Endoscope Insertion State Detection Using Magnetic Flux Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope insertion technologies lack accuracy in determining the insertion state, particularly due to limitations in accurately measuring the distance and position of the endoscope within the body, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential complications during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A processing device and method that utilize a processor to acquire the distance from a reference position to the endoscope's distal end and determine the insertion state based on captured images and magnetic flux densities, allowing for precise tracking of the endoscope's movement and position within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing endoscope insertion technologies are used, then the insertion support function is provided, but the accuracy in determining the insertion state is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion state determination accuracyVSAvoidinsertion state determination reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical position detection methods with magnetic field-based detection. A magnet is attached to the endoscope distal end, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnetic flux density to calculate the distance from the reference position. This substitution enables more accurate and reliable measurement of the endoscope insertion depth and state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary object attached to the endoscope and a magnetic sensor as an intermediary detection device. These intermediaries enable indirect measurement of the endoscope position by detecting magnetic flux density, which is then used to calculate the distance and determine the insertion state with higher accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If distance measurement capabilities are added to track endoscope position, then real-time position feedback is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time position informationVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex mechanical encoders or optical tracking systems, the patent employs a simple magnetic field detection approach. The magnet attached to the endoscope and the magnetic sensor create a minimalistic system that provides real-time position information without significant increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensor serves multiple functions: detecting the endoscope position, calculating the distance from the reference position, and determining the insertion state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while providing comprehensive real-time position information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If magnetic field detection is used to measure distance, then high-accuracy position tracking is achieved, but the measurement precision under varying magnetic conditions may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement stability under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the magnetic sensor continuously detects the magnetic flux density, the processor calculates the distance based on this detection, and the system uses this information to determine the insertion state. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the system adapts to varying magnetic conditions and maintains measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent measures changes in magnetic flux density parameters to determine the endoscope position and insertion state. By monitoring parameter changes in the magnetic field rather than relying on absolute values, the system can maintain measurement precision and reliability even when ambient magnetic conditions vary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables high-accuracy determination of the endoscope's insertion state, enhancing the precision and efficiency of medical procedures by providing real-time feedback on the endoscope's position and movement, thus improving operational support and diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic flux density generated by a magnet; a processor that derives a first distance from a reference position to the distal end of the endoscope on the basis of the detected magnetic flux density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux density detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240138928A1Processing device, endoscope device, and processing method

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A processing device includes: a processor configured to acquire a distance from a reference position on a movement path of an endoscope to a distal end of the endoscope that is moved along the movement path, and determine an insertion state of the endoscope into a subject based on a captured image captured by the endoscope and the distance.