Endoscope Shape Observation via Magnetic Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of large intestine endoscopes is challenging due to the complex and varied shape of the intestine, requiring sophisticated manipulation and significant effort, especially for inexperienced operators, as existing methods lack intuitive control over bending and rigidity adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope insertion shape observation apparatus with a magnetic field generation coil, antenna unit, bending and rigidity varying sections, a touch panel, and control section that allows operators to visualize and control the endoscope's shape and rigidity through touch operations, enabling intuitive bending and rigidity adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional endoscope insertion methods are used without visual feedback, then the insertion process requires significant manipulation effort and time, but the operator cannot intuitively understand the insertion shape and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the endoscope's actual insertion shape and position, displaying it on a monitor. This allows the operator to see the insertion state without adding physical complexity to the endoscope itself, resolving the contradiction between information availability and operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by continuously displaying the insertion shape on the monitor. This feedback loop allows the operator to adjust manipulation based on observed insertion state, reducing the effort and time required while maintaining intuitive control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope insertion portion is made more flexible to navigate complex bends, then the endoscope can reach deeper positions, but the operator loses control over the insertion shape
Solution Approach 1:
By displaying the actual insertion shape on the monitor, the operator can see how the flexible insertion portion is bending and adjust manipulation accordingly. This visual feedback maintains shape control despite increased flexibility, allowing the endoscope to navigate complex bends while remaining controllable
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to the dynamic bending of the insertion portion by continuously updating the displayed image to reflect the current insertion shape. This allows the flexible endoscope to dynamically adjust to complex anatomical paths while the operator maintains control through visual feedback
3Productivity
If the operator focuses on complex manipulation to insert the endoscope, then the insertion can be completed, but the observation quality decreases due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The visual feedback system allows the operator to quickly assess insertion progress and make adjustments without complex mental calculations. This reduces cognitive load and distraction, enabling the operator to maintain focus on observation while efficiently completing insertion
Solution Approach 2:
By providing real-time visual information about the insertion shape, the system allows the operator to plan and execute manipulation more efficiently. The operator can anticipate required actions based on the displayed insertion state, reducing the time and cognitive resources needed for manipulation
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 simplifies the insertion process by allowing operators to intuitively control the endoscope's shape and rigidity, reducing insertion time and patient discomfort, and enabling more focused observation without distraction from complex manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generation coil provided at an insertion portion of the endoscope and configured to generate a magnetic field, an antenna unit configured to receive a coil signal from the magnetic field generation coil
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope insertion shape observation apparatus includes an endoscope, a magnetic field generation coil provided at an insertion portion of the endoscope and configured to generate a magnetic field, an antenna unit configured to receive a coil signal from the magnetic field generation coil, a bending portion configured to bend the insertion portion, a bending drive section configured to drive the bending portion to bend, an insertion shape processing circuit configured to generate an insertion shape of the endoscope inserted into a subject according to a signal received from the antenna unit, a touch panel configured to display a generation result of the insertion shape processing circuit and be able to perform touch operation, and a drive section control circuit configured to control a drive amount of the bending drive section based on the touch operation on a desired location of the insertion shape displayed on the touch panel.