Medical Support Device

Abstract

A medical support device is provided that can improve operability for an operator. [Solution] A medical support device is provided, which is composed of multiple links connected to each other by joints, has at least six degrees of freedom through rotational movement on a rotation axis, and functions as a balance arm with a counterweight, and supports medical equipment; and an arm control unit that controls the movement of the arm, and at least three or more joints of the arm are provided with angle sensors that detect the rotation angle of the rotation axis and actuators that apply an assisting force to the joints to assist the rotational movement, and the arm control unit controls the assisting force of each actuator based on the detection results of each angle sensor so that the amount of operating force required by the operator to move the medical equipment supported by the arm is within a predetermined range. [Selected figure] Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to medical retention devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in medical settings, for example, to support microsurgery such as neurosurgery or to perform endoscopic surgery, medical observation devices capable of magnifying and observing an observation target such as an affected area are sometimes used. Examples of medical observation devices include medical observation devices equipped with an optical microscope and medical observation devices equipped with an imaging device that functions as an electronic imaging microscope. In the following, a medical observation device equipped with the optical microscope is referred to as an "optical medical observation device." In addition, in the following, a medical observation device equipped with the imaging device is referred to as an "electronic imaging medical observation device." In addition, in the following, an image (moving image or still image) of an observation target captured by an imaging device equipped in an electronic imaging medical observation device is referred to as a "medical captured image."

[0003] In medical observation devices such as optical medical observation devices and electronic imaging medical observation devices, an optical microscope or imaging device is supported by an arm having a certain degree of freedom, and an operator operating the medical observation device, such as a surgeon or an assistant to the surgeon, can freely move the optical microscope or imaging device within the movable range of the arm according to the degree of freedom.

[0004] In this situation, technology has been developed to improve the operability of the medical observation device for the operator. One example of technology related to a surgical microscope (corresponding to an optical medical observation device) that prevents interference of the arm with the microscope observer and improves operability is the technology described in Patent Document 1 below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-329762 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] For example, if the amount of operating force required when "an operator operating a medical observation device attempts to move an optical microscope or an imaging device supported by an arm" varies significantly depending on the posture of the arm, this may lead to fatigue of the operator. One method for reducing the possibility that the operation may lead to fatigue of the operator is to equalize the amount of operating force.

[0007] However, in existing technologies such as the technology described in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to making the amount of operating force uniform, and even if the existing technologies are used, it is not possible to make the amount of operating force uniform.

[0008] Similarly, in existing devices having an arm that supports a medical device, such as an endoscope holder, the amount of operating force cannot be made uniform. In the following, "medical observation devices such as optical medical observation devices and electronic imaging medical observation devices" and devices having an arm that supports a medical device, such as an endoscope holder, are referred to as "medical holding devices."

[0009] In other words, with existing medical support devices, it is not possible to standardize the amount of operating force, and so there is a possibility that the operator (e.g., a medical professional such as a surgeon or the surgeon's assistant; hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "operator") who operates the medical support device may feel fatigued when operating it.

[0010] The present disclosure proposes a new and improved medical support device that can improve operability for an operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a medical support device comprising an arm configured by a plurality of links connected to each other by joints, having at least six degrees of freedom through rotational movement about a rotating shaft, and functioning as a balance arm through a counterweight, supporting a medical device, and an arm control unit that controls the movement of the arm, wherein at least three or more joints of the arm are provided with angle sensors that detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft, and actuators that apply an auxiliary force to the joint unit to assist the rotational movement, and the arm control unit controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators based on the detection results of each of the angle sensors so that the amount of operating force required by an operator to move the medical device supported by the arm is within a predetermined range. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve operability for the operator.

[0013] It should be noted that the above effects are not necessarily limiting, and any of the effects shown in this specification or other effects that can be understood from this specification may be achieved in addition to or instead of the above effects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical support device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical support device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first case in which the amount of operating force is different in the medical support device. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second case in which the amount of operating force is different in the medical support device. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a third case in which the amount of operating force is different in the medical support device. FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a process related to a control method according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] The following description will be given in the following order. 1. Configuration of a medical support device according to this embodiment and a control method according to this embodiment [1] Configuration of the medical support device according to this embodiment [2] Control method according to this embodiment [3] An example of the effect achieved by using the medical support device according to this embodiment 2. Program according to this embodiment

[0017] (Medical Observation System According to the Present Embodiment and Control Method According to the Present Embodiment) Hereinafter, an example of a medical support device according to this embodiment will be described, along with a control method according to this embodiment.

[0018] In the following, the medical holding device according to the present embodiment is an electronic imaging type medical observation device, that is, a medical observation device having an arm that supports an imaging device (an example of medical equipment), is taken as an example. Note that the medical holding device according to the present embodiment is not limited to an electronic imaging type medical observation device. For example, the medical holding device according to the present embodiment can be applied to any medical equipment having an arm that supports medical equipment, such as an optical type medical observation device or an endoscope holder.

[0019] [1] Configuration of the medical support device according to this embodiment Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical support device 100 according to this embodiment, and shows an example of the configuration when the medical support device 100 functions as an electronic imaging type medical observation device. Fig. 1 also shows an operator U of the medical support device 100.

[0020] For example, when the medical holding device 100 is used during surgery, the surgeon (an example of an operator of the medical holding device 100) observes the surgical site (affected area) while referring to the medical image captured by the medical holding device 100 and displayed on the display screen of any display device, and performs various procedures, such as procedures according to the surgical procedure, on the surgical site.

[0021] The medical support device 100 includes, for example, a base 102, an arm 104, and an imaging device 106.

[0022] 1, the medical support device 100 may include one or more processors (not shown) configured with an arithmetic circuit such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory, not shown), a RAM (Random Access Memory, not shown), a recording medium (not shown), and a communication device (not shown). The medical support device 100 is driven by power supplied from an internal power source such as a battery included in the medical support device 100, or power supplied from a connected external power source.

[0023] The processor (not shown) functions as a control unit (described later) in the medical support device 100. The ROM (not shown) stores control data such as programs and calculation parameters used by the processor (not shown). The RAM (not shown) temporarily stores programs and the like executed by the processor (not shown).

