Adaptive Lighting Array with Image-Based Control for Surgical Shadows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical theater illumination systems face challenges with dynamic positioning, shadows, and glare due to the movement of medical personnel and instruments, requiring adaptive lighting solutions that can adjust intensity, focus, and direction in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly with articulating head assemblies and imagers that capture image data to control light sources, using actuators to rotate lighting modules about multiple axes and a wearable device with a guidance system to direct light to the operator's gaze, ensuring shadow-free illumination and minimizing glare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fixed lighting positions are used, then installation is simple, but illumination quality deteriorates due to shadows and glare from moving personnel and instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lighting by enabling light sources to move and adjust their positions in real-time based on the surgical field requirements. The system transitions from fixed lighting to movable lighting units that can be repositioned dynamically, allowing the illumination to adapt to changing surgical conditions and maintain high illumination quality without creating shadows or glare from moving personnel and instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through cameras and sensors that monitor the surgical field and automatically adjust light source positions and intensities. This closed-loop control enables the lighting system to respond to changes in the surgical environment, such as the movement of personnel and instruments, and maintain optimal illumination quality without requiring manual intervention.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are added to improve illumination coverage, then illumination quality improves, but device complexity and glare increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lighting system into multiple independent, modular light sources that can be individually controlled and positioned. Each light source operates as a separate unit, allowing selective activation and positioning based on specific surgical needs. This segmentation enables comprehensive illumination coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design and independent control of each light source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning of light sources is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to moving personnel and instruments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from cameras and sensors to automatically track the surgical field and adjust light source positions in real-time. This automatic tracking capability allows the lighting system to adapt to moving personnel and instruments without requiring manual repositioning, significantly improving real-time adaptability while the automated control manages the complexity of continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs self-adjustment through automated control algorithms that process visual feedback and independently reposition light sources without human intervention. This self-service capability enables the system to automatically adapt to changing surgical conditions, tracking the surgical field and maintaining optimal illumination as personnel and instruments move throughout the procedure.
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
The system provides adaptive, shadow-free illumination and effective glare reduction, enhancing visibility and safety in surgical suites by dynamically adjusting light distribution based on real-time data from imagers and operator positioning.
Implementation Method 1
capturing image data in a field of view of at least one camera, the image data comprising reflected light from the plurality of emissions
Implementation Method 2
the guidance system includes a laser emitting visible and/or nonvisible light
Data Source
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AI summary
A light assembly is configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite. The assembly comprises a plurality of lighting modules comprising a plurality of light sources configured to emit light. The assembly further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data disposed in at least one of the lighting modules. An articulating head assembly is configured to support each of the lighting modules. The articulating head assembly comprises a plurality of actuators configured to rotate each of the lighting modules about a first axis and a second axis. The assembly further comprises a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data for at least one region of interest comprising at least one of a shaded region and a contaminated region.