Imaging Optical Unit Temperature Stabilization for Focal Plane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature fluctuations in medical visualization systems, particularly those used in robotics systems for neurosurgery, cause thermal drifts that affect the focal plane and zoom level, leading to image quality degradation and inaccuracies in stereoscopic imaging.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system with stabilization control loops actively adjusts the focusing and zoom optical units based on temperature changes detected by sensors, using hysteresis to minimize unnecessary adjustments and maintain image stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are installed in the imaging optical unit, then the system functionality is improved, but temperature increases due to electrical power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the optical units (zoom and focusing) in response to temperature changes. The control unit adjusts the optical system state based on temperature sensor readings, compensating for thermal drift effects and maintaining stable imaging performance despite temperature variations caused by electronic components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature changes occur during operation, then the system adapts to varying operating conditions, but the focal plane position changes significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the imaging optical unit, and the control unit adjusts the focusing and zoom optical units based on this feedback. This closed-loop control compensates for thermal drift and maintains stable focal plane position despite temperature variations during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameters of the optical system (focal length, zoom level) in response to temperature changes. The control unit calculates and applies compensating adjustments to the optical units to counteract thermal expansion and refraction changes, thereby maintaining precise focal plane positioning.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the optical system state is adjusted frequently to compensate for temperature changes, then image stability is improved, but image wobbling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or threshold-based adjustment rather than continuous adjustment. The control unit monitors temperature changes and applies corrections only when necessary, using hysteresis control to avoid excessive adjustments. This periodic action maintains image stability while preventing the wobbling effects associated with continuous micro-adjustments.
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 system effectively stabilizes the optical system state, ensuring high-quality image recording and preventing image wobbling, allowing surgeons to concentrate on the operation without manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature detector, which is configured for the direct sensorial measurement and/or indirect non-sensorial registration of at least one current temperature change of a detection temperature within at least one detection area
Implementation Method 2
temperature changes of 10° C. and more can occur for different reasons (varying electrical waste heat, changes of the temperature within the operating room, etc.), which in the worst case can result in a change of the focal plane of multiple centimetres
Implementation Method 3
The change of the temperature not only has an effect here on a change of the index of refraction of the respective lens material
Data Source
AI summary
For improved operation of a visualization system (1), which includes an imaging optical unit (2) having an adjustable zoom optical unit (3) and a likewise adjustable focusing optical unit (4), it is provided that with the aid of at least one temperature detector (27), at least one detection temperature (12) is registered inside the imaging optical unit (2), either directly sensorially and/or indirectly (for example via an estimation) and that with the aid of a stabilization system (9), which includes one or more stabilization control loops (10), the focusing optical unit (4) and/or the zoom optical unit (3) is actively adjusted as soon as a temperature threshold value (18) is exceeded with respect to a currently registered temperature change (11) of this detection temperature (12).