Endoscope Tracking System Using MEMS and Infrared Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
During endoscope surgery, long endoscope tubes are difficult to maneuver, especially in curved intestines, leading to unclear images and limited surgical guidance, which can result in collisions with the intestinal wall, causing patient pain and increased risk of penetration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising three MEMS inertial position sensors and three infrared distance sensors surrounding the endoscope probe, connected to a computing device that calculates the probe's position coordinates and detects proximity to the intestinal wall, sending warnings and tracking the probe's path to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of the endoscope tube is increased to reach deeper intestinal areas, then the diagnostic coverage is improved, but the ease of manipulation deteriorates and the risk of collision with intestinal wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs position sensors to continuously monitor the endoscope probe's location and distance sensors to detect proximity to the intestinal wall. This feedback information is processed by a computing device that provides real-time guidance to the operator, enabling precise control of the long endoscope tube and preventing collisions while maintaining deep intestinal access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope probe is maneuvered through curved intestines to reach target areas, then the diagnostic coverage is improved, but the risk of collision with intestinal wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
Position sensors track the probe's spatial coordinates while distance sensors monitor the gap between the probe and intestinal wall. The computing device processes this feedback data to determine the probe's trajectory and warns the operator of potential collisions, enabling safe navigation through curved intestinal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to endoscope control by implementing three-dimensional position tracking using multiple position sensors arranged around the probe. This dimensional awareness allows the operator to visualize the probe's location within the curved intestinal structure and adjust the maneuvering path to avoid wall collisions.
3Illumination intensity
If image processing methods are used to optimize intestine image quality, then the visibility is improved, but the system complexity increases and cannot fully prevent collision risks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on complex image processing to detect intestinal wall proximity, the system introduces distance sensors as intermediary detection devices. These sensors directly measure the physical distance between the probe and intestinal wall, providing a simpler and more reliable collision warning mechanism that complements image processing rather than replacing it entirely.
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 system enhances the accuracy of endoscope navigation, preventing collisions and ensuring safe operation by providing clear spatial positioning and warning messages when the probe is at risk of contacting the intestinal wall, thus reducing patient risk and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the third position sensor is a MEMS inertial sensing device composed of a gyroscope and an accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
each of the first distance sensor, the second distance sensor and the third distance sensor is an infrared distance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting endoscope tracking used to track a travel path of an endoscope probe within an organ includes three position sensors and three distance sensors which are surrounding an endoscope probe, and a computing device. The said three position sensors respectively sense a first coordinate, a second coordinate and a third coordinate relative to a navigation origin. The said three distance sensors respectively sense a first distance, a second distance and a third distance apart from an inner wall of the organ. The computing device obtains a position coordinate of the endoscope probe relative to the navigation origin according to the first coordinate, the second coordinate and the third coordinate. The computing device further determines whether to send a warning message according to the first distance, the second distance and the third distance.