Endoscope Power Discharge Control for Faster Startup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems require a lengthy end processing period to ensure complete discharge of the endoscope power source, leading to prolonged startup times and delayed examination initiation due to inefficient discharge methods.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing an existing discharge resistor in the endoscope processor to discharge the endoscope power source during idle system operation periods, thereby shortening startup and end processing times by establishing and interrupting conduction through a power conduction circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the end processing period is extended to ensure complete discharge of the endoscope power source, then the discharge completeness is improved, but the startup time and examination initiation are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge completenessVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge resistor is activated in advance during idle periods before the endoscope is reconnected, pre-discharging the power source circuit. This preliminary discharge action ensures that when the endoscope restarts, the power source is already discharged and ready for immediate startup, eliminating the need to wait for discharge completion during startup sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge resistor operates continuously during idle system operation periods, maintaining a constant discharge current through the power source circuit. This continuous discharge action ensures complete power source discharge without requiring extended waiting periods, as the discharge process occurs actively during otherwise unused time intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If the discharge resistor is continuously connected to the power source circuit, then the discharge efficiency is improved, but power is wasted during periods when discharge is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge efficiencyVSAvoidpower waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the discharge resistor and the power source circuit is made dynamic rather than static. The power conduction circuit acts as a controllable switch that establishes or interrupts conduction based on system state. During idle periods when discharge is needed, conduction is established for efficient discharge. During active operation when discharge is not needed, conduction is interrupted to prevent power waste, thus adapting the discharge function to actual system requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge resistor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The power conduction circuit establishes conduction during idle periods when discharge is required, then interrupts conduction during active operation periods. This periodic on-off action pattern matches the actual discharge needs of the system, maintaining high discharge efficiency while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods when the power source does not require discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 rapid discharge of the endoscope power source, reducing waiting times and ensuring immediate examination initiation by efficiently managing power supply and discharge sequences.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge resistor (R1) configured to discharge the electric charge accumulated in the power source circuit of the endoscope (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20260069111A1Endoscope processor, method, and computer-readable medium for controlling power supply to, and discharge from, an endoscope

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An endoscope processor includes a power source circuit configured to supply power to an endoscope, an endoscope connector, a discharge resistor between the power source circuit and the endoscope connector, a power conduction circuit between the discharge resistor and the endoscope connector, and a processor. The processor is configured to, in response to detecting connection of the endoscope to the endoscope connector, control the power conduction circuit to establish conduction between the endoscope and the discharge resistor, in response to starting power supply to the endoscope by the power source circuit, control the power conduction circuit to interrupt the conduction, and in response to resuming power supply to the endoscope after a stop, control the power conduction circuit to reestablish the conduction. When the conduction is established, charge accumulated in the endoscope is discharged through the discharge resistor.