Endoscope Laser Probe Protrusion Detection via Hue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems lack an efficient method to detect whether a laser probe has protruded from the distal end of the endoscope, which can lead to potential damage and safety issues, and current solutions often require dedicated sensors that increase weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope system that emits different hues of illuminating light, uses an image pickup portion to capture images, and employs image analysis to determine if the laser probe has protruded by setting a specific hue range, allowing the laser output only when the probe is detected within this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated sensor is used to detect laser probe protrusion, then detection reliability is improved, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using a dedicated sensor to detect laser probe protrusion, the system uses a camera to capture images and analyzes the hue of reflected light to determine protrusion state. This substitution eliminates the need for additional sensors, reducing device weight and complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the laser probe's surface properties through image capture. By analyzing the hue information in the captured image, the system can detect the protrusion state without direct physical contact or dedicated sensors. This copying approach allows indirect detection while avoiding the weight and complexity of dedicated sensing components.
2Reliability
If a dedicated sensor is used to detect laser probe protrusion, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive dedicated sensors with a more cost-effective optical imaging system. The camera-based approach, which uses existing endoscope components, is significantly cheaper than implementing specialized sensors while providing reliable protrusion detection through hue analysis of reflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing camera system serve multiple functions: it not only captures images for observation but also detects laser probe protrusion state through hue analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors, reducing overall device cost while maintaining detection reliability.
3Productivity
If laser output is permitted without protrusion detection, then operational speed is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of laser probe protrusion state before permitting laser output. The system analyzes the hue of reflected light from the probe tip to confirm proper positioning, and only then enables laser operation. This preliminary check prevents damage while allowing rapid operation once the probe is confirmed to be protruding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the protrusion state through hue analysis and uses this information to control laser output permission. The feedback loop ensures that laser operation is enabled only when the probe is properly positioned, preventing damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively prevents laser output when the probe is not protruding, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of damage to the endoscope, while eliminating the need for dedicated sensors, thus lowering weight and cost, and allowing accurate detection of the laser probe's protrusion.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination portion that emits a first illuminating light or a second illuminating light of a different hue to the first illuminating light towards the subject
Implementation Method 2
an image pickup portion that picks up an optical image of the subject that is formed by the objective optical system
Implementation Method 3
an objective optical system that is provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion; an illumination portion that emits a plurality of illuminating lights of different hues to each other; an image pickup portion that picks up an optical image formed by an objective optical system in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a channel that opens in a distal end portion of the insertion portion; a laser probe that is inserted through the channel and has an irradiation portion in a distal end region; a hue range setting portion that sets a hue range of the laser probe in accordance with a hue of an illuminating light; an image analysis portion that detects a hue range portion in a color image obtained from the image pickup portion; and a control portion that permits laser output only in a case where the hue range portion is detected.