Digital Stereo Microscope for Hand-Eye Collocation in Microsurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical stereo vision systems for microsurgery face limitations such as narrow field of view, operator fatigue due to hand-eye discolocation, and difficulty in achieving high resolution and magnification without compromising depth perception, which restricts the ability of surgeons to perform complex microsurgical manipulations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A digital stereo microscope system with a display unit positioned over the operating site, featuring an optical system and image acquisition system for capturing and processing high-resolution images, which are then displayed on a flat-panel stereoscopic display to provide a magnified and augmented live stereo view, allowing hand-eye collocation and collaborative manipulation while enabling continuous zoom and tilt without moving the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnification is increased using conventional optical microscopes, then the ability to view fine surgical details is improved, but the field of view and depth of field decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital cameras to capture optical images and creates digital copies that can be displayed on screens. This allows the surgical field to be captured at high magnification and then displayed without the optical constraints, effectively decoupling magnification from field of view limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from purely optical viewing to a hybrid optical-digital system where images are captured in one dimension (optical path) and then displayed in another dimension (digital screen), allowing independent control of magnification and field of view through digital processing
2Measurement precision
If additional optical elements are added to increase magnification, then the viewing resolution is improved, but the system size increases and brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical magnification systems with digital magnification. Instead of adding more optical elements to the microscope, digital cameras capture the image and software performs the magnification, eliminating the need for complex optical trains and reducing system size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single digital platform that can perform capture, magnification, display, and collaboration functions, replacing the need for multiple specialized optical components and allowing one system to serve multiple surgical viewing needs
3Measurement precision
If conventional binocular microscopes are used, then stereo vision is provided, but operator fatigue increases due to hand-eye dislocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the surgical field that can be displayed on screens positioned to align with the surgical instruments. This allows the surgeon to view the magnified stereo image on the screen while keeping hands in the natural surgical position, eliminating hand-eye dislocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital display system as an intermediary between the surgical field and the surgeon's eyes. This intermediary allows the stereo image to be presented in a location that maintains hand-eye coordination while preserving depth perception through digital stereo display techniques
4Measurement precision
If optical microscopes with fixed oculars are used, then stereo viewing is enabled, but the field of view is limited and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed optical oculars with dynamic digital displays that can change field of view, magnification, and positioning electronically. This allows the field of view to be adjusted dynamically without changing physical optical components, enabling flexible adaptation to different surgical needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the field of view control from the optical dimension to the digital dimension, where field of view adjustments are made through software rather than physical lens changes, allowing independent manipulation of display parameters
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 enhances surgical precision and reduces operator fatigue by providing a large field of view with continuous zoom and tilt capabilities, allowing multiple surgeons to collaborate effectively and improving ergonomics during long surgeries, while also supporting real-time measurements and training through recorded surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system and an image acquisition system located in part on a second side of the display unit providing image capture and data capture of the area of interest
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens for collecting the light from the subject
Implementation Method 3
The pair of oculars provides views having the required parallax to the right and left eye. SLMs provide instant stereo view for depth perception to the human visual system
Data Source
AI summary
Surgical stereo vision systems and methods for microsurgery are described that enable hand-eye collocation, high resolution, and a large field of view. A digital stereo microscope apparatus, an operating system with a digital stereo microscope, and a method are described using a display unit located over an area of interest such that a human operator places hands, tools, or a combination thereof in the area of interest and views a magnified and augmented live stereo view of the area interest with eyes of the human operator substantially collocated with the hands of the human operator.