Endoscope Attachment with Laser Triangulation for Internal Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for measuring internal body distances and structures during surgeries lack precision and accuracy, particularly in laparoscopic procedures, and often require specific external attachments that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope attachment accessory with a telemetric function, comprising an alignment module, a laser control module, and a signal processing module integrated into a single unit, which automatically aligns a laser fiber with the endoscope tip and uses triangulation to calculate distances and areas through computerized image analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If naked eye estimation is used for measuring distances and internal structures during surgery, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the precision and accuracy of measurements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A laser fiber is introduced as an intermediary element that projects a light beam through the endoscope working channel onto the target tissue. The laser serves as a mediator between the endoscope and the measurement system, enabling precise distance calculation through triangulation without requiring direct physical contact or complex external attachments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual naked-eye mechanical estimation with an automated optical-electronic measurement system. The laser triangulation method substitutes the subjective mechanical judgment of the observer with objective optical measurement and computerized image analysis, significantly improving precision while integrating seamlessly into the existing endoscope
2Measurement precision
If specific external attachments are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laser fiber measurement system is designed to be universally compatible with standard endoscopes by utilizing the existing working channel. The same laser fiber can be used across different endoscope models and surgical procedures, eliminating the need for procedure-specific external attachments and enhancing adaptability while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is extracted from complex external attachment systems and integrated into the endoscope's existing working channel through the laser fiber. This extraction simplifies the overall system by removing the need for separate, bulky external measurement devices while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Reliability
If manual alignment and measurement methods are used, then the setup process is simple, but measurement accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to observer variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through computerized image analysis that automatically processes the laser spot position on the tissue. The computer calculates distances based on triangulation principles and provides immediate numerical feedback, eliminating observer variability and ensuring consistent, reliable measurements without requiring complex manual alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The laser fiber system is designed to be self-aligning within the endoscope working channel, utilizing the natural geometry of the scope to maintain proper orientation. The system serves itself by automatically calculating measurements from the captured images without requiring manual intervention for alignment or measurement computation
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 solution provides precise and accurate distance and area measurements within the body, reducing variability and the need for specific external attachments, thus enhancing surgical precision and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser control module, which generates a laser light beam which is reflected on the internal surfaces of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A biomedical device, an endoscope attachment accessory with telemetric function that allows to make measurements in internal surfaces of the body; the endoscope attachment accessory with telemetric function for measuring distances and sizes on internal surfaces of the human body comprising three modules, an image signal processing module for calculating distances, areas and volumes, a laser control module and an alignment module, all contained in a single housing.