[0024] The recording medium (not shown) functions as a storage unit (not shown) in the medical support device 100. The recording medium (not shown) stores various data, such as data related to the control method according to the present embodiment, such as set values ​​(described later), and various applications. Examples of the recording medium (not shown) include a magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk, and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The recording medium (not shown) may be detachable from the medical support device 100.

[0025] The communication device (not shown) is a communication means provided in the medical support device 100, and serves to communicate wirelessly or wired with an external device such as a display device. Here, examples of the communication device (not shown) include an IEEE802.15.1 port and a transmitting / receiving circuit (wireless communication), an IEEE802.11 port and a transmitting / receiving circuit (wireless communication), a communication antenna and an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit (wireless communication), or a LAN (Local Area Network) terminal and a transmitting / receiving circuit (wired communication).

[0026] [1-2-1] Base 102 The base 102 is a base for the medical support device 100, and is connected to one end of the arm 104 to support the arm 104 and the imaging device 106.

[0027] In addition, for example, casters are provided on the base 102, and the medical support device 100 is grounded to the floor surface via the casters. By providing the casters, the medical support device 100 can be easily moved on the floor surface by the casters.

[0028] [1-2-2] Arm 104 The arm 104 is configured by connecting a plurality of links to each other via joints. The arm 104 has at least six degrees of freedom due to rotational movement on a rotation axis described below. The example shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a configuration having six degrees of freedom, as described below.

[0029] The arm 104 also supports an imaging device 106 (an example of a medical device). The imaging device 106 supported by the arm 104 is movable three-dimensionally, and the position and orientation of the imaging device 106 after movement are maintained by the arm 104.

[0030] More specifically, the arm 104 has, for example, a plurality of joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f, and a plurality of links 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, and 112f connected by the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f. The rotatable ranges of the respective joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f are arbitrarily set at the design stage, manufacturing stage, or the like so that a desired movement of the arm 104 is realized.

[0031] 1, six degrees of freedom are realized for the movement of the imaging device 106 by six rotation axes (first axis O1, second axis O2, third axis O3, fourth axis O4, fifth axis O5, and sixth axis O6) corresponding to six joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f constituting the arm 104. More specifically, the medical holding device 100 shown in FIG 1 realizes six degrees of freedom of movement, that is, three degrees of translational freedom and three degrees of rotational freedom.

[0032] The first axis O1 is the first rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported (the side of the arm where the medical equipment is supported; the same applies below). The second axis O2 is the second rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported. The third axis O3 is the third rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported. The fourth axis O4 is the fourth rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported. The fifth axis O5 is the fifth rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported. The sixth axis O6 is the sixth rotation axis counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported.

[0033] In other words, the sixth axis O6 is the first rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104 (the side opposite to the side where the medical equipment is supported on the arm; the same applies below). The fifth axis O5 is the second rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104. The fourth axis O4 is the third rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104. The third axis O3 is the fourth rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104. The second axis O2 is the fifth rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104. The first axis O1 is the sixth rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104.

[0034] Three or more of the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f of the arm 104 are provided with actuators (not shown) and angle sensors (not shown).

[0035] The actuator (not shown) serves to provide an auxiliary force to the joint portion to assist the rotational movement. The joint portion to which the actuator (not shown) is provided rotates about the corresponding rotation axis by the auxiliary force provided by the actuator (not shown). The actuator (not shown) is driven by, for example, a processor functioning as a control portion described below, or an external medical control device (not shown).

[0036] The angle sensor (not shown) serves to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft. The angle sensor according to this embodiment may be any sensor capable of obtaining the rotation angle of the rotating shaft, such as a rotary encoder or an angular velocity sensor. The angle sensor (not shown) and the actuator (not shown) may be an integrated device or may be separate devices.

[0037] Examples of three or more joints provided with actuators (not shown) and angle sensors (not shown), i.e., examples of the arrangement of the actuators (not shown) and angle sensors (not shown), include the examples shown below. It goes without saying that the examples of the arrangement of the actuators (not shown) and angle sensors (not shown) are not limited to the examples shown below. As one example, when angle sensors (not shown) are arranged in all joints, actuators (not shown) may be arranged in some of the three or more joints. First arrangement example: joints 110a, 110b, and 110c (three joints corresponding to the first, second, and third rotation axes counting from the side of the arm 104 where the imaging device 106 is supported. The same applies below.) Second arrangement example: joint 110 f , 110e, 110 d (Three joints corresponding to the first, second, and third rotation axes counting from the side opposite to the side on which the imaging device 106 is supported in the arm 104. The same applies hereinafter.) Third arrangement example: joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f (all joints)

[0038] For example, various operations of the arm 104, such as extending or retracting (folding) the arm 104, are realized by rotating each of the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f about the corresponding rotation axis. The rotation axis corresponding to each joint rotates by, for example, application of a force corresponding to an operation by an operator (for example, an operation to move the imaging device 106) and / or application of an auxiliary force corresponding to the drive of an actuator (not shown) provided.

[0039] The joint 110a supports the imaging device 106 (the upper end portion of the imaging device 106 in FIG. 1) at a tip portion (the lower end portion in FIG. 1) of the joint 110a so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (first axis O1) parallel to the central axis of the imaging device 106. Here, in the medical holding device 100 shown in FIG. 1, the first axis O1 is configured to coincide with the optical axis of the imaging device 106. In other words, the first axis O1 is coaxial with the optical axis of the imaging device 106. That is, by rotating the imaging device 106 around the first axis O1 shown in FIG. 1, the medical imaging image captured by the imaging device 106 becomes an image whose field of view is changed to rotate. It goes without saying that the configuration of the medical holding device 100 is not limited to the configuration in which the first axis O1 is coaxial with the optical axis of the imaging device 106.

[0040] The link 112a fixedly supports the joint portion 110a. The link 112a extends, for example, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis O1, and is connected to the joint portion 110b.

[0041] The joint portion 110b supports the link 112a so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (a second axis O2) perpendicular to the first axis O1. A link 112b is connected to the joint portion 110b.

[0042] The link 112b fixedly supports the joint portion 110b. The link 112b is also connected to the joint portion 110c.

[0043] The joint 110c supports the link 112b so as to be rotatable around at least a rotation axis (third axis O3) mutually orthogonal to the second axis O2. One end of the link 112c is connected to the joint 110c.

