Endoscope Processor Access Point Switching for Reliable Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing endoscope systems face challenges in ensuring reliable communication of operation data, especially during network abnormalities or failures, which can lead to inconsistent maintenance timing and data loss.

Innovation Solution

A processor device and endoscope data collection server system that determines the most reliable access point for constant connection, monitors communication states, and switches access points as needed, ensuring data transmission reliability through multiple access points and backup servers, while also incorporating remote control for maintenance and specifying installation destination information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If endoscope operation data is transmitted through a single access point, then the system structure is simple, but communication reliability deteriorates when network abnormalities occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple access points into a unified communication system where the endoscope processor can connect to multiple access points simultaneously or alternatively. This merging of communication paths ensures that if one access point experiences network abnormalities, data transmission can continue through other access points, thereby improving communication reliability without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes connection parameters by switching between different access points based on network status. When network abnormalities are detected in one access point, the system automatically changes the connection parameter to use an alternative access point, maintaining reliable data transmission while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple access points are used for data transmission, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidaccess point management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endoscope processor automatically performs access point selection and switching without requiring complex external management systems. The processor itself monitors network status and autonomously determines which access point to use, making the system self-managing and reducing the complexity of access point management while maintaining high reliability through multiple access points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic access point selection where the connection configuration changes based on real-time network conditions. Rather than requiring static complex configuration, the system adapts dynamically by selecting the most appropriate access point at each moment, reducing management complexity while ensuring reliable data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If maintenance information is collected proactively, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the complexity of monitoring systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing access points and data transmission infrastructure are made multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously perform their primary data transmission function and secondary maintenance information collection function. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated monitoring systems, improving maintenance efficiency while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate monitoring infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3780524B1Processor device for endoscope, and endoscope data collection server
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3780524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3780524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3780524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a processor device for an endoscope, an endoscope management system, and an endoscope data collection server that can ensure the reliability of the communication of endoscope operation data even though an abnormality occurs in a network or the like. The processor device for an endoscope, the endoscope management system, and the endoscope data collection server can be connected to a plurality of access points A, B, and C that are provided for the collection of endoscope operation data or remote control for maintenance. The access point B is determined as access point for constant connection. which is always connected, on the basis of a connection request transmitted to the plurality of access points A, B, and C and response information issued from the respective access points in response to the connection request. The endoscope operation data is transmitted to the access point B.