Endoscope Shape Detection Using Selective Magnetic Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the position and shape of the insertion section within a body cavity, particularly due to issues with magnetic field detection and signal processing, which can lead to reduced accuracy and smooth insertion.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple magnetic-field detecting elements and a control section that selects the appropriate detecting elements based on estimated position data, using a sense coil unit with strategically placed sense coils to generate and detect magnetic fields, optimizing signal processing for precise position estimation and shape rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic-field detecting elements are used to improve position estimation accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple magnetic-field detecting elements positioned at different locations. Each element detects magnetic fields from source coils independently, and the control section selectively activates specific detecting elements based on the estimated position of the insertion section, dividing the detection task into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which magnetic-field detecting elements to activate based on real-time position estimation. The control section adjusts the configuration of active detecting elements according to the insertion section's location, transforming a static complex system into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains high precision without requiring all detecting elements to be active simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field detection is performed throughout the insertion section to improve shape detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases due to noise from unnecessary detections
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and processes only the magnetic field signals from detecting elements that are relevant to the current position of the insertion section. The control section identifies and discards signals from detecting elements that are not needed for the current measurement, removing noise and unnecessary information while preserving the essential shape detection data
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position estimation to control which magnetic-field detecting elements are activated. The estimated position information feeds back to the control section, which adjusts the detection configuration accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes signal quality by eliminating noise from irrelevant detecting elements
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 enhances the accuracy of position estimation and shape rendering of the endoscope insertion section, facilitating smoother insertion and improved surgical procedures by optimizing magnetic field detection and signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the magnetic-fields generated by multiple magnetic-field generating elements placed in an insertion section of an endoscope
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatus 8 includes a sense coil unit 23 in which multiple sense coil groups of sense coil groups 23A to 23I for detecting magnetic fields generated by multiple source coils 21 in an inserted-shape detecting probe 6 are placed as a part of the endoscope inserted-shape detecting apparatus 8, a signal detecting section 33, a source coil position analyzing section 35 and a signal control section 37 that selects a magnetic-field detecting element to be used for detection of a magnetic field signal based on the magnetic field generated by each of the source coils 21 from the sense coil groups 23A to 23I in a control section based on positional information signals outputted from the source coil position analyzing section 35.