Endoscope Shape Estimation via Wavelength-Dependent Optical Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape estimation devices for flexible objects, such as endoscopes, face challenges in accurately determining the bend shape of flexible sections due to variations in light transmission based on the position and curvature of optical absorbers, which complicates the calculation of precise shape characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A shape estimation device comprising an input circuit, storage circuit, and shape arithmetic circuit that utilizes light amount information from sensors with multiple sensing parts, each with distinct optical absorbers, to calculate the shape of the flexible sections by analyzing the relationship between wavelength, light amount, and shape characteristics, allowing for accurate bend shape estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light transmission-based shape detection is used in flexible sections, then shape information can be obtained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in light transmission based on position and curvature of optical absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible section is divided into multiple sensing parts, each equipped with optical absorbers having distinct spectral characteristics. By segmenting the detection system and assigning unique optical signatures to each segment, the patent enables precise identification of individual sensing part positions and curvatures, thereby improving shape detection accuracy while managing calculation complexity through structured data organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength as an additional parameter dimension by employing optical absorbers with different spectral characteristics. This parameter change approach allows the system to distinguish between variations caused by position versus curvature by analyzing how each wavelength component is affected, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing parts with distinct optical absorbers are used, then shape estimation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter space by introducing wavelength-dependent optical absorption characteristics. Each sensing part's optical absorber has a unique spectral fingerprint, allowing the system to encode position and curvature information in the wavelength domain. This approach improves bend shape estimation accuracy while keeping the physical sensor structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical field-based detection. Instead of using mechanical encoders or physical markers to track position and curvature, the system uses the interaction between light and optical absorbers, analyzing transmission characteristics across different wavelengths to infer mechanical state, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision
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
Enables precise calculation of the shape of flexible sections in endoscopes by separating the variation ratios of light amounts in each sensing part, independent of the light source and photodetector spectral characteristics, and without requiring distance information between the light source and sensing parts, thus improving accuracy and robustness in shape estimation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical absorber 429 having a spectral characteristic different from that of the second sensing part 412 is provided on the sensing part 410
Data Source
AI summary
A shape estimation device includes an input circuit, a storage circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The input circuit receives light amount information being a relationship between a wavelength and a light amount. The light amount information is acquired by using a sensor configured such that the light amount to be detected with respect to the wavelength corresponding to each of sensing parts varies in accordance with a shape of each of the sensing parts. The storage circuit stores a relationship among the shape, the wavelength and the light amount with respect to each sensing part. The arithmetic circuit calculates the shape of each sensing part, based on the light amount information, and a light amount estimation value being a relationship between the wavelength and the light amount.