Shape Calculation Apparatus Using Dynamic Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape detection technologies, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 4714570, face limitations in accurately calculating the shape of structures like endoscopes due to variations in light intensity and wavelength, which can lead to inaccurate curvature measurements and detection of bend directions.
Innovation Solution
A shape calculating apparatus comprising a light source, a light guide with detection targets having distinct light absorption spectra, a light detector, and a control unit that adjusts the dynamic range of light intensity and detection signal output to maintain the signal within thresholds, ensuring accurate curvature calculations based on light quantity information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light intensity is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then detection precision is improved, but the detection signal exceeds the upper limit threshold of the light detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic range adjustment by changing the detection signal's dynamic range according to wavelength to keep the signal within the light detector's threshold range. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain detection precision across varying light intensities while preventing signal saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (dynamic range of detection signal) to optimize measurement. By adjusting the dynamic range parameter according to wavelength, the system maintains accurate shape calculation without exceeding detector thresholds.
2Reliability
If light intensity is decreased to maintain signal within threshold range, then signal reliability is improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detection signal's dynamic range based on wavelength to maintain signals within acceptable thresholds while preserving detection sensitivity. This dynamic approach prevents the need to uniformly reduce light intensity across all wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the dynamic range parameter of the detection signal according to wavelength characteristics, the system maintains both signal reliability and detection sensitivity simultaneously, rather than having to compromise one for the other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection targets with different light absorption spectra are used to detect various portions of the scope, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by using multiple detection targets with different light absorption spectra positioned at different locations in the light guide. Each detection target is responsible for detecting light at specific wavelengths, enabling versatile shape detection across different portions of the scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by having detection targets with different light absorption spectra that can detect various portions of the scope simultaneously. This universal detection capability allows a single system to perform multiple detection functions.
4Area of stationary object
If detection targets are positioned at different locations in the light guide to detect shape along the longitudinal direction, then measurement coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is segmented into multiple sections with detection targets positioned at different locations along the longitudinal direction. Each detection target detects shape information at its specific position, providing comprehensive coverage of the scope's length through systematic segmentation.
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 achieves precise shape calculation by adjusting light intensity and detection signal ranges, enhancing the accuracy of curvature measurements and bend direction detection, thereby improving the reliability of shape determination in flexible structures like endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
detection targets that are disposed in the light guide in a longitudinal direction of the light guide, have light absorption spectra different from one another, and absorb light guided by the light guide according to a bend shape of the light guide to decrease light quantity
Implementation Method 2
a light detector that detects light quantity information in wavelengths included in the light absorption spectra in the light guided by the light guide to output a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A shape calculating apparatus includes a light source and a light guide provided with detection targets to decrease quantity of light guided by the light guide according to a bend shape of the light guide. The apparatus also includes a light detector to detect light quantity information in wavelengths included in light absorption spectra of the detection targets, a calculation unit that makes a calculation relating to a shape of each detection target based on the light quantity information, and a control unit that changes a dynamic range of at least one of an intensity of light input to the light guide and a detection signal output by the light detector for each wavelength range so that a magnitude of the detection signal is within a range between a lower limit threshold and an upper limit threshold of the light detector.