Image Orientation Unit for Endoscopic Camera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic systems face challenges in maintaining accurate image orientation during manipulation, leading to disorientation of the vertical direction, which can result in surgical errors, and are often incompatible with standard camera heads and rigid endoscopes with off-axis view vectors.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly that connects a scope to a standard camera head, utilizing a rotation sensor, accelerometer, and processor to calculate and adjust image orientation relative to gravity, with a rotatable optical element and actuator to level images, and optionally includes a visual indicator for the vertical direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera faithfully records the view with its own upright axis displayed as the upright axis of the image, then the camera system is simple and compatible with standard equipment, but the image orientation becomes disoriented when the scope is manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image orientation unit between the scope and camera head that includes a rotatable optical element (dove prism) to rotate the image by a calculated angle. This intermediary component allows the camera to maintain its simple faithful recording function while the optical element corrects the orientation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity/compatibility and orientation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical gravity-leveling systems with electronic sensors (accelerometer and rotation sensor) that detect the scope's orientation and calculate the required image rotation angle. This substitution maintains compatibility with standard camera heads while achieving accurate image orientation through electronic control rather than mechanical adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If an integrated camera endoscope with processor and rotation sensor is used to level images electronically, then image orientation accuracy is improved, but the system becomes incompatible with traditional endoscopes and requires purchasing a complete integrated system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image leveling function into separate modular components: an image orientation unit with rotatable optical element that can be coupled to traditional endoscopes and camera heads. This segmentation allows the leveling functionality to be added to existing systems without requiring a complete integrated system, maintaining compatibility while achieving accurate image orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The image orientation unit is designed as a universal interface that can couple traditional endoscopes with standard camera heads, making the image leveling capability compatible with existing equipment rather than requiring proprietary integrated systems. The unit serves multiple functions: optical image rotation, sensor integration, and interface adaptation.
3Device complexity
If a pendulum-based gravity leveler is used to find upright camera position, then the system is simple in concept, but it becomes unresponsive near horizontal positions and requires specialty camera heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pendulum-based mechanical gravity leveler with electronic sensors (accelerometer and rotation sensor) that provide consistent response in all orientations including horizontal positions. This substitution eliminates the fundamental limitation of pendulum systems while maintaining the simplicity of automatic orientation correction through electronic processing.
4Ease of operation
If the scope is manipulated freely during surgery, then the surgeon has operational flexibility, but the image rotates and the surgeon loses track of the vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where accelerometers and rotation sensors continuously monitor the scope's orientation, the processor calculates the required image rotation angle based on this feedback, and the rotatable optical element adjusts the image orientation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback allows free manipulation while maintaining accurate vertical direction indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image orientation dynamic by continuously adjusting the rotatable optical element's angle based on real-time sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt to any scope position or orientation during manipulation. This dynamic adjustment maintains image leveling flexibility throughout the procedure.
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
The solution provides accurate, compact, and flexible image orientation that is compatible with standard endoscopic systems, including those with off-axis view vectors, reducing the risk of surgical errors by ensuring correct anatomical orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer arranged in the image orientation unit for monitoring the rotation of the unit and generating a second signal therefor
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly at least partly arranged in the unit for transmitting images therethrough, the optical assembly having at least one rotatable optical element that rotates the optical images
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly for a scope and an image sensor housing is disclosed generally comprising an image orientation unit having first and second coupling sections for coupling the unit to a scope and an image sensor housing, such as a camera head, an optical assembly with a rotatable optical element for rotating the images, a rotation sensor for monitoring rotation of the optical element, an accelerometer for monitoring rotation of the unit, and a processor for receiving signals from the rotation sensor and the accelerometer and calculating the orientation of the images relative to the direction of gravity. In certain embodiments, the processor causes an actuator to rotate the optical element to level the images. In some embodiments, the processor activates a visual indicator, such as a diode, to indicate the direction of vertical.