Illuminated Input Handles for Robotic Surgery Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems lack effective visual feedback mechanisms for surgeons interfacing with user interfaces during minimally invasive procedures, which can lead to reduced precision and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an input device with illuminable features and a processing unit that provides visual feedback through light patterns and colors based on the state and type of surgical instruments attached to robotic arms, allowing for real-time indication of instrument status and system conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If visual feedback mechanisms are added to robotic surgical systems, then surgical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using different colored lights (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate different instrument states and system conditions. The illuminable features change color based on the detected state, providing intuitive visual feedback to the surgeon without requiring complex display interfaces or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light illumination (presence, color, pattern) based on the state of the surgical instrument and robotic system. The processing unit detects instrument states and modifies the illumination parameters accordingly, providing feedback through simple optical changes rather than complex mechanical or electronic interfaces.
2Loss of information
If multiple illuminable features are used to indicate different states, then information feedback is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual feedback system into multiple independent illuminable features (first illuminable feature, second illuminable feature, third illuminable feature) that can be controlled independently. Each feature can indicate different aspects of the system state (e.g., instrument attached, instrument type, instrument status), allowing rich information communication through simple optical elements rather than complex displays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances surgical precision and reduces complexity by providing immediate visual cues to the surgeon about instrument states and system conditions, improving the overall efficiency and safety of robotic surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The input device includes a body, at least one light source, and a plurality of control interfaces. The at least one light source is configured to selectively illuminate each of the plurality of control interfaces independent of one another.
Data Source
AI summary
An input device for a robotic surgical system includes a body, a light source, and control interfaces. The body is configured to couple to a user interface. The control interfaces are each associated with a function of the robot system. The light source is configured to selectively illuminate each of the control interfaces independent of one another.