Patent ID: 6511417
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endoscope shape detection system, comprising:a first coil means to be inserted into a subject; a second coil means placed at a predetermined position for sensing said first coil means; a third coil means placed at a predetermined position; a transmitting and receiving means for permitting transmission and reception of a first magnetic signal between said first coil means and second coil means, and transmission and reception of a second magnetic signal between said third coil means and second coil means; and an arithmetic means for calculating first position information representing the position of said first coil means relative to said second coil means according to a first detection signal resulting from the transmission and reception of said first magnetic signal, and calculating second position information representing the position of said third coil means relative to said second coil means according to a second detection signal resulting from the transmission and reception of said second magnetic signal.