Endoscopic Laser Imaging for Accurate Stone Size Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of stone size and displacement within a bodily lumen is challenging due to the limitations of existing imaging technologies, leading to inaccurate stone removal procedures and increased operation times.
Innovation Solution
A medical system employing at least two laser transmitters that project parallel collimated beams onto the stone, combined with controlled illumination and imaging parameters, to create a composite image for precise stone size and displacement measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fish-eye lenses are used for endoscopic evaluation of stone size, then the field of view is expanded, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference object (retroreflector with known dimensions) placed at the target location to mediate between the distorted endoscopic view and accurate measurement. The reference object serves as a mediator that provides known geometric relationships despite the fish-eye lens distortion, allowing calculation of true stone dimensions through triangulation and geometric computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct visual mechanical measurement (ruler comparison in field of view) with an optical-computational system. Instead of relying on visual estimation against reference objects in the distorted image, the system uses laser range finding, retroreflector geometry, and computational algorithms to calculate true stone size, substituting mechanical visual measurement with optical sensing and digital processing.
2Measurement precision
If visual size references are provided at the depth of view, then measurement guidance is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference measurement function from the imaging system itself. Instead of embedding complex reference scales or rulers within the endoscope that would complicate the device, the reference measurement capability is separated into a distinct retroreflector component that can be independently positioned and removed, simplifying the endoscope design while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a geometric copy of the measurement reference at the target location rather than displaying a visual reference in the image. The retroreflector physically replicates known geometric relationships (triangular arrangement with precise baseline distance) at the stone location, allowing the system to compute true dimensions from the captured image without needing to display scaled references that would complicate the visual field.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image groups are captured with different configurations, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the retroreflector with known geometric relationships before capturing the stone image. The reference geometry is established in advance, allowing the system to compute stone dimensions directly from a single captured image frame rather than requiring multiple configuration changes and image captures, thus reducing procedure time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 accurate measurement of stone size and displacement, reducing the need for unnecessary procedures and improving operational efficiency by minimizing stone fragmentation and retrieval device misfits.
Implementation Method 1
The distal portion of the scope may include a first laser fiber, a second laser fiber, an imager, and one or more illumination devices
Implementation Method 2
one or more illumination devices... being in a first illumination state
Implementation Method 3
capturing, via the imager, one or more images of the target including a first image group
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system includes a scope with a distal portion and a processor. The distal portion includes a first laser fiber, a second laser fiber, an imager, and one or more illumination devices. The processor is configured to cause the first laser fiber to project a first beam and the second laser fiber to project a second beam, cause the imager to capture one or more images of the target comprising a first image group, cause the medical system to transition to a first configuration, cause the imager to capture one or more images of the target comprising a second image group, and combine the first and second image groups to create a composite image. The first configuration includes one or more illumination devices in a first illumination state, the imager in a first exposure state, and the first and second laser fibers in a first laser state.