Head-Mounted Display for Medical Imaging Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems for intubation procedures pose challenges due to limited screen size and misalignment of the practitioner's line of sight with the patient and the image, leading to reduced success rates and increased risk of injury during emergency procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system comprising a head-mounted display that aligns the image and patient along the same direction line, using a controller to convert image resolutions from medical equipment to ensure clear, high-resolution images are displayed directly in the practitioner's field of view, reducing the need to shift gaze between tools and external screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screens are disposed on handheld intubation equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but image size and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external display device as an intermediary between the intubation equipment and the practitioner's eyes. The image pickup device captures images from the patient's airway, and these images are transmitted to an external display device (such as a monitor or smartphone) that provides high-resolution visualization. This mediator allows the practitioner to maintain hand-eye coordination while accessing high-quality images without requiring a large screen on the handheld device itself.
2Measurement precision
If external screens are used, then image resolution is improved, but hand-eye coordination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the external display device in the practitioner's peripheral vision or line of sight while they perform intubation. The display device can be mounted on the intubation tool handle or positioned nearby, allowing the practitioner to view high-resolution images without moving their head or eyes away from the patient's airway. This dimensional arrangement maintains hand-eye coordination while providing excellent image quality.
3Area of stationary object
If screen size is increased, then image display quality is improved, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional components: a compact image pickup device that can be attached to the intubation tool, and a separate external display device that provides large-screen visualization. The image pickup device remains portable and lightweight for handheld operation, while the display function is offloaded to an external device that can provide large screen size without compromising the portability of the intubation equipment.
4Measurement precision
If practitioners focus on external screens during intubation, then image visibility is improved, but concentration and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the external display device in advance within the practitioner's field of view or peripheral vision before the intubation procedure begins. The display is pre-configured to show real-time images from the airway, allowing the practitioner to maintain continuous awareness of image quality without needing to shift focus. This preliminary arrangement ensures that image visibility is maintained while the practitioner's concentration remains on the intubation procedure and patient safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical imaging equipment and a medical imaging method are provided. The medical imaging equipment includes medical equipment, a controller, and a head-mounted display. The medical equipment is configured to investigate a body portion and output a first image signal corresponding to the body portion. The first image signal has a first resolution. The controller is coupled to the medical equipment to receive the first image signal and convert the first resolution of the first image signal to a second image signal having a second resolution. The head-mounted display is coupled to the controller to display a display image of the second image signal. The head-mounted display has a direction line. When the head-mounted display faces the body portion, the display image and the body portion are located along to the direction line.