Endoscope Shape Analysis Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope shape analysis apparatuses face issues with position display errors, particularly the 'slipping through' phenomenon and discrimination difficulties at loop intersections, leading to erroneous operations due to limitations in magnetic field detection and two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional shapes.
Innovation Solution
The endoscope shape analysis apparatus employs a configuration with magnetic field generating coils and sensing coils, utilizing straight line setting, coordinate transformation, and determination means to accurately determine position display errors and correct shape representations, including the use of quaternions for transformation and warning generation to prevent operator mistakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic field generating devices are disposed in an insertion portion to detect insertion state, then physiological adverse effects are eliminated, but position information detection errors occur leading to erroneous loop direction display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring the spatial relationships between multiple magnetic field generating devices and comparing their relative positions over time. When a position error is detected (such as slipping through phenomenon), the system generates a warning signal to the operator, enabling real-time correction of positioning inaccuracies without requiring additional invasive measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that calculates relative positional relationships between multiple magnetic field generating devices rather than relying on absolute position detection. This intermediary approach transforms the detection problem from absolute coordinate measurement to relative position calculation, thereby eliminating errors caused by magnetic field interference and improving measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If a combination of magnetic field generating devices is used to detect insertion shape, then three-dimensional coordinates can be obtained, but position display errors occur at loop intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the loop intersection problem by analyzing the temporal dimension of position data. By examining the sequence of positional changes over time and calculating the order in which different segments pass through each other, the system can correctly determine the three-dimensional configuration even at complex intersection points where spatial analysis alone would be ambiguous.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection and warning mechanisms that identify potential positioning errors before they lead to incorrect loop direction display. By continuously monitoring relative positional relationships and predicting potential slipping through phenomena, the system can alert operators in advance, allowing them to correct the insertion path before erroneous information is displayed.
3Illumination intensity
If two-dimensional display is used to represent three-dimensional endoscope shape, then shape visualization is achieved, but discrimination difficulty occurs at loop intersections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes three-dimensional position data and transforms it into enhanced two-dimensional visual representations. By calculating relative positional relationships and temporal sequences, the system generates intermediate data that preserves three-dimensional spatial information while being suitable for two-dimensional display, thereby maintaining visualization clarity while improving loop intersection discrimination.
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 reliably detects position display errors and corrects shape representations, enhancing operator accuracy by preventing 'slipping through' phenomena and improving endoscope shape discrimination, thus ensuring safer and more precise endoscope operations.
Implementation Method 1
by disposing a plurality of magnetic field generating devices in an insertion portion and using magnetic field sensing means outside a body cavity
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
An endoscope shape analysis apparatus with high endoscope shape discrimination is provided. The endoscope shape analysis apparatus includes a coordinates obtaining portion 41 for obtaining coordinate values of an insertion portion 20; a storage portion 42 for storing the coordinate values; a straight line setting portion 43 for setting a first straight line A and a second straight line B, based on the coordinate values; a coordinate transformation portion 44 for transforming coordinates of a previous second straight line B1, based on a positional relationship between a previous first straight line A1 and the first straight line A, to calculate a third straight line B2; a determination portion 45 for determining whether there is an error in a position display from a positional relationship between the first straight line A, the second straight line B, and the third straight line B2; and a correction portion 50 for correcting the second straight line B.