Endoscope Insertion Shape Detection via Magnetic Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope insertion shape detecting devices lack efficient methods for accurately determining the position and shape of the endoscope insertion portion within body cavities, particularly in bent areas, which hinders smooth insertion and effective observation during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The proposed endoscope insertion shape detecting device incorporates an image pickup portion, magnetic field detection, and a system for generating and displaying insertion shape figures, including marking and notification features, to provide real-time position detection and notification of critical insertion points, such as release locations and potential loop formations, using a combination of image processing and magnetic field analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field detection and image processing are used to detect insertion shape, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope is divided into multiple sections with magnetic field generation elements distributed along its length. Each section independently generates magnetic fields that can be detected and processed separately, allowing the system to reconstruct the overall insertion shape through composite analysis of individual segment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary medium between the endoscope insertion portion and the detection system. The magnetic field generation elements create detectable magnetic field patterns that indirectly represent the physical position and shape of the endoscope, enabling non-contact measurement and reducing direct mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If real-time position detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field detection operates periodically rather than continuously, with the control unit calculating insertion shape at specific intervals or triggered by specific events during insertion. This periodic measurement approach maintains real-time monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation elements are integrated directly into the endoscope insertion portion, allowing the endoscope to generate its own detection signals without requiring external energy sources or additional power-consuming sensors at the distal end. The system uses the endoscope's own structure to generate the magnetic fields needed for detection.
3Ease of operation
If marking and notification features are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides real-time feedback by displaying marks on the insertion shape figure at positions corresponding to predetermined locations in the subject. This visual feedback mechanism guides the operator during insertion, indicating when critical landmarks are reached without requiring complex mechanical stopping mechanisms or additional hardware controls.
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 of endoscope insertion by providing real-time feedback on insertion shape and position, reducing insertion difficulties and improving procedural efficiency by visually indicating critical points like release locations and challenging insertion areas.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field detection portion for detecting a magnetic field emitted by a plurality of magnetic-field generation elements arranged at the endoscope insertion portion and outputting a magnetic field signal corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the insertion shape detection portion estimates a position of each magnetic-field generation element on the basis of the magnetic field signal outputted from the magnetic field detection portion and detects the insertion shape of the endoscope insertion portion on the basis of the estimation result
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion shape detecting device of the present invention comprises an insertion shape detection portion for detecting an insertion shape of an endoscope insertion portion, an insertion shape image generation portion for generating an insertion shape figure of the endoscope insertion portion according to the insertion shape, a marking processing portion for carrying out a control to add a mark to the insertion shape figure for output as a control for the insertion shape image generation portion in a first observation for the subject, a memory portion for storing subject information, the insertion shape figure, and information on a position to which the mark is added in the insertion shape figure, and a position detection information output portion for outputting position detection information when a distal end portion of the insertion shape figure overlaps the mark position information in second observation made for the same subject.