Imaging View Restoration After Repositionable Arm Transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

When imaging devices are moved between repositionable arms and/or workspace ports, the captured image changes, reducing usability and causing delays in medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A computer-assisted device and method that records kinematic and imaging information before movement, detects the movement, determines a desired position and orientation based on this information, and moves the imaging device accordingly to restore the original view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging device is moved between different repositionable arms and/or workspace ports to facilitate flexible use, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the captured image changes which reduces usability and causes procedural delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of device repositioningVSAvoidusability of captured images

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by recording the desired position and orientation of the imaging device before it is moved to a new arm or port. This pre-recorded reference information is stored and later used to automatically restore the original view after the move, preventing the usability degradation that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the imaging device and comparing it against the recorded reference position. When a move is detected, the system automatically calculates and executes the necessary adjustments to restore the original view, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains image usability despite device repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging device is moved between different repositionable arms and/or workspace ports, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but procedural delays occur due to the need to restore the view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of device repositioningVSAvoidprocedural delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by recording the desired position and orientation of the imaging device before it is moved to a new arm or port. This pre-recorded reference information is stored and later used to automatically restore the original view after the move, preventing the usability degradation that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the imaging device has been moved and autonomously restoring the original view without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon or support staff. This automation eliminates the time loss that would otherwise be required for manual view restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual restoration of the imaging device view is performed after movement, then the usability of images is maintained, but the device complexity and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability of captured imagesVSAvoidcomplexity of view restoration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the imaging device and comparing it against the recorded reference position. When a move is detected, the system automatically calculates and executes the necessary adjustments to restore the original view, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains image usability despite device repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the imaging device with an automated control system. The controller uses recorded positional data and automated actuation to restore the view, substituting the complex manual mechanical operations with a simpler automated control process that reduces both operational complexity and time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4137033B1System and method for view restoration

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

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AI summary

A system and method of view restoration include a computer-assisted device having an imaging device and a controller coupled to the imaging device. The controller is configured to record kinematic information, imaging information, or both the kinematic information and the imaging information before movement of the imaging device from a first repositionable arm to a second repositionable arm or from a first workspace port to a second workspace port; detect the movement of the imaging device from the first repositionable arm to the second repositionable arm or from the first workspace port to the second workspace port; determine, in response to the detection, a desired position and orientation of the imaging device based on the recorded kinematic information, the recorded imaging information, or both the recorded kinematic information and the recorded imaging information; and move the imaging device based on the desired position and orientation.