[0044] Here, the imaging device 106 can be moved so as to rotate by rotating the tip side (the side where the imaging device 106 is provided) of the arm 104 around the second axis O2 and the third axis O3. Note that when the rotation around the second axis O2 and the third axis O3 is small, the field of view of the medical imaging image appears to move within a plane. As described above, in the medical holding device 100, the field of view of the medical imaging image rotates by rotating the imaging device 106 around the first axis O1.

[0045] Therefore, in the medical support device 100, the first axis O1, the second axis O2, and the third axis O3 (the first, second, and third rotation axes counting from the side where the imaging device 106 is supported in the arm 104) can be said to be rotation axes related to the tilt operation of the imaging device 106. In addition, the links 112a, 112b, and 112c connected to the joint 110a corresponding to the first axis O1, the joint 110b corresponding to the second axis O2, and the joint 110c corresponding to the third axis O3, respectively, function as horizontal arms in the arm 104.

[0046] The link 112c is connected to the link 112b via a joint 110c, and is connected to the link 112d via a joint 110d.

[0047] The joint portion 110d supports the link 112c so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (fourth axis O4) perpendicular to the third axis O3. A link 112d is connected to the joint portion 110d.

[0048] The link 112d is connected to the link 112c via a joint 110d, and is connected to the link 112e via a joint 110e.

[0049] Further, a counterweight 114 is provided on the link 112d. The mass and arrangement position of the counterweight 114 are adjusted so that the rotation moment generated around the fourth axis O4 and the rotation moment generated around the fifth axis O5 can be offset by the mass of each component provided on the tip side of the arm 104 (the side on which the imaging device 106 is provided) relative to the counterweight 114.

[0050] The joint 110e supports one end of the link 112d so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (fifth axis O5) parallel to the fourth axis O4. One end of a link 112e is connected to the joint 110e.

[0051] Here, the fourth axis O4 and the fifth axis O5 are rotation axes that can move the imaging device 106 in one or both of the vertical and horizontal directions. By rotating the tip side (the side on which the imaging device 106 is provided) of the arm 104 around the fourth axis O4 and the fifth axis O5, it is possible to change the vertical and horizontal positions of the horizontal arm, respectively, and therefore the vertical and horizontal positions of the imaging device 106 supported by the arm 104 can also be changed, respectively. Therefore, by rotating the tip side (the side on which the imaging device 106 is provided) of the arm 104 around the fourth axis O4 and the fifth axis O5, it is possible to change the distance between the imaging device 106 and the observation target, such as the surgical site of the patient.

[0052] One end of the link 112e is connected to the joint 110e, and the other end is connected to the joint 110f.

[0053] The link 112e and the link 112f are connected to the joint 110f. The joint 110f supports the link 112f so that the link 112f is rotatable about a rotation axis (sixth axis O6) parallel to the vertical direction.

[0054] Here, the link 112f rotates about the sixth axis O6, thereby rotating the entire arm 104. Also, as described above, the tip side (the side where the imaging device 106 is provided) of the arm 104 rotates about the fourth axis O4 and the fifth axis O5, thereby changing one or both of the vertical position and the horizontal direction of the horizontal arm.

[0055] Therefore, in the medical holding device 100, the sixth axis O6, the fifth axis O5, and the fourth axis O4 (the first, second, and third rotation axes counting from the side opposite to the side on which the imaging device 106 is supported on the arm 104) serve to significantly move the position of the horizontal arm.

[0056] By having the arm 104 configured as described above, the medical support device 100 has six degrees of freedom for the movement of the imaging device 106, and also functions as a balance arm due to the counterweight 114.

[0057] The configuration of the arm 104 is not limited to the example shown above.

[0058] For example, a brake for restricting rotation at each of the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f of the arm 104 may be provided at each of the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f. The brake according to this embodiment may be of any type, such as a mechanically driven brake or an electrically driven electromagnetic brake.

[0059] The driving of the brake is controlled, for example, by a processor functioning as a control unit described later, or an external medical control device (not shown). By controlling the driving of the brake, an operation mode of the arm 104 is set in the medical support device 100. The operation mode of the arm 104 includes, for example, a fixed mode and a free mode.

[0060] Here, the fixed mode according to the present embodiment is an operation mode in which the position and orientation of the imaging device 106 are fixed by, for example, restricting the rotation of each rotation axis provided on the arm 104 with a brake. When the arm 104 is in the fixed mode, the operation state of the medical holding device 100 becomes a fixed state in which the position and orientation of the imaging device 106 are fixed.

[0061] Moreover, the free mode according to this embodiment is an operation mode in which the brakes are released, so that each rotation shaft provided on the arm 104 can rotate freely. For example, in the free mode, the position and attitude of the imaging device 106 can be adjusted by a direct operation by the surgeon (an example of an operator). Here, the direct operation according to this embodiment means, for example, an operation in which the surgeon holds the imaging device 106 with his / her hand and directly moves the imaging device 106.

[0062] [1-2-3] Imaging device 106 The imaging device 106 is supported by the arm 104 and captures an image of an observation target, such as a surgical site of a patient.

[0063] The imaging device 106 has a configuration corresponding to, for example, an electronic imaging microscope.

[0064] As an example, the imaging device 106 has, for example, an optical system and an image sensor. The optical system is composed of, for example, one or more lenses, such as an objective lens, a zoom lens, and a focus lens, and optical elements, such as a mirror. As the image sensor, for example, an image sensor using multiple imaging elements, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), can be cited.

[0065] The imaging device 106 may function as a so-called stereo camera by having, for example, a Galilean optical system or a Greenough optical system and a plurality of image sensors.

[0066] The imaging device 106 is equipped with one or more functions that are generally provided in an electronic imaging microscope unit, such as a zoom function (either an optical zoom function or an electronic zoom function, or both) and an AF (Auto Focus) function.

[0067] The imaging device 106 may be configured to be capable of capturing images at so-called high resolution, such as 4K or 8K. Device 106 By configuring the imaging device 106 to be capable of capturing images at a high resolution, it becomes possible to display an image on a display device having a large display screen of, for example, 50 inches or more while ensuring a predetermined resolution (for example, Full HD image quality, etc.), thereby improving the visibility of the surgeon viewing the display screen. Also, by configuring the imaging device 106 to be capable of capturing images at a high resolution, it becomes possible to ensure a predetermined resolution even if the captured image is enlarged by the electronic zoom function and displayed on the display screen of the display device. Furthermore, when a predetermined resolution is ensured using the electronic zoom function, it becomes possible to suppress the performance of the optical zoom function in the imaging device 106, so that the optical system of the imaging device 106 can be made simpler and the imaging device 106 can be made smaller.

