Hand-Based Controller for Robotic Surgery Viewpoint Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic surgical systems face inefficiencies during procedures due to the need for surgeons to remove their hands from tool controls to adjust the image capturing device's viewpoint, causing discontinuities and delays.
Innovation Solution
A hand-based controller with an attachment member and interface allows clinicians to redirect the image capturing device's viewpoint without removing their hands from tool controls, using a joystick or touch-sensitive surface for pan, rotation, and zoom functions, potentially integrated into a glove or attached to the hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgeon removes their hand from tool controls to adjust the image capturing device, then the viewpoint can be adjusted, but the procedure experiences discontinuity and delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of the image capturing device with the surgical tool control by integrating a controller into the tool handle. This allows the surgeon to adjust the viewpoint while maintaining hand placement on the tool controls, eliminating the need to remove hands from controls and thus preventing procedure discontinuity and delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary device that enables viewpoint adjustment without requiring direct manual manipulation of the image capturing device. By incorporating control mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, or joysticks) into the tool handle, the system mediates between the surgeon's hand position and the image capturing device control, allowing simultaneous operation of both tools and imaging functions.
2Ease of operation
If the surgeon requests an assistant to manipulate the image capturing device, then the viewpoint can be adjusted, but the procedure experiences delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by equipping the surgical tool handle with integrated controls that allow the surgeon to independently adjust the viewpoint without requiring assistance from an assistant. The controller provides autonomous control capability directly to the surgeon, eliminating the need for assistant intervention and associated delays.
3Measurement precision
If a separate controller is used for the image capturing device, then control precision can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a completely separate controller, the patent merges the control functions into the tool handle assembly. This integration maintains control precision for the image capturing device while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for additional standalone controllers and their associated wiring and spatial arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes an attachment member and an interface. The attachment member is configured to secure the controller to a hand of a clinician. The interface includes a first controller that is configured to operate an imaging device of a surgical system. The controller can secure about a finger of a clinician and be engagable by a thumb of the same hand of the clinician. Alternatively, the controller can be disposed in a palm of a hand of a clinician and engaged by a finger of the hand.