Medical Observation Device Optical Path Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope devices using optical transmission paths often experience signal attenuation and transmission failures due to soiled or fogged connectors, angle deviations, and cable deterioration, leading to image loss during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical observation apparatus with an image sensor, transmission signal processing unit, optical signal conversion unit, electrical signal conversion unit, received-signal processing unit, and control unit that detects transmission failures and dynamically adjusts the number and destination of serial electrical signals to ensure continuous image signal transmission through alternative optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an optical transmission path is used to transmit image signals at high speed, then signal transmission speed is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to connector soiling, fogging, angle deviation, and cable deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of optical signal transmission status by monitoring the relationship between transmitted and received light amounts. Before complete transmission failure occurs, the system detects degradation trends and takes preventive actions such as switching to backup transmission paths or alerting operators, thereby maintaining reliable image transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant optical cables and backup transmission paths as a cushioning measure. When the primary optical transmission path degrades or fails due to connector issues or cable deterioration, the system can switch to alternative paths, preventing complete image loss and ensuring continuous reliable transmission.
2Ease of operation
If connectors are separated and reconnected, then ease of operation is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to soiled or fogged connection surfaces and angle deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the optical signal transmission quality by comparing the light amount from the light source with the received light amount at the detector. When connector degradation is detected (soiling, fogging, or angle deviation), the system provides feedback to indicate transmission quality issues, allowing operators to clean or reposition connectors while maintaining reliable operation.
3Quantity of substance
If optical cables are used instead of electrical cables, then signal transmission capacity is improved, but detection difficulty increases because optical fiber breaks suddenly without gradual noise degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously and preliminarily monitors the optical cable transmission status by measuring light transmission characteristics. This early detection capability identifies gradual degradation before sudden fiber breakage occurs, providing advance warning to operators and preventing unexpected image loss during procedures.
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 apparatus prevents image loss during medical procedures by detecting and mitigating transmission failures, allowing for continuous image display and reducing the risk of unnoticed signal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, the pixels performing photoelectric conversion on light from a subject irradiated with irradiation light to generate an image signal
Data Source
AI summary
A medical observation apparatus includes: an image sensor that outputs an image signal; a transmission signal processing unit configured to convert an electrical signal into serial electrical signals and change number and a destination thereof; an optical signal conversion unit configured to convert the serial electrical signals into optical signals; optical transmission paths configured to transmit the converted optical signals; an electrical signal conversion unit configured to convert the transmitted optical signals into serial electrical signals; a received-signal processing unit configured to performs a predetermined image processing on the received serial electrical signals to generate and output a display image signal to a display device, and detect transmission failure of the optical signals in the optical transmission paths; and a control unit configured to control changing of the number and the destination of the serial electrical signals in accordance with a result of detection of the transmission failure.