[0068] Furthermore, the imaging device 106 may be provided with, for example, various operation devices for controlling the operation of the imaging device 106. Examples of the operation devices provided in the imaging device 106 include some or all of a zoom switch, a focus switch, and an operation mode setting switch.

[0069] The zoom switch and focus switch are examples of operation devices for adjusting the imaging conditions of the imaging device 106 .

[0070] The zoom switch is composed of, for example, a zoom-in switch for increasing the zoom factor (magnification factor) and a zoom-out switch for decreasing the zoom factor. By operating the zoom switch, the zoom factor is adjusted, and the zoom is adjusted.

[0071] The focus switch is, for example, composed of a distant focus switch for increasing the focal distance to the object to be observed (subject) and a close focus switch for decreasing the focal distance to the object to be observed. By operating the focus switch, the focal distance is adjusted and the focus is adjusted.

[0072] The operation mode change switch is an example of an operation device for changing the operation mode of the arm 104 in the imaging device 106. The operation mode of the arm 104 is changed by operating the operation mode change switch. As described above, examples of the operation modes of the arm 104 include the fixed mode and the free mode.

[0073] An example of an operation on the operation mode change switch is an operation of pressing the operation mode change switch. For example, while the operator is pressing the operation mode change switch, the operation mode of the arm 104 becomes the free mode, and when the operator is not pressing the operation mode change switch, the operation mode of the arm 104 becomes the fixed mode.

[0074] Image signals (image data) generated by imaging in the imaging device 106 are subjected to image processing, for example, in a processor functioning as a control unit described later. Examples of image processing according to this embodiment include one or more of various types of processing such as gamma correction, white balance adjustment, image enlargement or reduction related to an electronic zoom function, and inter-pixel correction. Note that the image processing according to this embodiment may be performed in an external medical control device (not shown).

[0075] The medical support device 100 transmits, for example, a display control signal and an image signal that has been subjected to the above-described image processing to an external display device.

[0076] By transmitting a display control signal and an image signal to the display device, a medical image of the object to be observed (e.g., an image of the surgical site) is enlarged or reduced to the desired magnification using one or both of an optical zoom function and an electronic zoom function and displayed on the display screen of the display device.

[0077] The medical support device 100 has, for example, the hardware configuration shown with reference to FIG.

[0078] The hardware configuration of the medical support device according to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

[0079] For example, the medical support device according to this embodiment may not include the base 102, and may have a configuration in which the arm 104 is directly attached to the ceiling or a wall surface of an operating room, etc. For example, when the arm 104 is attached to the ceiling, the medical support device according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the arm 104 is suspended from the ceiling.

[0080] In addition, in FIG. 1, the arm 104 is move 1 shows an example of a configuration in which six degrees of freedom are realized with respect to the imaging device 106. move The degree of freedom with respect to the joints is not limited to six. For example, as described above, the arm 104 only needs to have six or more degrees of freedom, and the number and arrangement of the joints and links, the direction of the drive shafts of the joints, and the like can be appropriately set so that the arm 104 has six or more degrees of freedom.

[0081] In addition, in the above, an example has been described in which various operation devices for controlling the operation of the imaging device 106 are provided on the imaging device 106, but some or all of the operation devices may not be provided on the imaging device 106. As one example, various operation devices for controlling the operation of the imaging device 106 may be provided on a portion other than the imaging device 106 constituting the medical holding device according to this embodiment. As another example, various operation devices for controlling the operation of the imaging device 106 may be any external operation device such as a foot switch or a remote controller.

[0082] The imaging device 106 may be configured to be capable of switching between a plurality of observation modes. Examples of the observation modes according to the present embodiment include an observation mode in which imaging is performed using natural light, an observation mode in which imaging is performed using special light, and an observation mode in which imaging is performed using an image enhancement observation technique such as NBI (Narrow Band Imaging). The special light according to the present embodiment is light in a specific wavelength band, such as light in a near-infrared wavelength band or light in a fluorescent wavelength band for fluorescent observation using 5-ALA (5-Aminolevulinic Acid).

[0083] An example of the configuration of the imaging device 106 capable of switching between a plurality of observation modes is, for example, "a configuration including a filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength band and does not transmit light of other wavelength bands, and a moving mechanism that selectively positions the filter on the optical path." Examples of the specific wavelength band that the filter according to this embodiment transmits include a near-infrared wavelength band (e.g., a wavelength band of about 0.7 [micrometers] to 2.5 [micrometers]), a fluorescent wavelength band in fluorescent observation using 5-ALA (e.g., a wavelength band of about 0.6 [micrometers] to 0.65 [micrometers]), and a fluorescent wavelength band of ICG (Indocyanine Green) (e.g., a wavelength band of about 0.82 [micrometers] to 0.85 [micrometers]).

[0084] Note that the imaging device 106 may be provided with a plurality of filters that transmit different wavelength bands. In addition, in the above example, a filter is disposed on the optical path to capture an image with light of a specific wavelength band, but it goes without saying that the configuration of the imaging device 106 for capturing an image with light of a specific wavelength band is not limited to the above example.

[0085] Furthermore, the medical support device according to this embodiment may have a hardware configuration according to the application example.

[0086] Next, the medical support device 100 shown in Fig. 1 will be described using functional blocks. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical support device 100 according to this embodiment, showing an example of the functional blocks of the medical support device 100 that functions as an electronic imaging type medical observation device.

[0087] The medical support device 100 includes, for example, an arm unit 152, an imaging unit 154, a communication unit 156, and a control unit 158.

[0088] The arm section 152 is constituted by the arm 104 and supports the imaging device 106 that constitutes the imaging section 154 .

[0089] The imaging section 154 is configured with the imaging device 106, and captures an image of an observation target. The imaging in the imaging section 154 is controlled by, for example, the control section 158.

[0090] The communication unit 156 is a communication means provided in the medical support device 100, and serves to communicate wirelessly or wired with an external device such as a display device. The communication unit 156 is configured, for example, with the above-mentioned communication device (not shown). The communication in the communication unit 156 is controlled, for example, by the control unit 158.

