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US5997473A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method of locating a coil which consists of determining the space occupied by a source coil generating a magnetic field

Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1997-09-05
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Granted: 1999-12-07
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Expires: 2017-09-05
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Abstract

Abstract Insertion of a probe comprising an array of 16 source coils through a forceps channel of an electronic endoscope prepares the source coils in the insert of electronic endoscope for use in monitoring work objects. To a bed where a patient lies, are mounted two sets of sensor coils crossing at a right angle to each other, each of which comprises at least four single core coils with a common central axis placed on the same line in the same direction. A control section of the system gives signals with radiofrequencies (driving signals) through source cables to the source coils, to excite the source coils to generate magnetic fields around them.

Inventors

  • 👤 Akira Taniguchi
  • 👤 Kenji Kasama
  • 👤 Jun Hasegawa
  • 👤 Tetsuo Nonami
  • 👤 Hirokazu Nishimura
  • 👤 Katsumi Hirakawa

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-03 09:53
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/06; A61B5/061; A61B5/062; A61B5/72; A61B5/7235; A61B5/7253; A61B5/7257

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim 300 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to extract the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal received by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line different from the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine the magnetic field intensities of first to eight single coils generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means which determines the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 300 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to extract the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal received by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line different from the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine the magnetic field intensities of first to eight single coils generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means which determines the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 3
Independent Claim 298 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line normal to the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 4
Independent Claim 298 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line normal to the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 5
Independent Claim 297 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 297 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 7
Independent Claim 320 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; ninth to twelfth single axis coils placed around a third axial line parallel to both of the first and second ones; first to twelfth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to twelfth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to twelfth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to twelfth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 8
Independent Claim 320 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; ninth to twelfth single axis coils placed around a third axial line parallel to both of the first and second ones; first to twelfth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to twelfth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to twelfth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to twelfth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 227 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope, and whose displaying means is to display the insertion state of an endoscope as a 3D image.
Claim 10
Independent Claim 227 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means by referring to a reference signal; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope, and whose displaying means is to display the insertion state of an endoscope as a 3D image.
Claim 11
Independent Claim 292 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radiofrequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radiofrequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second specified axial line different from the first one; first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 12
Independent Claim 292 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radiofrequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radiofrequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second specified axial line different from the first one; first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 13
Independent Claim 292 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line normal to the first one; first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 14
Independent Claim 292 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line normal to the first one; first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 15
Independent Claim 293 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; and first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 16
Independent Claim 293 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; and first to eighth magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the space occupied by the magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 17
Independent Claim 317 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; ninth to twelfth single axis coils placed around a third axial line parallel to both of the first and second axial lines; first to twelfth field intensity determining sections for determining the magnetic field intensity of the first to twelfth single axis coils generated by a source coil; and a source coil space determining section to determine the space occupied by the source coil based on the first to twelfth field intensity data obtained by the first to twelfth field intensity determining sections.
Claim 18
Independent Claim 317 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second axial line parallel to the first one; ninth to twelfth single axis coils placed around a third axial line parallel to both of the first and second axial lines; first to twelfth field intensity determining sections for determining the magnetic field intensity of the first to twelfth single axis coils generated by a source coil; and a source coil space determining section to determine the space occupied by the source coil based on the first to twelfth field intensity data obtained by the first to twelfth field intensity determining sections.
Claim 19
Independent Claim 221 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope, and whose displaying means is to display the insertion state of an endoscope as a 3D image.
Claim 20
Independent Claim 221 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a magnetic field generating means to radiate an electromagnetic wave accompanied with a magnetic field in response to a radio-frequency signal; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic wave and to detect the magnetic field signal therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract a specified frequency component from the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signal or the specified frequency component extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signal detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver a radio-frequency signal to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) a first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope, and whose displaying means is to display the insertion state of an endoscope as a 3D image.
