Scanning Endoscope Position Detection via Variable Transmittance Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate detection of the position of the emission end of a scanning endoscope is challenging due to the thin diameter of the insertion tube, leading to image distortion and difficulty in correcting off-course movements.
Innovation Solution
A scanning endoscope apparatus comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, first and second optical filters, and a position determiner, which uses varying transmittance of light through the filters to detect the position of the emission end, allowing for precise movement control and image correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the insertion tube diameter is kept thin, then the endoscope is more minimally invasive and easier to insert, but the position of the emission end cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to detect the position of the emission end. By shining light on the emission end and detecting the reflected light's position, the system can determine the emission end's location without physical contact or additional sensors in the thin insertion tube. This optical intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling position detection while maintaining the thin tube design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical position sensor mounting approach with an optical detection system. Instead of mechanically mounting sensors in the thin insertion tube, the system uses light reflection and optical detection to determine position. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical sensor integration, allowing the insertion tube to remain thin while achieving accurate position detection.
2Device complexity
If the emission end position is estimated based on driving signals, then the system structure remains simple, but image distortion occurs due to low estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light reflection as an intermediary measurement method to obtain actual position information. The reflected light from the emission end carries positional information that can be detected and used to correct the estimated position. This approach adds minimal complexity while significantly improving position accuracy, resolving the trade-off between system simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detected position of the emission end (through light reflection) is used to correct the driving signal-based estimation. The system continuously monitors the actual position and adjusts the control signals to maintain accurate positioning, thereby eliminating image distortion while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the emission end moves away from the predetermined course, then the scanning flexibility increases, but the off-course position cannot be detected making correction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflected light as an intermediary to continuously monitor the emission end's position relative to the predetermined course. The light reflection detection system provides real-time positional feedback, enabling the system to detect when the emission end deviates from the intended path and facilitating corrective action while maintaining scanning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous position feedback through light detection, allowing the system to monitor whether the emission end remains on the predetermined course. When off-course movement is detected, the feedback information enables correction of the driving signals to return the emission end to the correct path, thus maintaining both flexibility and positional accuracy.
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
Enables accurate detection and correction of the emission end position, reducing image distortion and ensuring precise tracing of a predetermined course, thereby improving image quality and maintaining the emission end on the correct path.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The first optical filter transmits light of a second band.
Implementation Method 2
The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position on the second optical filter where the light of the first band makes contact.
Implementation Method 3
The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band that is emitted from the second emission end.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning endoscope apparatus, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first optical filter, a second optical filter, a second transmitter, a first photo-detection unit, and a position determiner, is provided. The first transmitter transmits light to a first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end. The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position. The second transmitter transmits the light of the first band from a second incident end to a second emission end. The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band. The position determiner determines a position of the first emission end on the basis of the amount of the light of the first band.