[0091] The control unit 158 ​​is composed of, for example, the above-mentioned processor (not shown), and serves to control the entire medical support device 100. The control unit 158 ​​also plays a leading role in carrying out processing related to a control method described below. Note that the processing related to the control method in the control unit 158 ​​may be distributed and carried out by multiple processing circuits (for example, multiple processors, etc.).

[0092] More specifically, the control unit 158 ​​has, for example, an imaging control unit 160, an arm control unit 162, and a display control unit 164.

[0093] The imaging control unit 160 controls the imaging device 106 constituting the imaging unit 154. Examples of the control of the imaging device 106 include control of one or more functions generally provided in an electronic imaging microscope unit, such as control of an AF function including at least a zoom function (optical zoom function and electronic zoom function).

[0094] The arm control unit 162 serves to perform processing related to a control method described below, and controls the operation of the arm 104 constituting the arm unit 152. The arm control unit 162 controls the operation of the arm 104, for example, by "applying control signals for controlling the drive to at least three or more joints provided with actuators (not shown)." An example of the processing related to the control method according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0095] The display control unit 164 controls the display on the display device, for example, by transmitting a display control signal and an image signal to a communication device (not shown) constituting the communication unit 156 and causing the display control signal and the image signal to be transmitted to the display device. Note that the control of communication in the communication unit 156 may be performed by a communication control unit (not shown) constituting the control unit 158.

[0096] The control unit 158 ​​plays a leading role in carrying out the processing related to the control method according to this embodiment by, for example, having an arm control unit 162. In addition, the control unit 158 ​​plays a role in controlling the entire medical holding device 100 that functions as an electronic imaging type medical observation device by, for example, having an imaging control unit 160, an arm control unit 162, and a display control unit 164.

[0097] The functional configuration of the control unit 158 ​​is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0098] For example, the control unit 158 ​​can have any configuration according to how the functions of the medical holding device 100 are divided, such as a configuration according to how the processes related to the control method of this embodiment are divided.

[0099] The medical support device 100, for example, with the configuration shown in FIG. 2, performs processing related to a control method according to this embodiment, which will be described later.

[0100] The functional configuration of the medical support device according to this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

[0101] For example, the medical holding device of this embodiment can have some or all of the imaging control unit 160, arm control unit 162, and display control unit 164 shown in Figure 2 separately from the control unit 158 ​​(for example, realized by a separate processing circuit).

[0102] Furthermore, the functional configuration for realizing the processing related to the control method of this embodiment in the medical holding device of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. For example, the medical holding device of this embodiment can have a functional configuration according to how the processing related to the control method of this embodiment is divided.

[0103] In addition, for example, when communication with an external device is performed via an external communication device having the same function and configuration as the communication unit 156, the medical support device according to this embodiment does not need to be equipped with the communication unit 156.

[0104] In addition, the medical holding device according to the present embodiment may have a functional configuration according to the application example. For example, when the medical holding device according to the present embodiment is an optical medical observation device or an endoscope holder, the medical holding device according to the present embodiment may not include the imaging unit 154 and the imaging control unit 160 shown in FIG. 2.

[0105] [2] Control method according to this embodiment Next, the control method according to the present embodiment will be described. In the following, a case where the medical support device 100 (more specifically, the arm control unit 162 of the control unit 158 ​​constituting the medical support device 100) performs the process related to the control method according to the present embodiment will be described as an example.

[0106] [2-1] Overview of the control method according to this embodiment As described above, if the amount of operating force required "when an operator moves a medical device supported by an arm" (hereinafter simply referred to as "operating force amount") varies significantly depending on the posture of the arm, this may lead to fatigue of the operator when operating the device.

[0107] The amount of operating force is determined by the amount of force of each rotation axis of the arm and which of the rotation axes of the arm moves. The amount of force of each rotation axis of the arm is expressed, for example, by the following formula 1. Moreover, the amount of operating force is expressed, for example, by the following formula 2. In what follows, the "inertia force from the tip of the arm to the rotation axis" shown in formula 1 below will simply be referred to as the "inertia force to the rotation axis."

[0108] Amount of operating force for each rotation axis = {Rotational weight at the rotation axis corresponding to the joint + Inertial force (total weight) from the tip of the arm (the side where the medical device is supported) to the rotation axis in question} x Linear distance from the operating position to the rotation axis in question (Equation 1)

[0109] Total operating force = Total operating force of the rotating shafts that move in conjunction with the operation (Equation 2)

[0110] Here, the rotation axes of the arm that move according to the operation of the operator are determined by the posture of the arm and the direction in which the operator moves the medical device. In the medical support device, the number of rotation axes that move in conjunction with the operation varies depending on how the operator moves the medical device, so the operating force is not constant but uneven.

[0111] However, in the existing medical support devices, no consideration is given to making the operating force uniform, and it is not possible to make the operating force uniform. Therefore, an operator who uses the existing medical support devices may feel fatigued when operating them.

[0112] Hereinafter, cases where the operating force amount is different in a medical support device will be described by taking the configuration of the medical support device 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 as an example.

[0113] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first case in which the operating force amount is different in the medical support device. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B respectively show an example of a case in which the rotation axis moving in conjunction with the operation is the rotation axis O2, O3. "M1", "M2", and "M3" shown in Fig. 3 respectively indicate the movement when the operator moves the imaging device 106 supported by the arm 104.

[0114] For example, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M1 in Fig. 3, only the rotation axis O2 rotates. Therefore, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M1 in Fig. 3, the "force of the rotation axis O2 + inertia force up to the rotation axis O2" is the weight when the operator operates it, that is, the operating force, according to the above formula 1 and formula 2.

[0115] Also, for example, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M2 in Fig. 3, only the rotation axis O3 rotates. Therefore, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M2 in Fig. 3, the operation force amount is "the force amount of the rotation axis O3 + the inertial force up to the rotation axis O3" according to the above formula 1 and formula 2.

[0116] Here, when only the rotation axis O2 rotates or when only the rotation axis O3 rotates, it is possible to design the arm 104 so that the force of the rotation axis O2 and the force of the rotation axis O3 are the same.

[0117] However, for example, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M3 in Fig. 3, both the rotation axis O2 and the rotation axis O3 rotate. Therefore, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown in M3 in Fig. 3, the operation force amount is "the force amount of the rotation axis O2 + the force amount of the rotation axis O3 + the inertial force up to the rotation axis O3" according to the above formula 1 and formula 2.