Claim 21
Independent Claim 295 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of magnetic field generating means to radiate electromagnetic waves accompanied with magnetic fields in response to a plurality of radio-frequency signals; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic waves and to detect the magnetic field signals therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract specified frequency components from the signals detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signals or the specified frequency components extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signals detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver radio-frequency signals to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second specified axial line different from the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the spaces occupied by the plurality of magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 22
Independent Claim 295 words
An apparatus used together with an endoscope to detect the insertion state of the endoscope, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of magnetic field generating means to radiate electromagnetic waves accompanied with magnetic fields in response to a plurality of radio-frequency signals; a magnetic field detecting means to receive the electromagnetic waves and to detect the magnetic field signals therefrom; a frequency extracting means to extract specified frequency components from the signals detected by the magnetic field detecting means; an insertion state reconstructing means to reconstruct an insertion state of an endoscope inserted into the body on the basis of the signals or the specified frequency components extracted by the frequency extracting means; a displaying means to display the insertion state reconstructed by the insertion state reconstructing means; a detected signal transmitting means to transmit the signals detected by the magnetic field detecting means to the foregoing insertion state reconstructing means; and a radio-frequency delivering means to deliver radio-frequency signals to the magnetic field generating means, wherein one of: (a) first set having the magnetic field detecting and detected signal delivering means, and (b) a second set having the magnetic field generating and radio-frequency delivering means is introduced into the insert of the endoscope; first to fourth single axis coils placed around a first specified axial line; fifth to eighth single axis coils placed around a second specified axial line different from the first one; first to eight magnetic field determining sections to determine first to eighth magnetic field intensities generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a means by which to determine the spaces occupied by the plurality of magnetic field generating means on the basis of first to eighth magnetic field intensity data obtained by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 77 words
An endoscope-like object detecting apparatus as described in claim 11 which comprises: a driving means to drive the plurality of magnetic field generating means in response to the plurality of radiofrequency signals; a converting means to convert trains of signals recorded by the first to eighth magnetic field determining sections into values specific to the frequencies of the signals; and a correcting means to correct the converted values by removing interference factors among signals of different frequencies.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 27 words
An endoscope-like object detecting apparatus as described in claim 12 which comprises: a calculating means to multiply and sum the converted values provided by the converting means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 93 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location, comprising: at least one coil of wire having a terminal and placed in an endoscope element to be inserted into a bodily cavity which is used for generating or detecting a magnetic field; a signal wire to transmit a signal to the coil; a connection section to connect the signal wire with the terminal of the coil; and a fixing section made of a non-conductive material around which the signal wire connected with the coil wire is wound at least at the connection section for fixation.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 93 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location, comprising: at least one coil of wire having a terminal and placed in an endoscope element to be inserted into a bodily cavity which is used for generating or detecting a magnetic field; a signal wire to transmit a signal to the coil; a connection section to connect the signal wire with the terminal of the coil; and a fixing section made of a non-conductive material around which the signal wire connected with the coil wire is wound at least at the connection section for fixation.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 26 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 14 wherein the signal wire is wound at least one turn around the fixing section.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 43 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 14 or 15 wherein: the fixing section has a metal member fixed thereto, and the connecting section electrically connects the terminal of coil wire and the signal wire through the metal member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 30 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 14 or 15 wherein the fixing section made of a non-conductive material is at both ends of the coil.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 40 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 14 or 15 wherein the at least one coil comprises a plurality of the coils which are interconnected with a specified interval between each other by an interconnecting material.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 38 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 18 wherein: the coil is made of wire wound around a core; and the interconnecting material is fixed to a hole at a terminal of the core.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 23 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 19 wherein the interconnecting material is made of a highly elastic material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 19 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 20 wherein the highly elastic material is nitinol.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 54 words
A coil apparatus for detecting endoscope location as described in claim 14 or 15 wherein: the coil is comprised of wire wound to form layers in even number around a core, and wherein the starting and finishing ends of the wire are on the same end of the coil along a longitudinal axis thereof.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2002-12-06 2003-06-07 2003-12-07 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2006-12-06 2007-06-07 2007-12-07 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2010-12-06 2011-06-07 2011-12-07 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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