Head-Mounted Video System With Remote Power And Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video systems for capturing medical and surgical procedures from a surgeon's point-of-view are limited by camera positioning, battery life, recording duration, and the inability to provide live, wireless video output, restricting their effectiveness in educational and operational settings.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted video system utilizing modified sports/action cameras with articulating mounts, remote power, and wireless video transmission, allowing continuous recording and live monitoring, with a portable HD monitor for the wearer and external recording capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current action cameras are used for point-of-view video capture, then portability and ease of use are improved, but battery life and recording duration are insufficient for extended surgical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power supply into separate components: a removable battery pack that can be detached and replaced independently from the camera unit. This allows the camera to be quickly swapped while keeping the main body stationary, effectively extending operational duration without complicating the camera design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters by using a high-capacity external battery pack with increased mAh rating compared to standard camera batteries. This external power source provides sufficient energy for extended surgical procedures while maintaining the camera's portability and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If cameras are mounted in lights or positioned over surgeon's shoulder, then setup simplicity is improved, but the ability to capture true point-of-view video is compromised due to blocked views and incorrect angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed mounting positions (shoulder or light mount) to a flexible head-mounted configuration that moves with the surgeon's head. This dimensional change allows the camera to maintain true point-of-view alignment throughout the procedure, capturing the exact surgical field the surgeon is viewing without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system incorporates adjustable and flexible positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the camera angle and position. This enables the camera to adapt to different surgical positions and maintain accurate point-of-view capture throughout the procedure, rather than being fixed in a single static position.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If tethered head-worn cameras are used, then continuous power supply is improved, but surgeon's mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the power supply function from the camera unit itself and places it in a separate, removable battery pack. This allows the camera to operate independently without being tethered to a fixed power source, providing both continuous power during use and complete mobility when the battery pack is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable battery pack design enables the system to be self-sufficient with extended internal power capacity. The high-capacity battery provides sufficient operation time for entire surgical procedures without external power connections, allowing the surgeon to move freely while the camera operates autonomously.
4Manufacturing precision
If professional camera crews are used, then video quality is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modern high-definition action cameras that replicate the video quality capabilities of professional broadcast equipment at a fraction of the cost. These consumer-grade cameras now provide sufficient resolution and image quality for medical education and documentation purposes, eliminating the need for expensive professional camera crews while maintaining adequate video standards.
5Measurement precision
If action cameras are mounted to head-worn apparatus, then true point-of-view capture is improved, but secure mounting and lens positioning at eye level cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a secure head-worn apparatus framework and an independently adjustable camera mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned and secured at the precise eye-level position needed for accurate point-of-view capture, while the head-worn framework provides the secure structural foundation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a portable video camera; a head-worn apparatus; a mount for attaching the portable video camera to the head-worn apparatus, centering the lens of said action camera in the center of the wearer's field of vision; the mount permitting the portable video camera to rotate at least upward and downward; an attachable component to stop audio recording of said camera; a remote battery for powering the portable video camera; a remote video recorder connected wirelessly to the video camera via video transmitter and receiver pair; a remote monitor connected to the portable video camera wirelessly or via wire, and said remote monitor configured to output a live image being captured by the portable video camera. The head-worn apparatus may be a surgical head mount, arthroplasty helmet, surgical light headgear, hood, etc.