[0118] Here, when moving the imaging device 106 as shown by M3 in FIG. 3, a force about the rotation axis O2 and a force about the rotation axis O3 are applied, and it is physically impossible to match the movement and force when only one of the rotation axes O2 and O3 rotates.

[0119] Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second case in which the operating force amount is different in the medical support device. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show an example of the case in which "when the posture of the arm 104 is different, the rotation axes that move in conjunction with the operation are rotation axes O4 and O5". "P1" and "P2" shown in Fig. 4 are vector representations of the magnitude of the operating force amount.

[0120] Since the moment of inertia required for the rotation axis O4 to move is the same, the force represented by the vector p in FIG. 4 (the force on the imaging device 106 to generate the moment of inertia) is constant. However, as shown by P1 and P2 in FIG. 4, when the posture of the arm 104 is different, the amount of operating force required to generate the force represented by the vector p is different. That is, as shown by P1 and P2 in FIG. 4, even if the imaging device 106 is moved from the same height to the same direction, the amount of operating force differs depending on the posture of the arm 104. In the example in FIG. 4, even when the imaging device 106 is moved in the same manner, a larger force is required when the arm 104 is in the posture shown in B in FIG. 4 than when the arm 104 is in the posture shown in A in FIG. 4.

[0121] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a third case in which the operating force amount is different in the medical support device. Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B, and Fig. 5C show an example of the case in which "when the posture of the arm 104 is different, the rotation axis that moves in conjunction with the operation is the rotation axis O3". "d1" and "d2" shown in Fig. 5 indicate the distance between the rotation axis O3 and the operation position of the imaging device 106.

[0122] From the above formulas 1 and 2, when the distance between the rotation axis O3 and the operation position of the imaging device 106 is different, the amount of operation force is different.

[0123] As shown in the cases illustrated with reference to Figures 3 to 5, there are various cases in which the operating force amount differs in the medical support device. It goes without saying that the cases in which the operating force amount differs in the medical support device are not limited to the cases illustrated with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0124] Therefore, the medical holding device 100 controls the movement of the arm 104 so that the amount of operating force required when an operator moves the imaging device 106 (an example of a medical device; the same applies below) supported by the arm 104 is within a predetermined range.

[0125] Here, if the pitch between each rotation axis, i.e., the length of each link, is known, then if the angle of each rotation axis is known, then it is possible to specify the posture of the arm 104 at that time (or to estimate the posture of the arm 104). Note that the method of specifying the posture of the arm 104 (or the method of estimating the posture of the arm 104) is not limited to the example shown above, and the medical support device 100 may specify the posture of the arm 104 by any method capable of specifying the posture of the arm 104.

[0126] In addition, the direction in which the operator wants to move the imaging device 106 can be determined based on the rotation angle of the rotation axis detected by angle sensors (not shown) provided at at least three or more joints of the arm 104.

[0127] Therefore, from the above formula 1 and formula 2, it is possible to calculate the amount of operating force required when the operator moves the imaging device 106.

[0128] The medical support device 100 controls the assisting force of each of the actuators (not shown) provided at at least three or more joints of the arm 104 so that the operating force amount falls within a predetermined range. By controlling the assisting force of each of the actuators (not shown) so that the operating force amount falls within a predetermined range, the operating force amount is adjusted by the assisting force, and as a result, the operating force amount can be made uniform.

[0129] More specifically, the medical support device 100 controls the assist force of each actuator (not shown) so that the amount of operating force falls within an allowable range including a set value, for example.

[0130] An example of an acceptable range that includes a set value is a range in which the lower limit is "set value - set value x X [%]" (X is an integer equal to or greater than 0) and the upper limit is "set value + set value x Y [%]" (Y is an integer equal to or greater than 0). In other words, the specified range according to this embodiment is defined by, for example, a set value, a lower limit, and an upper limit. The acceptable range according to this embodiment may include the upper limit and the lower limit, or may not include one or both of the upper limit and the lower limit.

[0131] The upper limit value and the lower limit value are each set to a fixed value according to the control accuracy of the control method at any stage, such as the design stage or initial setting stage of the medical support device 100. As an example, when higher control accuracy is required, the values ​​of X and Y are set to, for example, 20[%] or less. As another example, in order to reduce the user's fatigue and improve operability, it is desirable to set the values ​​of X and Y to, for example, 40[%] or less. It goes without saying that the examples of the upper limit value and the lower limit value that define the allowable range according to this embodiment are not limited to the examples shown above.

[0132] The upper limit value and the lower limit value are not limited to fixed values. For example, the upper limit value and the lower limit value may be changed manually based on the operation of an operator or the like, similar to the setting values ​​described later, or may be changed automatically according to the operation of the medical device supported by the arm 104.

[0133] It goes without saying that the upper limit value and the lower limit value are not limited to being defined as percentages as in the above example.

[0134] The larger the set value, the greater the operating force required to move the imaging device 106, and thus, for example, is suitable for applications in which the imaging device 106 is moved by small increments. On the other hand, the smaller the set value, the smaller the operating force required to move the imaging device 106, and thus, for example, is suitable for applications in which the imaging device 106 is moved by large increments.

[0135] Here, the set value according to the present embodiment may be a fixed value that is set in advance.

[0136] The set value according to the present embodiment may be a variable value that can be changed. For example, the set value may be changed manually based on an operation by an operator or may be automatically changed according to the operation of the medical device supported by the arm 104.

[0137] Examples of cases where the setting value is manually changed based on an operation include a case where the setting value is set by the surgeon selecting a preferred setting value (an example where the setting value is directly set), and a case where the surgeon selects a procedure and a setting value corresponding to the procedure is set (an example where the setting value is indirect Examples of such rules include those that are set automatically.

[0138] Examples of cases in which the setting value is automatically changed according to the operation of the medical device include a case in which a setting value corresponding to the zoom / focus value of the imaging device 106 is set in conjunction with the zoom / focus value, and a case in which a setting value is changed when the field of view of the imaging device 106 falls outside a predetermined range (for example, when the medical imaging image no longer includes the surgical site). For example, when the imaging device 106 is in a magnified vision state, the setting value is set to a large value, enabling an operation to move the imaging device 106 slightly. Also, for example, when the imaging device 106 is in a wide-angle vision state, the setting value is set to a small value, enabling an operation to move the imaging device 106 greatly with a smaller operating force. Also, for example, a larger setting value is set when the field of view of the imaging device 106 falls outside a predetermined range, thereby reducing visual field jumps during surgery.

