Probe Shape Detection Using Dynamic Coordinate Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope insertion portion shape detection apparatuses face challenges in reducing noise impacts and maintaining response speed during movement, leading to fluctuating displays and increased apparatus size due to the need for multiple frequency groups and time-consuming noise detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A probe shape detection apparatus that calculates movement speed and uses either moving average coordinates or individual three-dimensional coordinates based on a predetermined threshold to generate and display the endoscope insertion portion shape, reducing noise impacts and maintaining response speed by dynamically switching between source coils and fixed resistors for noise measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If time-averaging method is used to reduce noise impacts, then display stability is improved, but response speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between two different coordinate processing methods based on movement speed conditions. When movement speed exceeds the threshold, individual three-dimensional coordinates are used for fast response; when movement speed is below the threshold, moving average coordinates are used for noise reduction. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between display stability and response speed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple frequency groups are prepared for noise detection, then noise detection accuracy is improved, but apparatus scale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs noise detection using a single frequency group during an initialization phase before actual endoscopy operations. This preliminary noise detection establishes a baseline noise level without requiring multiple frequency groups or oscillating unused frequency groups, thereby avoiding increased apparatus scale while still achieving effective noise characterization.
3Measurement precision
If noise detection is performed by switching among frequency groups, then noise measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs noise detection during an initialization phase before actual endoscopy operations begin. This preliminary action captures noise characteristics without adding time loss during critical surgical procedures, as the noise profile is established once at the beginning and can be referenced throughout the operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If moving average coordinates are used continuously, then display stability is improved, but response to movement is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects between moving average coordinates and individual three-dimensional coordinates based on real-time movement speed detection. When the probe moves quickly (exceeding threshold), individual coordinates provide immediate response; when movement is slow (below threshold), moving average coordinates provide stable display. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the processing method to current operational conditions.
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 effectively reduces noise impacts and maintains response speed during endoscopy by using moving average coordinates at low movement speeds and individual coordinates at high speeds, improving display stability and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
source coils which serve as electromagnetic coils that generate magnetic fields when driven with alternating current signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A probe shape detection apparatus includes a magnetic field sensing section adapted to sense a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic coil in a flexible probe, a coordinate computation section adapted to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of the electromagnetic coil based on the sensed magnetic field, a movement speed calculation section adapted to calculate a movement speed of the electromagnetic coil based on the calculated three-dimensional coordinates, a moving average coordinate calculation section adapted to calculate moving average coordinates of the electromagnetic coil, and a coil coordinate setting section adapted to make a setting so as to use one of the moving average coordinates and the three-dimensional coordinates calculated by the coordinate computation section as the three-dimensional coordinates of the electromagnetic coil, based on a comparison result of the calculated moving speed.