Flexible Tensioned Camera Apparatus for Maneuverable Stereoscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical microscopes are bulky and difficult to maneuver due to their weight and size, limiting their mobility in surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and tensioned camera apparatus with an electronic module system, including a camera head, articulating arm, and electronics module, that captures and processes stereoscopic image data for maneuverable visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional surgical microscope is used to achieve magnification and stereoscopic field of view, then the visualization quality is improved, but the device weight and size increase significantly making it difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical microscope is divided into separate functional modules: a compact camera head for image capture, an electronics module for processing, and an articulating arm for positioning. This segmentation allows the heavy processing components to be separated from the lightweight positioning mechanism, improving maneuverability while maintaining visualization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional optical microscope system is replaced with a digital camera-based system. The camera head captures images that are then processed digitally by the electronics module to create stereoscopic views, substituting heavy mechanical optical components with lighter electronic systems while achieving the same visualization function.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional surgical microscope is used to achieve magnification capabilities, then the field of view quality is improved, but the device becomes over six feet tall and disrupts the surgical environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a vertical, floor-standing microscope configuration to a horizontal articulating arm configuration that can be mounted on existing surgical equipment. This dimensional change reduces the vertical footprint from over six feet to a compact profile while maintaining the magnification and stereoscopic capabilities through digital processing.
3Measurement precision
If a bulky microscope system is used to ensure stable imaging, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm provides dynamic, multi-axis positioning capabilities that allow the camera head to be easily maneuvered to various angles and positions during surgery. This dynamic positioning system replaces the static, heavy microscope stand, improving ease of operation while maintaining imaging stability through active positioning control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for enabling maneuverable stereoscopic field of view, the apparatus including a camera head configured to capture image data, an electronics module including, at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor, wherein the memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive the image data from the camera head, process the image data, transmit stereoscopic video data. The apparatus further includes an articulating arm connecting the camera head to the electronics module.