Optical Insertion Detection Using Coherent Speckle Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion portion detection systems face issues such as roller slippage and error in detection due to separation from the outer circumferential surface, and non-contact systems require additional optical or magnetic indexes, making them difficult to integrate with existing endoscope devices.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit comprising a light source, optical pattern detection unit, and displacement amount calculation unit that emits a measuring beam to the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, acquires image data, and calculates the insertion amount and rotation around the central axis using coherent light to generate a speckle pattern, allowing for accurate detection without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a roller is used to detect insertion amount by detecting rotations, then the insertion amount can be detected, but the roller may slide on the outer circumferential surface without rotating or separate from the surface causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical roller-based detection system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using a roller that physically contacts and rotates with the insertion portion, the invention uses a light source to project light onto the outer circumferential surface and an optical sensor to detect the reflected light pattern. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact issues such as roller slippage and separation, providing more reliable and accurate detection of insertion amount and rotation angle.
2Measurement precision
If optical indexes or magnetic indexes are attached to the insertion portion for noncontact detection, then detection accuracy improves, but additional components are required making integration with existing endoscope devices difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion itself as the detection target without requiring any additional indexes or markers to be attached. The optical measurement system directly measures the position and orientation of the insertion portion by detecting light reflection from its existing surface, allowing the insertion portion to serve its own detection function and eliminating the need for extra components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system is designed to work with the existing outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion, making the detection system universally applicable to various endoscope devices without requiring device-specific modifications. The system can detect both insertion amount and rotation angle using the same optical setup, providing multiple measurement functions with a single system.
3Device complexity
If a roller is used for detection, then the system structure remains simple, but detection errors occur due to roller slippage or separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but unreliable mechanical roller system with an optical measurement system that achieves high detection accuracy. The optical system uses a light source to project light onto the insertion portion and an optical sensor to detect the reflected light, eliminating mechanical contact and thereby preventing slippage and separation errors while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
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
This solution enables accurate detection of insertion amount and rotation without errors, reducing the need for additional indexes and facilitating integration with existing endoscope devices by using coherent light to enhance image clarity and precision.
Implementation Method 1
using coherent light to generate a speckle pattern
Implementation Method 2
using coherent light to generate a speckle pattern, allowing for accurate detection without additional components
Implementation Method 3
an optical pattern detection unit which receives reflected light from the outer circumferential surface
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion portion detection device provided with a light source unit which emits measuring beam to an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical shape of an insertion portion to be inserted into an insertion target and to be a detection target, an optical pattern detection unit which receives reflected light from the outer circumferential surface and which sequentially acquires image data in a predetermined range of the outer circumferential surface including given optical patterns so that at least some of the optical patterns correspond to the image data, and a displacement amount calculation unit which detects a corresponding optical pattern from the image data and calculates at least one of an insertion amount of the insertion portion and an amount of rotation around the central axis of the cylindrical shape.