Adjustable Digital Camera Bracket for Laparoscopic Trainer

Solution Overview

Problem

Current videoendoscopic surgical training systems lack portability and affordability, and existing trainers fail to provide a realistic simulation of the two-dimensional image recognition and instrument manipulation skills required for endoscopic procedures, as they often rely on expensive and non-portable conventional cameras.

Innovation Solution

A low-cost, portable surgical trainer equipped with a digital camera that can be positioned to simulate various viewing angles, allowing for realistic video feed of a practice volume, enabling trainees to practice endoscopic skills with elongate medical tools while viewing on a monitor, and allowing for movement of the camera to mimic laparoscope or endoscope adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional videoendoscopic cameras are used in training systems, then image quality and realism are improved, but portability and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of video feedVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a digital camera to capture images that are then displayed on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the surgical field rather than using a conventional videoendoscopic camera. This copying approach allows the training system to maintain realism while using lighter, more portable equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber-based video transmission system with a digital imaging and display system. Instead of using optical fibers to transmit images from the surgical field to an external monitor, the system uses a digital camera to capture images and display them electronically, eliminating the need for bulky optical fiber equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional videoendoscopic cameras are used in training systems, then image quality and realism are improved, but portability and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism of video feedVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a digital camera to capture images that are then displayed on a monitor, creating a visual copy of the surgical field rather than using a conventional videoendoscopic camera. This copying approach allows the training system to maintain realism while using lighter, more portable equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber-based video transmission system with a digital imaging and display system. Instead of using optical fibers to transmit images from the surgical field to an external monitor, the system uses a digital camera to capture images and display them electronically, eliminating the need for bulky optical fiber equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If fixed camera position is used in trainer, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different viewing angles is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera positioning systemVSAvoidviewing angle simulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable camera mounting system that allows the camera to be repositioned to different locations and orientations within the training device. This dynamic positioning capability enables the simulation of various viewing angles and perspectives, allowing trainees to practice with different camera positions as they would in actual surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The camera mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple viewing angles and positions, making the training device versatile for different surgical scenarios. The same camera can be repositioned to simulate various endoscopic views, eliminating the need for multiple fixed cameras for different angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8007281B2Laparoscopic and endoscopic trainer including a digital camera with multiple camera angles

Publication Date: 2011.08.30 TOLY CHRISTOPHER C

AI summary

A videoendoscopic surgery training system includes a housing defining a practice volume in which a simulated anatomical structure is disposed. Surgical instruments can be inserted into the practice volume to access the anatomical structure. A digital video camera is disposed within the housing to image the anatomical structure on a display. The position of the digital video camera is supported within the practice volume by a camera bracket that enables a position of the video camera relative to the bracket to be selectively changed, thereby changing a viewing angle achieved by the video camera. In one embodiment the camera bracket is coupled to a boom, a proximal end of which extends outside the housing to enable additional positioning of the digital video camera by user adjustment of the proximal end of the boom. The housing preferably includes a light source configured to illuminate the anatomical structure.