Infrared Tool Marking for Real-Time Endoscopic Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopes face challenges in identifying surgical tools during minimally invasive and robotic surgeries due to obstructions by tissue or other instruments, necessitating improved imaging technology when electrical or wireless communication is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an infrared (IR) marking on surgical tools, combined with real-time image recognition, to capture and classify tools in endoscopy images, generating augmented views with bounding boxes and tags for accurate tool identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrical or wireless communication infrastructure is used for tool identification, then real-time tool identification can be achieved, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool identification accuracyVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical copying (imaging) of IR markings on surgical tools instead of electrical communication. The markings are captured via imaging device and processed to identify tool types, replacing the need for complex electrical or wireless communication infrastructure while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electrical/wireless communication systems with an optical imaging and processing system. The mechanical/optical path of light from IR markings through the imaging device substitutes for electronic signal transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional endoscopic imaging is used, then the surgical site can be visualized, but the view can be obstructed by tissue or other instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual feedback clarityVSAvoidtool identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing specific IR markings on particular parts of surgical tools (such as handles or shafts) that are likely to remain visible. These localized markings ensure that tool identification information is available even when other parts of the surgical field are obstructed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses composite optical information by combining visible light imaging for surgical visualization with infrared imaging for tool identification. The imaging device captures both visible and IR spectra, creating a composite information set that provides both surgical view and tool identification simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If IR markings are added to surgical tools, then tool identification accuracy improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool classification accuracyVSAvoidtool manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by varying the IR marking characteristics (patterns, densities, configurations) to encode different tool type information. These markings can be applied as simple surface treatments or printed patterns that change optical parameters in the IR spectrum, enabling high-precision identification without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables real-time, accurate identification and tracking of surgical tools in endoscopy images, enhancing surgical procedures by providing clear visual feedback without obstructive interference.

Implementation Method 1

The imaging device is configured to acquire images from the surgical operative site. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform real-time image recognition on the image to detect the IR marking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The light source is further configured to produce a visible band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12611086B2Systems and methods for machine readable identification of surgical tools in-situ

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A method for object detection in endoscopy images includes capturing an image of an object, by an imaging device, the image including a first light and/or a second light radiating from the object. The object includes an infrared (IR) marking. The method further includes accessing the image, performing real time image recognition on the image to detect the IR marking, performing real time image recognition on the image to detect the object and classify the object, based on the IR marking, generating an augmented image based on removing the IR marking from the image, and displaying the augmented image on a display.