Head-Mounted Camera Alignment for Sterile Field of View Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera and lighting systems for surgical and non-surgical applications require manual alignment with the user's field of view, which is inconvenient and may not ensure accurate alignment, especially in sterile environments where direct contact is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted camera system with a motorized gimbal and high-resolution image sensor that uses software or hardware to align the camera's field of view with the user's ocular line of sight, either through gestural commands or by sensing illuminated areas, allowing digital or optical zooming and panning to focus on the desired area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment is used to align the camera with the user's field of view, then the alignment can be performed, but it is inconvenient and may not ensure accurate alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-alignment by detecting the user's field of view and automatically adjusting its own position and orientation to match, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring accurate alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with an automated optical/electronic system that uses field of view detection and motorized adjustment mechanisms to achieve alignment automatically
2Ease of operation
If the surgeon touches the camera for alignment, then the alignment can be performed, but it contaminates the sterile field
Solution Approach 1:
The camera aligns itself automatically by detecting the field of view and adjusting its own position, eliminating the need for the surgeon to physically touch or manipulate the camera, thus preventing sterile field contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the detected field of view as an intermediary to guide the alignment process, allowing the camera to position itself relative to the surgical site without direct contact from the surgeon
3Measurement precision
If cameras are mounted on surgical lights or mobile systems, then the camera can capture the surgical field, but the video quality is insufficient due to distance
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted camera system automatically positions itself at the optimal distance from the surgical field by being worn on the surgeon's head, eliminating the need for manual positioning and ensuring consistently high video quality
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is moved from fixed external mounting positions (on lights or mobile arms) to a new dimensional position on the surgeon's head, placing it in close proximity to the surgical field and eliminating distance-related quality issues
4Ease of operation
If manual alignment is required, then someone must perform the alignment, but there is no guarantee of proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects the field of view and uses this feedback to automatically adjust and maintain proper alignment, ensuring reliable and consistent positioning without dependence on manual skill
Solution Approach 2:
The subjective manual alignment process is replaced with an objective automated system that uses field of view detection and motorized adjustment to guarantee proper alignment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for aligning the field of view of a user with the field of view of a camera mounted on the user's head may include providing at least one head-mounted camera module that includes at least one sensor that in turn includes an image sensor, where the said image sensor outputs video of an area; receiving a first input from a user to expect a second input relating to the field of view; receiving the second input relating to the field of view; and aligning the field of view of the user with the field of view of the camera.