Endoscope Sensor Calibration Using a Reusable Active Target Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope image detectors exhibit variability in responsiveness due to manufacturing and aging issues, leading to undesirable performance inconsistencies, and current calibration methods are limited by the use of disposable or degradable calibration units that restrict target patterns and require single-use solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use endoscopic calibration unit with an active calibration component that includes an electromagnetic radiation source and a calibration control module, capable of emitting various calibration targets and adjusting sensor positions, to calibrate endoscope sensors using a series of calibration procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable endoscope covers are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the calibration unit cannot be used more than once and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle in reverse - instead of using disposable calibration covers, it employs a durable, reusable calibration cup that can be sterilized and used multiple times, thereby eliminating the waste and cost associated with disposable single-use calibration units while maintaining calibration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration cup is designed to be recoverable and reusable after each calibration procedure. It can be sterilized and reused multiple times, transforming a single-use disposable item into a multi-use durable tool that reduces waste and operational costs
2Reliability
If disposable endoscope covers are used for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the cost increases due to single-use requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive disposable calibration covers with a single reusable calibration cup, eliminating the continuous consumption and waste of calibration materials while maintaining calibration accuracy across multiple uses
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration cup is designed for recovery and repeated use through sterilization processes, transforming a consumable material into a durable asset that reduces waste and operational costs over time
3Duration of action of moving object
If reusable calibration cup is used, then it can be used multiple times, but it degrades with age and improper cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration cup is designed with material and structural parameters optimized for sterilization durability. It can withstand repeated autoclaving cycles and chemical sterilization without degrading, maintaining its calibration properties over extended use
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration cup may utilize composite materials or coatings that provide both calibration accuracy and resistance to degradation from sterilization processes, ensuring long-term durability and reliability
4Adaptability or versatility
If disposable endoscope covers are used, then calibration can be performed, but only a single target pattern is available
Solution Approach 1:
The reusable calibration cup is designed with multiple target patterns that can be utilized for different calibration requirements. This multi-functional design allows a single unit to serve various calibration purposes, replacing multiple single-use covers with different patterns
5Duration of action of moving object
If reusable calibration cup is used, then it can accommodate multiple targets, but it is limited to uniform white field with no target pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration cup integrates multiple target patterns including uniform white fields, graded grayscale patterns, and other standardized patterns, making it a universal calibration tool that can handle various calibration scenarios with a single reusable unit
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
The solution provides consistent and reliable calibration of endoscope sensors across multiple uses, accommodating different endoscope types and environmental conditions, ensuring accurate and precise image detection for clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic radiation sensor configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an enclosure configured to receive an endoscope having an electromagnetic radiation sensor. The apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source having at least a portion disposed within the enclosure. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a calibration instruction. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation when at least a portion of the endoscope is coupled to the enclosure.