Dual FOV Surgical Microscope Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical microscopes often require surgeons to switch between different imaging systems to achieve dual fields of view, which can be time-consuming and challenging in the limited space of an operating theater, making it difficult to obtain both zoomed-in and contextual views simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dual zoom and dual field-of-view surgical imaging system with two optical assemblies and cameras, controlled by a processor that allows for independent or coupled adjustment of the optics and axes, enabling simultaneous capture and display of high magnification and wide field views, as well as 3D imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If surgeons use single-channel imaging systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide stereoscopic video images and multiple fields of view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical assemblies (stereoscopic and single-channel) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. This merging allows the system to provide both stereoscopic 3D views and wide-field 2D views simultaneously, eliminating the need for surgeons to switch between separate imaging systems while maintaining adaptability across different surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated surgical imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in stereoscopic mode for depth-critical procedures, in wide-field mode for contextual overview, and in dual-field mode to display both views simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple specialized imaging devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons switch between different microscopes to achieve dual fields of view, then the viewing versatility is improved, but the time consumption and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical assemblies into one system, the patent eliminates the need for physical switching between separate microscopes. The controller enables instantaneous switching between different viewing modes (stereoscopic, wide-field, dual-field) and allows simultaneous display of multiple fields of view on separate displays, saving valuable surgical time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts between different operational modes based on surgical needs. The controller can switch between coupled configuration (where optical assemblies work together) and uncoupled configuration (where they operate independently), allowing flexible adaptation without equipment changes.
3Measurement precision
If surgeons use zoomed-in views for detailed work, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of contextual information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the information display by simultaneously presenting two different fields of view on separate displays. One display shows the zoomed-in detailed view for precision work, while the other shows the wide-field contextual view, allowing surgeons to access both levels of detail without switching views or losing context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the detailed zoomed-in view and the wide-field contextual view into a single integrated system that can display both simultaneously. This combining of views ensures that surgeons maintain awareness of the broader surgical context even when focused on detailed microscopic work.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical imaging system is described. The system includes first and second optical assemblies. Each optical assembly defines a respective optical axis, and each includes a respective set of one or more optics for adjusting field-of-view (FOV) and focus and a respective camera for capturing an image. The system includes a controller for controlling the optical assemblies and for switching the surgical imaging system between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the first optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics and/or the respective optical axes in dependence on each other. In the uncoupled configuration, the optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics, and the respective optical axes independently of each other.