Augmented Reality Ophthalmic Microscope Projection for Surgical Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic surgery is challenging due to the sensitivity of the eye and the need for precise surgical techniques, with existing imaging technologies providing limited visual information that can impact surgical accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality device communicatively coupled to an ophthalmic microscope, which projects a digital image onto an operator's eye while tracking gaze to transition an outer surface between transparent and opaque based on focus, allowing for touchless control of surgical equipment through virtual controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a surgical microscope provides magnified images of eye structures, then surgical precision is improved, but the visual information remains limited and less realistic compared to normal vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surgical microscope imaging system with an augmented reality display system. The microscope captures images of eye structures while the augmented reality display overlays additional visual information, anatomical references, and surgical guidance onto the surgeon's field of view. This combination provides both the magnified microscopic view and enhanced contextual information simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between surgical precision and visual information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality display acts as an intermediary between the surgical microscope and the surgeon's eyes. It receives image data from the microscope and processes it to generate enhanced visual overlays that appear superimposed on the surgical field. This intermediary system bridges the gap between raw microscopic images and the surgeon's need for comprehensive visual information, maintaining precision while enriching the visual experience.
2Ease of operation
If traditional surgical instruments are used in ophthalmic surgery, then surgical procedures can be performed, but sterilization requirements are stringent and control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of surgical instruments and controls within the augmented reality interface. Instead of physically manipulating complex sterile instruments, surgeons interact with holographic representations of surgical tools and controls displayed through the augmented reality system. These virtual controls allow precise manipulation of surgical parameters without requiring direct handling of sterile equipment, reducing the complexity of maintaining sterility while improving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical manipulation of surgical instruments with a virtual interface controlled through the augmented reality display. Surgical controls are transmitted wirelessly to the actual instruments, allowing surgeons to operate through a digital interface rather than direct mechanical contact. This substitution maintains surgical functionality while simplifying sterilization requirements and enhancing control precision through software-based interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If augmented reality displays are used to enhance visual information, then surgical precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality display system is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying anatomical structures, showing surgical guidance cues, presenting real-time imaging data, and providing instrument control interfaces. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated display system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for each function. The multi-functional nature of the display allows it to serve as both an imaging enhancement tool and a surgical control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the surgical microscope, image processing units, augmented reality display, and control interfaces into an integrated platform. Rather than having separate devices for imaging, display, and control, these components are combined and communicate through standardized interfaces. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be sterilized and managed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining surgical precision enhancement capabilities.
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 surgical precision by providing clear, 3D visual information and enabling precise control of surgical instruments without compromising sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to project a digital image into an eye of an operator
Implementation Method 2
transition the outer surface of the augmented reality device between at least partially transparent to opaque based on the received signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure provides a system including an augmented reality device communicatively coupled to an imaging system of an ophthalmic microscope. The augmented reality device may include a lens configured to project a digital image, a gaze control configured to detect a focus of an eye of an operator, and a dimming system communicatively coupled to the gaze control and the outer surface and including a processor that receives a digital image from the imaging system, projects the digital image on the lens, receives a signal from the gaze control regarding the focus of the eye of the operator, and transitions the outer surface of the augmented reality device between at least partially transparent to opaque based on the received signal. The disclosure further includes a method of performing ophthalmic surgery using an augmented reality device and a non-transitory computer readable medium able to perform augmented reality functions.