Automated method and apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of endoscopes
US5923416A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M11/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an automated method and apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of endoscopes, a computer system receives and stores a first set of test signals indicative of the results of the tests performed. Each test is preferably performed by transmitting a beam of light defining a predetermined intensity pattern through the endoscope from a first end to a second end of the endoscope, and the test signals are indicative of the optical intensity at each of a plurality of predetermined locations within the transmitted beam. The test signals thereby provide an indication of the degree to which the endoscope attenuates the beam intensity. In the preferred embodiment, the following tests are performed in order to evaluate both the optical fibers and lens system of each endoscope: (i) a light loss test, (ii) a reflective symmetry test, (iii) a lighted fibers test, (iv) a geometric distortion test, and (v) a modulation transfer function (MTF) test. The computer system has a database of threshold values, each of which corresponds to a respective test and is used to determine if test results indicate acceptable or unacceptable performance characteristics. The test signals are compa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.