[0139] For example, as described above, the medical holding device 100 controls the movement of the arm 104 so that the amount of operating force falls within a predetermined range, allowing the operator to move the imaging device 106 with a uniform force regardless of how the imaging device 106 is moved.

[0140] Therefore, the possibility that the operation will lead to fatigue of the operator is reduced, and the medical support device 100 can improve operability for the operator.

[0141] [2-2] Processing related to the control method according to this embodiment Next, the process related to the control method according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0142] As described above, the medical support device 100 equalizes the amount of operating force by controlling the assist force of each of the actuators (not shown) provided at three or more joints, for example, so that the amount of operating force becomes a set value.

[0143] For example, when actuators (not shown) are provided in the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c (the above first arrangement example), the rotation axes O1, O2, and O3 corresponding to the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively, are rotation axes related to the tilting movement of the imaging device 106. Also, the links 112a, 112b, and 112c connected to the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively, function as horizontal arms in the arm 104. When the rotation axes related to the tilting movement of the imaging device 106 rotate, the object to be moved is small, and therefore the moment of inertia is small.

[0144] Therefore, when actuators (not shown) are provided at the joints 110a, 110b, 110c (the first arrangement example described above), the medical support device 100 controls the assist force of each actuator (not shown) so that the amount of operating force is greater than when no control is performed.

[0145] That is, when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c (the above-mentioned first arrangement example), the set value is set to a value larger than the amount of operating force required when no control is performed. As a specific example of the set value, when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c (the above-mentioned first arrangement example), the set value is set to match the amount of operating force required when rotating the rotation axes O4, O5, and O6 corresponding to the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f, respectively. It goes without saying that the examples of the set value when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c (the above-mentioned first arrangement example) are not limited to the examples shown above.

[0146] Also, for example, when actuators (not shown) are provided at the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f (the second arrangement example above), the rotation axes O4, O5, and O6 corresponding to the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f, respectively, serve to move the position of the horizontal arm by a large amount. When the rotation axis for moving the position of the horizontal arm by a large amount rotates, the moment of inertia becomes large because the object to be moved is large.

[0147] Therefore, when actuators (not shown) are provided at the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f (the second arrangement example described above), the medical support device 100 controls the assist force of each actuator (not shown) so that the amount of operating force is smaller than when no control is performed.

[0148] That is, when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f (the second arrangement example), the set value is set to a value smaller than the amount of operating force required when no control is performed. As a specific example of the set value, when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f (the second arrangement example), the set value is set to match the amount of operating force required when rotating the rotation axes O1, O2, and O3 corresponding to the joints 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively. It goes without saying that the example of the set value when the actuator (not shown) is provided at the joints 110d, 110e, and 110f (the second arrangement example) is not limited to the example shown above.

[0149] For example, when actuators (not shown) are provided at the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f (the third arrangement example described above), the assist force of each actuator (not shown) is controlled so that the operating force amount falls within a predetermined range even when any of the rotation axes O1, O2, O3, O4, O5, and O6 corresponding to the joints 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, and 110f, respectively, rotates.

[0150] Hereinafter, the rotation axis O shown in FIG. 3 will be referred to as "the rotation axis O that moves in conjunction with the operation." 2 , O 3 This paper gives an example of a case where implementation An example of processing related to the control method according to the embodiment will be described. In any case, including other cases exemplified with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, it is possible to obtain the assist force of each actuator (not shown) in the same manner as the example of processing related to the control method exemplified below.

[0151] Figure 6 shows the implementation 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a process related to a control method according to the embodiment. "P" shown in Fig. 6 indicates the center position of the imaging device 106, and the center position corresponds to the operation position of the imaging device 106. "L1" shown in Fig. 6 indicates the rotation axis O 2 and the operation position of the imaging device 106, and "L2" shown in FIG. 3 and the operation position of the imaging device 106. "K" in Fig. 6 is a vector representation of the magnitude of the operation force. "a" in Fig. 6 indicates the angle corresponding to the operation direction.

[0152] The amount of operating force K is a value corresponding to an allowable range including a set value, and does not depend on the value of the angle a. In addition, when the components of the amount of operating force K in the example shown in FIG. 6 are decomposed, the rotation axis O is expressed as shown in the following formula 3. 3 The component that rotates the axis of rotation O 2 and a component that rotates the actuator ("K×cos a"). Here, the following formula 3 is a force component formula, and the value of the operating force amount K is a value corresponding to the set value and is known.

[0153]

number

[0154] Also, the rotation axis O 3 The component that rotates is expressed by the following formula 4. "T2" in the following formula 4 is the rotation axis O 3 The moment of rotation O is the rotational axis O. 3 An actuator (not shown) is provided on the rotation axis O 3 In other words, the following formula 4 is the moment formula.

[0155]

number

[0156] Also, the rotation axis O2 The component that rotates is expressed by the following formula 5. "T1" in the following formula 5 is the rotation axis O 2 The moment of rotation O is the rotational axis O. 2 An actuator (not shown) is provided on the rotation axis O 2 In other words, the following formula 5 is the moment formula.

[0157]

number

[0158] The above formula 4 and the above formula 5 are expressed as the formula 3 Substituting into, the rotation axis O 2 and the auxiliary force t1 of the actuator (not shown) provided on the rotation axis O 3 The relationship between the auxiliary force t2 of the actuator (not shown) provided in the actuator is expressed by the following formula 6.

[0159]

number

[0160] Here, the value of the operating force K is a known value corresponding to an allowable range including a set value. Therefore, the medical support device 100 is configured to adjust the rotation axis O so that the operating force K falls within a predetermined range according to the above formula 6. 2 and the auxiliary force t1 of the actuator (not shown) provided on the rotation axis O 3 The assist force t2 of the actuator (not shown) provided on the support member 1 can be obtained.

