Endoscope Apparatus Automatic Wired Wireless Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscope systems face limitations due to the restricted mobility and operability of wired endoscopes, which can become entangled and lead to disconnection, while wireless endoscopes have battery life constraints, necessitating a seamless switching mechanism between wired and wireless modes to maintain continuous observation.

Innovation Solution

An endoscope apparatus with a processor and memory that detects switching between wireless and wired endoscopes, updates and records setting information to ensure smooth transitions, allowing for automatic switching based on connection states and reception quality, thereby maintaining equivalent image quality and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wired endoscope is used, then continuous power supply and stable connection are ensured, but mobility is restricted and operability is degraded due to cable entanglement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between wired and wireless endoscope modes based on real-time detection of connection states and reception quality. The processor automatically transitions between operational modes, allowing the system to adapt its connectivity method rather than being fixed to one mode, thereby resolving the contradiction between connection stability and mobility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a wireless endoscope is used, then mobility and operability are improved, but battery life is limited and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its power consumption profile by switching between wireless and wired modes based on battery status and reception quality. When battery level drops below a threshold or reception quality deteriorates, the system automatically transitions to wired mode, optimizing energy usage while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The processor continuously monitors battery status and wireless reception quality, using this feedback to make intelligent decisions about mode switching. This feedback mechanism ensures the system operates in the most efficient mode given current conditions, preventing excessive battery consumption while maintaining mobility when conditions are favorable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching between wired and wireless endoscopes is implemented, then flexibility is achieved, but operational complexity increases and seamless transition is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching flexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic mode switching without requiring manual user intervention. The processor autonomously detects connection states, evaluates reception quality, and transitions between wired and wireless modes based on pre-set criteria, eliminating the need for users to manually manage switching operations and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Duration of action of stationary object

If switching between endoscope modes is implemented, then continuous observation is maintained, but setting information loss occurs and image quality consistency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous observation timeVSAvoidsetting information loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The processor pre-loads and stores setting information for both wired and wireless modes in advance. Before switching occurs, the appropriate settings are already prepared and ready to be applied, ensuring seamless transition without loss of configuration data. This preliminary preparation of settings prevents information loss during mode transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12102284B2Endoscope apparatus, method of controlling endoscope apparatus and non-transitory computer readable recording medium recording program for controlling endoscope apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

An endoscope apparatus, includes: a memory configured to hold setting information about operations respectively of a first endoscope and a second endoscope; and a processor. The processor is configured to: when detecting switching of the endoscope to be used between the first endoscope and the second endoscope, read the setting information for the endoscope after the switching, and use the setting information for setting for operation of the endoscope after the switching; and when the setting for operation of the endoscope in use is changed, update the setting information for the endoscope in use, and based on the updated setting information for the endoscope in use, update the setting information for the endoscope not in use, and record, in the memory, the updated setting information.