Infrared Illumination for Unobtrusive Medical Simulator Recording

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical simulators lack effective means to provide clear visibility and recording of internal cavity procedures, leading to inadequate feedback for trainees and potential development of improper techniques, as existing solutions like transparent sections or external cameras do not replicate real-life conditions effectively.

Innovation Solution

The method involves illuminating the internal cavity with infrared light outside the visible spectrum and using external video cameras positioned to capture the internal cavity without obstructing the user, with recordings synchronized with simulator data for comprehensive review.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If transparent sections or external cameras are used to view internal cavity, then visibility of internal cavity procedures is improved, but realism of the simulation and unobtrusiveness are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of internal cavityVSAvoidcompromising realism

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visible mechanical camera systems with an infrared imaging system. The infrared camera captures thermal energy rather than visible light, allowing visualization of internal cavity procedures without the obtrusiveness of visible cameras. This substitution maintains realism by using invisible infrared technology instead of obvious visible recording devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes infrared radiation, which is outside the visible spectrum, to illuminate and capture images of the internal cavity. By operating in the infrared spectrum rather than visible light, the system achieves visibility of internal structures while remaining invisible to the human eye, thus preserving the realism and unobtrusiveness of the simulation environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If external video cameras are positioned to capture internal cavity, then recording capability is improved, but user obstruction and device complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording of internal cavity proceduresVSAvoiduser obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional visible light video cameras with an infrared camera system. The infrared camera can be positioned to capture internal cavity procedures without obstructing the user's view, as infrared radiation penetrates or reflects differently than visible light. This allows recording functionality to be integrated without compromising the user's access or visibility during procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If infrared light is used for illumination and recording, then realism and unobtrusiveness are improved, but measurement precision and detection difficulty are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverealism and unobtrusivenessVSAvoiddetection of internal cavity structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an infrared camera specifically designed to detect infrared radiation from internal cavity structures. The camera captures thermal energy patterns that provide sufficient measurement precision for training purposes, while the infrared wavelength range maintains realism and unobtrusiveness. The detection system is optimized for infrared wavelengths to overcome the inherent challenges of infrared imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach provides unobtrusive and realistic video recording of internal cavity procedures, integrating with simulator data for objective feedback, enhancing training quality without compromising realism.

Implementation Method 1

illuminating the internal cavity with light outside of the visible spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9495885B2Method and apparatus for illumination and recording of internal cavity of medical simulator and integrating simulation data

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 PORT INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for illuminating and recording an internal cavity of a medical simulator and integrating simulator data is disclosed. An apparatus for illuminating and recording an internal cavity of a medical simulator and integrating simulator data comprising: at least one light source configured for illuminating the internal cavity with light outside of the visible spectrum during an operator session, at least one video camera having a field of vision including at least part of the internal cavity for video recording an operator session; and a synchronizing system receiving and storing the at least one video recording of the at least one video camera and the at least one data output of the medical simulator.