Endoscope Insertion Tracking Using Multi-Directional Magnetic Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the movement state of elongated instruments, particularly during insertion into bodies, due to limitations in detecting their position and orientation within magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a magnetic detection unit and a processor that detects first and second magnetic flux densities along the longitudinal direction of an instrument with a magnetic pattern, allowing for precise determination of the instrument's movement state by classifying magnetic flux densities and deriving insertion length and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic detection is used to determine movement state of elongated instruments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple magnetic detection units and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting only magnetic field strength to detecting magnetic flux density in multiple spatial directions (first direction along the instrument axis, second direction perpendicular to it). This dimensional expansion enables precise determination of both position and orientation of the elongated instrument, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured multi-directional detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic detection function is divided into two independent detection components: one detecting magnetic flux density in the first direction (along the instrument's longitudinal axis) and another detecting magnetic flux density in the second direction (perpendicular to the axis). This segmentation allows each detection unit to be optimized for specific measurement purposes, improving overall measurement precision while enabling modular system design that manages complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic flux density detections are performed in different directions, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to multiple sensors and processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it detects magnetic flux density in the first direction for position determination and in the second direction for orientation determination. This multi-functionality allows a single detection system to achieve comprehensive movement state measurement without requiring separate independent detection systems, thereby improving measurement precision while controlling energy consumption through shared hardware resources.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic patterns are formed on insertion parts, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for accurate magnetic pattern formation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic pattern is formed on the insertion part during the manufacturing process as a preliminary action, before the instrument is put into service. This pre-formed magnetic pattern serves as a permanent reference for subsequent detection operations, enabling high measurement precision without requiring complex real-time calibration or adjustment during use, thereby reducing the precision requirements for operational manufacturing processes.
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
Enables accurate and efficient determination of the movement state and insertion length of elongated instruments, even in complex environments, with reduced construction costs and minimal impact from external magnetic disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic detection unit that detects a first magnetic flux density in a first direction and a second magnetic flux density in a second direction intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 2
the instrument includes a member that extends in a longitudinal direction and has a magnetic pattern formed along the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope system includes a magnetic detection unit, an insertion part of an endoscope that is used by being relatively moved with respect to the magnetic detection unit, and a processor, in which the insertion part includes a tubular member that extends in a longitudinal direction and has a magnetic pattern formed along the longitudinal direction, the magnetic detection unit detects a magnetic flux density in the longitudinal direction and a magnetic flux density in a radial direction at a plurality of positions along the longitudinal direction of the tubular member, and the processor determines a movement state of the insertion part in the longitudinal direction based on the magnetic flux densities.