Endoscopic 3D Grid Overlay for Depth Perception and Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D endoscopic views in minimally-invasive surgery struggle with depth perception, particularly under varying lighting conditions and textures, leading to uncertainty in object distances and potential tool collisions, especially on two-dimensional displays.
Innovation Solution
A system that renders 3D gridlines or meshes over endoscopic images, enhancing depth perception by providing geometric references of surgical tool positions relative to patient anatomy, using three-dimensional reconstruction and computer vision techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard endoscopic views are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but depth perception is poor and distance judgment is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by projecting 3D spatial information (gridlines and geometric references) onto the 2D endoscopic display. This overlay adds depth cues and distance measurements to the flat image, transforming the visual information from two-dimensional to three-dimensional representation without requiring a physically complex 3D display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes endoscopic images and generates enhanced visual overlays. This intermediary system includes image processing algorithms that detect anatomical structures and superimpose geometric references, acting as a mediator between the raw endoscopic view and the surgeon's depth perception needs.
2Measurement precision
If graphical overlays are added to enhance depth perception, then depth perception improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the gridline overlays and geometric references based on anticipated surgical movements. The system establishes the spatial reference framework before critical surgical actions occur, allowing real-time updates with minimal processing overhead during actual surgical maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by implementing real-time continuous updating of the graphical overlays as the endoscope moves. Rather than intermittent processing, the system continuously tracks anatomical structures and refreshes the depth enhancement graphics, ensuring uninterrupted depth perception throughout the surgical procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
A series of images is obtained from an endoscope. Three-dimensional reconstruction is performed on the series of images to reconstruct anatomy shown in the series of images. A graphic, such as a grid, is rendered based on the three-dimensional reconstruction, over the series of images resulting in an enhanced endoscopic video feed to be shown on a display.