Endoscopic Imaging Control System with Rotatable C-Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopic systems face challenges in maintaining image orientation and fluid management during rotational procedures, leading to instability and inefficiency in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held endoscopic system with a rotatable C-mount coupler assembly, incorporating an image sensor, accelerometer, or gyroscope, and a controller with algorithms to correct image orientation and manage fluid parameters, including a fluid management system with actuators for adjusting operating parameters, ensuring stable image display and fluid pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional endoscopic system is used during rotational procedures, then the system structure is simple, but the image orientation becomes unstable and fluid management becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and control algorithms into an integrated endoscopic system. The accelerometer and gyroscope are integrated with the image sensor to detect device orientation and automatically correct image orientation in real-time, resolving the contradiction between image stability and system simplicity by merging multiple functional components into a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring device orientation through accelerometers and gyroscopes, then automatically adjusting the displayed image orientation based on this feedback. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains stable image orientation during rotational procedures without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the C-mount coupler assembly is made rotatable to accommodate procedural needs, then the ease of operation improves, but the electrical lead management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The C-mount coupler assembly is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the endoscope orientation during procedures. The electrical leads are configured with slack portions that accommodate this rotational movement, transforming a static electrical connection into a dynamic one that maintains connectivity while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical leads incorporate flexible configurations with slack portions that can bend and extend during rotation. This flexibility allows the electrical connections to accommodate the rotational movement of the C-mount coupler assembly without creating tension or disconnection, resolving the conflict between rotational freedom and electrical lead management.
3Reliability
If fluid management parameters are tightly controlled to maintain stability, then the reliability of fluid pressure improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional actuators and control algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system uses actuators that are integrated into the existing endoscopic system architecture, allowing the same control mechanisms to manage multiple parameters including fluid pressure, flow rate, and timing. This multi-functionality approach maintains reliable fluid pressure control without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control for fluid management by continuously monitoring fluid pressure and automatically adjusting actuators to maintain pressure within the desired range. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable fluid pressure control while using the existing control infrastructure, avoiding excessive complexity increases.
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 provides stable image orientation and efficient fluid management, allowing for precise control during rotational procedures, enhancing the effectiveness of endoscopic diagnostics and therapies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope carried by the rotatable C-mount coupler assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope carried by the rotatable C-mount coupler assembly
Implementation Method 3
a controller algorithm adapted to acquire signals from the at least one accelerometer or gyroscope caused by rotation of the C-mount coupler and thereafter rotate a displayed image in response to the signals to correct an orientation of the displayed image
Implementation Method 4
The controller can also include algorithms for operating a fluid inflow source and a negative pressure source of the fluid management system to maintain fluid pressure in a working space within a set pressure range
Data Source
AI summary
Endoscopic viewing systems for use in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures. More specifically, an imaging and control system and coupler that allows for control of imaging and fluid management from a hand-held unit coupled to a conventional multiple-use, sterilizable endoscope.