Endoscope Shape Detection Frequency Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope shape detecting apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the shape of an endoscope insertion portion within a body cavity due to noise interference from driving frequencies of magnetic-field generating elements, which affects position detection and shape calculation.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope shape detecting apparatus that includes a driving block with magnetic-field generating elements, a detecting block with magnetic-field detecting elements, a shape calculating block, and a frequency setting section for adjusting the oscillation frequency of a reference clock to minimize noise interference, allowing for accurate position detection and shape calculation by synchronizing the driving and detecting blocks with a common reference clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic-field generating elements are driven at high frequency to improve position detection speed, then productivity is improved, but noise interference increases causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using alternating current signals at specific driving frequencies to generate magnetic fields. The system periodically drives magnetic-field generating elements at optimized frequencies that balance detection speed with noise minimization, achieving both high productivity and measurement precision through rhythmic, frequency-controlled operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by selectively adjusting driving frequencies of alternating current signals to avoid noise-prone frequency ranges. The system changes operational parameters (frequency) to optimize the balance between detection speed and accuracy, selecting frequencies that minimize noise interference while maintaining efficient position detection
2Measurement precision
If multiple frequency components are used for driving magnetic-field generating elements to reduce noise influence, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single reference clock that serves multiple functions: it generates driving signals for magnetic-field generating elements, provides timing for detection, and enables frequency selection to avoid noise. This multi-functional approach achieves noise reduction through frequency diversity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference clock as an intermediary element that mediates between the driving block and detection block. This intermediary provides synchronized timing and frequency reference, enabling coordinated operation that reduces noise interference while maintaining system simplicity through centralized frequency control
3Speed
If driving frequency is increased to improve detection speed, then productivity is improved, but noise from driving frequency components increases causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by optimizing driving frequency values to specific ranges that minimize noise generation. Instead of simply increasing frequency for speed, the system selects frequencies that balance detection speed with noise minimization, changing the frequency parameter to achieve both high speed and low noise operation
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 configuration enables accurate and noise-reduced shape detection and display of the endoscope insertion portion, improving operability and reducing the complexity of frequency setting, thereby enhancing the precision of position and shape calculation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetic-field generating elements disposed at a predetermined interval in an insertion portion of the endoscope which is inserted in a body are driven to generate magnetic fields therearound
Implementation Method 2
three-dimensional positions of the respective magnetic-field generating elements are detected by magnetic-field detecting elements disposed outside the body
Data Source
AI summary
A driving block includes a plurality of magnetic-field generating elements and a driving signal generating section, and the magnetic field generated by the plurality of magnetic-field generating elements is detected by a plurality of magnetic-field detecting elements. A shape calculating block calculates a shape of an insertion portion of an endoscope based on a frequency component corresponding to a frequency of the driving signal in a detection signal detected by the plurality of magnetic-field detecting elements. Oscillation frequency of the reference clock for deciding the frequency of the driving signal is changeably set by the frequency setting section, and the reference clock with oscillation frequency set by the frequency setting section is supplied to both of the driving block and the shape calculating block.