Endoscope Position Tracking via Magnetic Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopy technologies lack effective support for accurately tracking the movement and position of endoscope insertion parts within the body, leading to inefficiencies in procedures and potential errors during examinations.
Innovation Solution
A processing device and method that acquire and store distance, elapsed time, and event information related to endoscope movements, using magnetic patterns on the endoscope to determine movement states and positions, enabling precise control and support for endoscopy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic patterns are used to track endoscope movement, then measurement precision of endoscope position is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position tracking systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnetic patterns are formed on the endoscope insertion part, and a magnetic sensor detects these patterns to determine position and movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or optical tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the endoscope by forming magnetic patterns (magnetic properties) on its surface. This allows the endoscope to carry identifiable magnetic signatures that can be detected by external sensors, enabling position tracking through magnetic field parameter changes rather than mechanical means.
2Reliability
If real-time tracking of endoscope movement is implemented, then reliability of examination procedure is improved, but loss of time for data processing and storage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously acquiring and storing movement history data, elapsed time information, and event information during the examination. This pre-processing and organization of data during the procedure reduces the need for extensive post-examination analysis and ensures data is ready for immediate review.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically acquires, stores, and manages examination data without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously handles data collection from magnetic sensors, timestamps events, and organizes movement history, reducing the time burden on operators while maintaining high reliability.
3Loss of information
If detailed event information is recorded during examination, then information completeness is improved, but quantity of data to be managed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments examination data into distinct categories: movement history information (position and movement state), elapsed time information, and event information. This segmentation allows the system to manage different types of data separately, making it easier to process, store, and retrieve specific information types without being overwhelmed by the total data volume.
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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of endoscopy procedures by providing real-time tracking and support for endoscope movements, improving the precision of insertion and retrieval processes and facilitating better examination outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic pattern forming unit that forms a magnetic pattern extending in a longitudinal direction of the insertion part on an outer periphery of the insertion part; and a magnetic detection unit that detects magnetic flux density
Data Source
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, acquire an elapsed time from a start of an examination using the endoscope, acquire event information that is information on an event related to the examination in a case where the event has occurred, and perform control to store the distance, the elapsed time, and the event information in association with each other.