Endoscope Optical Marking for Component Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic devices face issues with optimal component compatibility and identification, leading to potential heat generation, incorrect image acquisition, and diagnostic errors due to mismatched components, and external identification methods are prone to errors and wear.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic device with a camera that includes a zoom lens for detecting optical markings on its components, allowing for automatic recognition and verification of the device's configuration, eliminating the need for external identification devices and ensuring tamper-proof identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external identification methods (barcodes, RFID) are used for component identification, then identification capability is provided, but the system becomes complex and prone to errors and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from external systems (barcodes, RFID readers) and integrates it directly into the endoscope components themselves. The optical marking system is embedded within the endoscope structure, eliminating the need for separate external identification devices and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope components perform their own identification using integrated optical markings and detection mechanisms. The system identifies itself without requiring external readers or additional equipment, making the identification process self-contained and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are made interchangeable for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of incorrect component combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markings with distinct visual characteristics (analogous to color codes) to indicate different component types and compatibility requirements. These markings allow operators to quickly identify and select the correct components for specific applications while preventing incorrect combinations through visual differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical markings are applied to components during manufacturing, providing pre-established identification information that guides correct assembly. This preliminary marking allows for quick verification before use, ensuring compatibility without requiring complex verification procedures during the actual application.
3Ease of operation
If optical markings are placed on external surfaces, then identification is possible, but the markings are subject to manipulation and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The optical markings are integrated within the endoscope structure itself rather than being applied as external coatings. The markings are embedded in the optical elements and housing, protecting them from manipulation and wear while remaining accessible for identification through the integrated optical detection system.
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
Ensures correct and optimal component connection for specific applications, preventing errors and allowing for quick identification and change of endoscopes during procedures, while the optical markings are not subject to manipulation or wear.
Implementation Method 1
the camera has a zoom lens with an adjusting means for changing a focal length in such a way that the optical marking or the optical markings can be detected with the zoom lens in a range from a proximal end to a distal end of the endoscope
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an endoscopic device, in particular a medical or industrial endoscopic device, wherein the endoscopic device comprises as components a light source, a light guide, a camera, and an endoscope with one or more optical elements, and at least one optical element has an optical marker for verifying the identity of the optical element and/or the endoscope such that the optical marker can be detected by the camera to verify the identity and/or configuration of the endoscopic device. The invention further relates to a method for verifying the identity of a component of an endoscopic device and to a computer program for evaluating an image of an optical marker of an optical element and for identifying an endoscope of an endoscopic device.