using a single endoscope image, then the correction process is simplified, but the accuracy of correction deteriorates due to varying oblique angles and outer diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection processVSAvoidcorrection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction process into multiple stages: first determining the oblique angle through imaging of a chart with known geometric patterns, then using this angle information to select appropriate correction parameters. This segmentation allows the system to handle different endoscope types systematically while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary determination of the oblique angle by imaging a chart with characteristic patterns before performing the actual image signal correction. This preliminary action provides the necessary geometric information to select correct correction parameters, ensuring high accuracy without complicating the overall workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual determination of endoscope type is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination systemVSAvoidendoscope type identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope system performs self-identification of its type by automatically imaging the chart and processing the geometric patterns to determine its oblique angle. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual determination, reducing device complexity while significantly improving identification accuracy and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual identification with an automated optical and computational system. The imaging element captures geometric patterns, and the processor automatically analyzes these patterns to determine endoscope type, substituting mechanical/manual inspection with optical and computational methods for higher precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If pre-shipment calibration is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because rigid scopes cannot be calibrated after shipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidpost-shipment adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a calibration chart with known geometric patterns that travels with the endoscope. The operator performs calibration by imaging this chart after receipt, which preliminarily establishes the correct parameters before actual use. This resolves the contradiction by enabling post-shipment calibration through a portable reference standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration chart serves as an intermediary reference standard that mediates between the manufactured endoscope and the required calibration. This portable intermediary allows accurate calibration to be performed after shipment without requiring factory-level facilities, thus maintaining both manufacturing precision and post-shipment adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250344936A1Processor device

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

There is provided a processor device that performs a type determination method for an endoscope by a processor using an endoscope color adjustment jig, the endoscope color adjustment jig including an insertion portion that includes at least one insertion hole into which a distal end portion of the endoscope is inserted, a lid portion that is disposed to face the insertion portion in an insertion direction of the distal end portion, and an outer peripheral portion that is in contact with the insertion portion and the lid portion to form an internal space, the lid portion including a chart that includes a mark on an inner surface facing the internal space, in which the processor is configured to, based on a shape of the mark imaged by the endoscope inserted from the insertion portion, determine an oblique angle of the endoscope.