Endoscope Position Deriving Using Distinct Waveforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope systems face usability issues due to the need for wired or wireless communication to notify the timing of magnetic field generation, which complicates the handling of cables or requires additional wireless communication units for authentication.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope system wirelessly connects magnetic field generation and detection devices without a wireless communication unit for notifying the timing, using distinct waveforms to synchronize magnetic field generation and detection, allowing for independent operation of the transmission unit and reducing the need for cables or authentication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication is used to notify the timing of magnetic field generation, then reliable communication is achieved, but cable handling becomes complicated and usability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system using electromagnetic waves. The magnetic field generation device and detection device communicate timing information wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated handling issues while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication signal as an intermediary to transmit timing information between the magnetic field generation device and detection device. This intermediary enables communication without direct physical connection, solving the cable handling problem while ensuring reliable timing notification.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to notify the timing of magnetic field generation, then cable handling is simplified, but additional wireless communication units and authentication processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the magnetic field itself serve multiple functions: both as the primary operational signal for detection and as the timing notification signal for synchronization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wireless communication units, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation device uses its own operational magnetic field to convey timing information to the detection device. The system serves itself by encoding timing information in the magnetic field signals already being used for their primary purpose, avoiding the need for additional dedicated communication hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication units are added for timing notification, then wireless connection is achieved, but authentication processes and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing notification function with the magnetic field detection function into a single integrated process. The detection device simultaneously detects the operational magnetic field and extracts timing information from it, combining multiple functions into one unified system that eliminates authentication requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent characteristics of the magnetic field signals themselves to convey timing information, allowing the devices to synchronize without external authentication mechanisms. The magnetic field serves as both the operational signal and the synchronization signal, making the system self-sufficient.
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 enhances usability by eliminating the need for cables and authentication processes, enabling wireless connection of magnetic field generation and detection devices while maintaining accurate position derivation and shape calculation of the endoscope insertion part.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic field generating elements to generate magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
magnetic field detecting elements are used in detecting the shape of the insertion part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An endoscope system 1 includes a plurality of transmission coils 49; a transmission controller 44 that generates a first waveform for detecting a position of an insertion part of an endoscope 10 to be inserted into a subject, and generates a second waveform for detecting a synchronization timing, which is different from the first waveform in at least one of a frequency, a phase, an amplitude, or a waveform shape and is distinguishable from the first waveform; a transmission circuit 46 that drives the transmission coils 49 with the first waveform after driving the transmission coils 49 with the second waveform; a plurality of reception coils 23; an overall controller 40 that acquires a signal corresponding to the first waveform detected by each of the plurality of reception coils 23 on the basis of a timing at which a signal corresponding to the second waveform is detected by the reception coils 23, and derives a position of each of the plurality of reception coils 23 on the basis of the acquired signal.