AXR Visualization with Cobotic Arms for Ergonomic 3D Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical visualization systems impose ergonomic strains on surgeons due to limited digital 3D capabilities, cumbersome equipment, and reliance on polarized 3D glasses, which obstruct real-world vision and cause musculoskeletal disorders, and current augmented reality systems offer limited field-of-view and resolution with tethered, heavy, and uncomfortable designs.
Innovation Solution
An all-digital multi-option 3D viewing theatre (ADMO3DV) featuring an augmented/extended reality headset, a 3D digital viewport, an autostereoscopic monitor, and a 3D all-digital microscope, all mounted on cobotic arms, providing wireless or wired connectivity, and utilizing near-eye pupil-forming catadioptric optics for wide field-of-view and high resolution, along with sensors for ergonomic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polarized 3D glasses are used for surgery visualization, then 3D depth perception is improved, but real-world vision is obstructed and surgeon ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 3D visualization capability from the traditional polarized glass approach and integrates it directly into the surgeon's eyewear through augmented reality lenses. This allows the surgeon to see 3D surgical field information without wearing separate polarized glasses, eliminating the need to obstruct real-world vision while maintaining 3D depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, displays, and optical components that mediate between the surgical field and the surgeon's eyes. This intermediary augmented reality system provides 3D visualization by capturing the surgical field with cameras and presenting it through optical elements in the surgeon's eyewear, rather than relying on polarized glasses.
2Speed
If traditional optical microscopes are used for surgery, then real-time visualization is achieved, but digital 3D capabilities and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional optical microscopy with digital imaging and augmented reality technologies. The system combines real-time optical visualization with digital 3D rendering and overlay capabilities, creating a hybrid system that maintains the real-time performance of optical microscopes while adding enhanced digital 3D capabilities and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional visualization system that can operate in multiple modes: traditional optical microscopy, digital 3D visualization, augmented reality overlay, and hybrid combinations thereof. This universal system allows the surgeon to switch between different visualization modes depending on the surgical requirements, providing both real-time performance and enhanced digital capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If augmented reality headsets are used for surgery, then field-of-view and resolution are improved, but device weight and comfort deteriorate due to tethered designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy computational and power components from the headset itself and places them in external devices. The headset is designed to be lightweight and wireless, containing only the essential optical elements and sensors needed for augmented reality visualization, while the processing power and battery are located in external devices that do not burden the surgeon during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tether connection with wireless communication technology. Instead of using physical cables to connect the headset to external devices, the system employs wireless data transmission and power transfer, eliminating the mechanical burden and improving surgeon mobility and comfort during surgical procedures.
4Measurement precision
If multiple viewing ports are provided for surgery, then 3D surgery site information is improved, but equipment complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal augmented reality headset that can display multiple 3D viewing ports simultaneously within a single device. Instead of requiring multiple separate physical viewing ports and monitors, the system presents multiple 3D surgical field views through the augmented reality lenses, allowing the surgeon to access comprehensive 3D information from a single wearable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array of multiple physical monitors to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of virtual viewing ports within the augmented reality field. This dimensional change allows multiple viewing ports to be positioned in different spatial locations within the surgeon's visual field, providing comprehensive 3D surgery site information without the space requirements of multiple physical displays.
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 enables surgeons to view multiple 3D feeds comfortably and ergonomically, maintaining real-world awareness, reducing strain and enhancing surgical efficiency by offering untethered, lightweight, and high-resolution imaging with adjustable viewing options.
Implementation Method 1
an image relay, and a partially transmissive curved mirror to form a wide field-of-view, high resolution image
Implementation Method 2
near-eye pupil-forming catadioptric optics
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AXR) visualization system is described herein. The AXR visualization system includes an AXR headset to be worn by a user, a display monitor positioned in view of the user and a support arm system including a first support arm and a second support arm. The first and second support arms are orientated such that the display monitor is visible to the user between the first and second support arms. A 3D digital viewport coupled to the first support arm. A 3D digital microscope coupled to the second support arm. A computer system including a processor programmed to receive and process images from the 3D digital microscope and display the processed images on the 3D digital viewport, the AXR headset, and the display monitor.