Endoscope Processor Device Optimizing Data Transmission Speed and Cost

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoscope systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting endoscope-running data due to low communication speeds and the need for additional equipment and infrastructure, leading to increased costs and potential data loss, especially when analyzing errors or maintenance is required.

Innovation Solution

A processor device for endoscopes that includes a first transmission-information setting table associating errors with device-related information and a second transmission-information setting table adjusting data volume based on network conditions, allowing for efficient transmission of error-related data to an endoscope data collection server, reducing network-related costs and infrastructure needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If endoscope-running data is transmitted to an external server using conventional communication methods, then the data can be sent to the server, but the communication speed is low and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication cost
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and transmits only the necessary error-related data and device information to the external server, rather than transmitting all endoscope-running data. This selective data extraction reduces communication volume, improves transmission speed, and lowers communication costs while still enabling effective error analysis and maintenance scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If additional equipment and infrastructure are deployed to improve communication reliability, then data transmission reliability improves, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary error detection and data preparation within the endoscope system before transmission. By identifying errors and preparing relevant data locally, the system ensures that only critical information is transmitted, improving reliability without requiring additional communication infrastructure or equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If all endoscope-running data is transmitted continuously, then complete data availability is achieved, but communication costs and data loss risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidcommunication cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transmitting different types of data with different priorities and frequencies. Error-related data and device information are transmitted immediately when generated, while other operational data is transmitted selectively. This differentiated approach ensures data completeness for critical information while reducing overall communication costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3556276B1Processor device for endoscope and endoscope data collection server
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3556276B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556276B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3556276B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

There are provided a processor device (16) for an endoscope (12), which can transmit endoscope-running data required for the analysis of the causes of an error and the like while reducing costs required for the communication of endoscope-running data, and an endoscope data collection server (22). An endoscope data transmission unit (30) transmits first endoscope-running data to an endoscope data collection server (22) through a specific network (20) at a first timing. The endoscope data transmission unit (30) transmits second endoscope-running data, of which the volume is larger than the volume of the first endoscope-running data, to the endoscope data collection server (22) at a second timing including a timing when an error is generated.