ENT Tool Camera Orientation Correction via Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
ENT tools with integrated cameras face challenges in navigating narrow sinus passages and maintaining image orientation during rotation, leading to misorientation of images displayed on screens.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a third magnetic field sensor coil with a perpendicular axis of symmetry attached to the insertion tube, a flexible printed circuit board, and a processor that analyzes signals and images to correct for camera rotation, ensuring accurate image orientation and applying texture mapping to CT images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is integrated into an ENT tool for optical inspection of the sinuses, then the ability to visually inspect narrow sinus passages is improved, but the image orientation becomes misoriented when the tool is rotated during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses magnetic field sensor coils to continuously monitor the orientation of the ENT tool during insertion and navigation. The processor receives signals from these sensors and dynamically adjusts the image display orientation in real-time, creating a feedback loop that maintains accurate image orientation despite tool rotation in the narrow sinus passages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical orientation reference systems with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic field sensor coils detect the tool's orientation relative to the Earth's magnetic field, and the processor uses this data to computationally correct image orientation, eliminating the need for mechanical gyros or complex mechanical reference systems
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensor coils are added to track camera orientation, then image orientation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensor coils serve multiple functions: they track the orientation of the ENT tool, provide navigation information, and enable real-time image orientation correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity despite adding sensor capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from complex mechanical orientation data to simpler magnetic field signals. The processor transforms these magnetic field signals into orientation information and applies the necessary rotational corrections, simplifying the data processing pipeline despite adding sensor complexity
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 solution effectively corrects image misorientation and provides accurate texture mapping of sinus passages, enhancing the precision and clarity of ENT procedures by maintaining image orientation and overlaying optical images onto CT images.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field sensor coil which has a first coil axis of symmetry and which is attached to the tubular section with the first axis parallel to the direction of view of the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus, including a probe having an insertion tube and a section connected to the insertion tube. A camera is attached to the section and a magnetic field sensor coil, having a first coil axis of symmetry, is also attached with the first axis parallel to a camera direction of view. Another magnetic field sensor coil, which has a second coil axis of symmetry, is attached to the insertion tube with the second axis perpendicular to the camera direction of view. A processor receives signals generated by the coils and in response to signals received at a first time, identifies an initial orientation of an initial image produced by the camera. In response to signals received at a second, subsequent, time, the processor identifies a subsequent orientation of a subsequent image and rotates the subsequent image on a display so as to reorient the subsequent image to the initial orientation.