Endoscope Navigation Device Merging Magnetic Field Detection with Image Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face challenges in reducing size and manufacturing cost due to the need for separate output systems for magnetic field detection results and image signals, leading to increased complexity and expense.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device and method that integrates magnetic field detection results with image signals by adding specification information to the image signal output from the endoscope, allowing for position detection of magnetic field detection units without a separate output system for magnetic field detection results, thereby reducing the endoscope's size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field detection results are output separately from image signals, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic field detection results and image signals into a single output system. The magnetic field detection unit outputs detection results to the image signal output unit, which then outputs both magnetic field detection results and image signals through the same communication interface, eliminating the need for separate output systems while maintaining position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The image signal output unit is designed to handle multiple types of data (image signals and magnetic field detection results) through a single communication interface. This multi-functional design allows the endoscope to output both types of data without requiring separate dedicated output systems, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate output systems are provided for magnetic field detection results and image signals, then data transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the output paths for magnetic field detection results and image signals into a single communication interface. By using the existing image signal output infrastructure to carry both data types, the system maintains reliable data transmission without requiring additional separate output systems, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate output systems are provided for magnetic field detection results and image signals, then signal interference is reduced, but endoscope size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the output of magnetic field detection results with image signals through the same communication interface. By sharing the output pathway and using temporal or data-type differentiation within the same physical interface, the system avoids signal interference while eliminating the need for separate cables or communication channels, thus preventing endoscope size increase.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate output systems are implemented, then navigation functionality is improved, but ease of operation increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal output unit is designed to output both image signals and magnetic field detection results through a single communication interface. This universal output mechanism simplifies the operator's task by providing all necessary data through one channel, while the navigation device can still perform full navigation functions by processing both data types from the unified output.
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 integration enables efficient position detection of magnetic field detection units within the endoscope, reducing the overall size and cost of the endoscope system while maintaining effective navigation and imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic field generation units that generate magnetic fields at mutually different positions
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnetic field detection units that are provided within the insertion part and detect magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a navigation device and a navigation method capable of reducing the size and the cost of an endoscope, and an endoscope system including the navigation device. The navigation device includes a magnetic field generation control unit that causes magnetic fields to be generated at different timings from a plurality of magnetic field generation units that generate the magnetic fields at mutually different positions; an image signal acquisition unit that acquires, from the endoscope, an added image signal obtained by adding specification information for specifying the magnetic field generation units generating the magnetic fields and magnetic field detection results of the respective magnetic field detection units to an image signal output from an imaging element; and a position detection unit that detects positions of the respective magnetic field detection units on the basis of the specification information and the magnetic field detection results that are added to the added image signal acquired by the image signal acquisition unit.