3D Endoscope Structured Light Scanning for Surgical Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monocular and binocular optical devices used in minimally invasive surgeries provide limited depth information, leading to inefficient motion and potential perforation of critical anatomical structures during procedures, as they lack accurate depth perception.
Innovation Solution
A 3D endoscope system coupled with a computing device that generates and updates 3D models of surgical sites by using scan data and image data to detect changes, isolate regions of change, and update the 3D model, allowing for accurate visualization and navigation during surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If monocular optical devices are used for viewing surgical fields, then the device complexity is reduced, but the depth of field and distance information are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D monocular images into 3D representations by introducing a depth dimension through structured light scanning. The scanner projects light patterns and the camera captures the deformed patterns, enabling calculation of depth information and generation of accurate 3D models of surgical sites, thus resolving the depth information deficiency without requiring complex binocular optics
2Measurement precision
If binocular optical devices are used to provide depth of field, then distance information is improved, but the accuracy is limited by parallax and optical path overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical binocular system with a structured light scanning system. Instead of using two optical paths with parallax, the system uses a single camera combined with a scanner that projects known light patterns. The depth is calculated by analyzing the deformation of these patterns, providing more accurate measurements without the limitations of optical path separation
3Reliability
If surgeons advance surgical tools until contact with features is achieved, then anatomical structure identification is possible, but motion efficiency decreases and perforation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously generating updated 3D models of the surgical site and comparing them with the pre-operative reference model. This allows surgeons to see anatomical structures and tool positions with accurate depth information before contact is made, enabling precise navigation and eliminating the need for trial-and-error advancement that reduces efficiency and increases perforation risk
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for generating a 3D model of a surgical site includes a 3D endoscope and a computing device coupled to the 3D endoscope. The 3D endoscope includes a scanner for scanning a surface of a surgical site and a camera source for generating images of the surgical site. A 3D model of the surgical site, including objects therein, is generated using scan data and image data. The 3D model is updated by detecting a change in the surgical site, isolating a region of the surgical site where the change is detected, generating second scan data by scanning the surface of the isolated region, and updating the 3D model generated using the second scan data of the surface of the isolated region.