3D Surgical Imaging Fusion for Accurate Intra-Operative Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging systems, particularly in laparoscopic and colonoscopy procedures, lack the capability for accurate intra-operative measurements, three-dimensional data, and real-time mapping, which hinders precise surgical interventions and polyp detection, limiting the effectiveness of minimally-invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical scanning and mapping system that integrates optical hardware systems with high-resolution cameras and image reconstruction software to provide three-dimensional imaging, modeling, and control capabilities, enabling precise measurements and real-time data for surgical guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light systems are used for surgical imaging, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision and three-dimensional data capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated surgical imaging system: visible light cameras for standard imaging, infrared cameras for thermal and depth information, structured light projectors for 3D mapping, and time-of-flight sensors for distance measurement. This merging of multiple sensing modalities into a single coordinated system enables precise intra-operative measurements while maintaining operational simplicity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visible light imaging to three-dimensional spatial mapping by incorporating infrared depth cameras, structured light projection, and time-of-flight sensing. This dimensional enhancement provides accurate depth information and volumetric data, enabling precise measurement of surgical sites, organ surfaces, and instrument positions in three-dimensional space.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visible light systems only see forward, then the device complexity is low, but the detection capability for side details and polyps is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric multi-camera arrangements around the endoscope, with visible light cameras positioned for forward viewing and additional infrared and wide-angle cameras positioned laterally to detect polyps and anatomical features on the sides of the colon. This asymmetric configuration ensures comprehensive coverage of the colonic lumen while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed with multi-functional capabilities: visible light cameras provide standard endoscopic imaging, infrared cameras detect thermal signatures and depth information, structured light projectors create 3D maps, and time-of-flight sensors measure distances. This universal system performs multiple functions including polyp detection, anatomical mapping, depth measurement, and thermal monitoring, significantly enhancing detection capability beyond simple forward viewing.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional mapping and modeling capabilities are added, then the surgical guidance precision is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex 3D mapping function into separate specialized modules: infrared depth cameras capture distance information, structured light projectors encode spatial patterns, time-of-flight sensors measure flight times of light pulses, and visible light cameras provide texture mapping. Each module performs a specific sub-function, and their outputs are integrated to create comprehensive three-dimensional models. This segmentation reduces individual component complexity while achieving high overall mapping precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces software-based image reconstruction systems and processing algorithms as intermediaries that fuse data from multiple sensors (visible light, infrared, structured light, time-of-flight). These intermediary processing layers integrate the raw data from various components, perform coordinate transformations, and generate unified three-dimensional models, thereby managing system complexity through intelligent data fusion rather than requiring complex hardware integration.
4Productivity
If autonomous and semi-autonomous systems are developed, then the surgical procedure efficiency is improved, but the measurement precision and environmental data requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where the multi-modal sensing system continuously monitors the surgical environment, polyps, instruments, and tissue surfaces. The captured data from visible light, infrared, and depth sensors is processed to provide immediate feedback to the surgeon through augmented reality displays and automated analysis. This real-time feedback enables autonomous and semi-autonomous control of surgical instruments, improving procedural efficiency while maintaining high measurement precision through continuous environmental data acquisition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the precision of surgical procedures by providing real-time, three-dimensional data for accurate measurements and polyp detection, supporting autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, and improving the success rate of minimally-invasive surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
The camera may be a time-of-flight camera configured to capture images of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
an optical source configured to illuminate tissue within a surgical or endoscopic environment
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging, modeling, mapping, and/or control capabilities in compact size suitable for integration with and/or augmentation of robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgical systems. The systems including a camera configured to obtain image data representative of a visible light image of a surgical site and a depth sensor separate from the camera to obtain depth data representative of a depth map of the surgical site. An image reconstruction system is configured to generate a three-dimensional image of the surgical site based on the image data and depth data.