[0161] The medical support device 100 has a rotation axis O 2 Rotation axis O 2 The actuator (not shown) provided on the rotation axis O is operated to apply the obtained assist force t2 to the rotation axis O. 3 Rotation axis O 3The actuators (not shown) provided in the support members 102 and 103 are operated. As described above, the medical support device 100 controls the assist force of each actuator (not shown), and the operating force amount is adjusted to be within a predetermined range, so that the operator can operate the device with a substantially uniform operating force in any direction.

[0162] Therefore, the medical support device 100 can improve the operability for the operator.

[0163] [3] An example of the effect achieved by using the medical support device according to this embodiment By using the medical support device according to this embodiment, for example, the following effects can be achieved. It goes without saying that the effects achieved by using the medical support device according to this embodiment are not limited to the examples shown below. Since it is possible to make the amount of operating force required by the operator substantially uniform, fatigue from operation can be reduced. By linking the operation force of the medical device supported by the arm with the operation of the medical device, such as by setting a setting value linked to the zoom / focus value of the imaging device 106, the operation force can be dynamically changed according to the operation of the medical device. The amount of operating force can be manually adjusted according to the surgeon's preference and technique. When the field of view of the imaging device 106 goes outside a predetermined range, the operating force is increased, thereby reducing field of view jumps during surgery. Even when actuators (not shown) are arranged at some of the joints that make up the arm, as in the first and second arrangement examples described above, approximately the same effect can be achieved as when actuators (not shown) are arranged at all of the joints.

[0164] (Program related to this embodiment) A program (e.g., a program capable of executing processing related to the control method of this embodiment) for causing a computer system to function as a medical support device of this embodiment (or a control device of this embodiment) can be executed by a processor or the like in the computer system, thereby improving operability for the operator. Here, the computer system of this embodiment can be a single computer or multiple computers. A series of processing related to the control method of this embodiment is performed by the computer system of this embodiment.

[0165] Furthermore, by executing a program for causing a computer system to function as a medical holding device according to this embodiment (or a control device according to this embodiment) by a processor or the like in the computer system, the effect achieved by the display realized by the processing related to the control method according to the present embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0166] Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or amended examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0167] For example, while it has been shown above that a program (computer program) is provided for causing a computer system to function as a medical support device according to this embodiment, this embodiment can also provide a recording medium on which the above program is stored.

[0168] The above-described configuration shows one example of this embodiment, and naturally falls within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0169] In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above effects.

[0170] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) an arm configured by connecting a plurality of links to each other through joints, having at least six degrees of freedom by rotational movement about a rotation axis, and functioning as a balance arm by a counterweight to support the medical device; An arm control unit that controls the operation of the arm; Equipped with At least three or more of the joints of the arm are provided with an angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of the rotation shaft, and an actuator that applies an assist force to the joints to assist the rotation operation, The arm control unit of the medical support device controls the assist force of each of the actuators based on the detection results of each of the angle sensors so that the amount of operating force required by an operator to move the medical equipment supported by the arm is within a predetermined range. (2) The medical support device described in (1), wherein the arm control unit controls the assist force of each of the actuators so that the operating force amount is within an allowable range including a set value. (3) The medical support device described in (1) or (2), wherein the joint portion at which the angle sensor and the actuator are provided in the arm are three joint portions corresponding to the first rotation axis, the second rotation axis, and the third rotation axis, counting from the side of the arm where the medical device is supported. (4) The medical support device according to (3), wherein the arm control unit controls the assist force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force is greater than when no control is performed. (5) The medical support device described in (1) or (2), wherein the joint portion at which the angle sensor and the actuator are provided in the arm are three joint portions corresponding to a first rotation axis, a second rotation axis, and a third rotation axis counting from the side opposite to the side on the arm where the medical device is supported. (6) The medical support device according to (5), wherein the arm control unit controls the assist force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force is smaller than when no control is performed. (7) The medical support device according to (1) or (2), wherein the joints in the arm in which the angle sensor and the actuator are provided are all of the joints. (8) The medical support device according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising the medical device supported by the arm. (9) The medical holding device according to (8), wherein the medical equipment is an imaging device that images an object to be observed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 100 Medical support device 102 Base 104 Arm 106 Imaging Device 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f joints 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, 112e, 112f Links 114 Counterweight 152 Arm section 154 Imaging unit 156 Communications Department 158 Control Unit 160 Imaging control section 162 Arm control section 164 Display control section

Claims

1. an arm configured by connecting a plurality of links to each other through joints, having at least six degrees of freedom by rotational movement about a rotation axis, and functioning as a balance arm by a counterweight, supporting an imaging device that images an object to be observed; An arm control unit that controls the operation of the arm; Equipped with At least three of the joints of the arm are provided with an angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of the rotation shaft, and an actuator that applies an assist force to the joints to assist the rotation operation, the joints at which the angle sensors and the actuators are provided in the arm are three joints corresponding to a first rotation axis, a second rotation axis, and a third rotation axis, counting from a side of the arm where the imaging device is supported, The arm control unit controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators based on the detection results of each of the angle sensors so that the amount of operating force required by an operator to move the imaging device supported by the arm is within a predetermined range, and further controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force is set to a value greater than the amount of operating force required when no control is performed, and also controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force during operation increases in conjunction with the field of view of the imaging device moving out of a predetermined range.

2. an arm configured by connecting a plurality of links to each other through joints, having at least six degrees of freedom by rotational movement about a rotation axis, and functioning as a balance arm by a counterweight, supporting an imaging device that images an object to be observed; An arm control unit that controls the operation of the arm; Equipped with At least three of the joints of the arm are provided with an angle sensor that detects a rotation angle of the rotation shaft, and an actuator that applies an assist force to the joints to assist the rotation operation, the joints at which the angle sensors and the actuators are provided in the arm are three joints corresponding to a first rotation axis, a second rotation axis, and a third rotation axis, counting from the side opposite to the side at which the imaging device is supported in the arm, The arm control unit controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators based on the detection results of each of the angle sensors so that the amount of operating force required by an operator to move the imaging device supported by the arm is within a predetermined range, and further controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force is set to a value smaller than the amount of operating force required when no control is performed, and also controls the auxiliary force of each of the actuators so that the amount of operating force during operation increases in conjunction with the field of view of the imaging device moving out of a predetermined range.

3. The medical support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arm control unit controls the assist force of each of the actuators so that the operating force amount is within an allowable range including a set value.

4. The medical support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the imaging device supported by the arm.

Images