Instrument-Tip GUI Control for Maintaining Surgical Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments require surgeons to divert their attention from the surgical site to operate graphical user interfaces, which can disrupt the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allows surgeons to operate graphical user interfaces using an instrument tip, with a motion-coupled pointer symbol, enabling menu navigation and control without leaving the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgeon operates the graphical user interface by moving the instrument tip to the edge of the screen, then the menu can be controlled, but the surgeon must divert attention from the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to GUI control by implementing time-based activation. The menu is activated when the instrument tip remains stationary in a detection area for a predetermined time period, and control is achieved through temporal patterns (continuous holding vs. intermittent release). This transforms spatial navigation into temporal interaction, allowing surgeons to control the GUI through time-based gestures rather than moving the instrument tip to screen edges.
2Ease of operation
If the instrument tip is moved to operate the menu, then the graphical user interface can be controlled, but the instrument tip leaves the center of the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection area that acts as a mediator between the surgical site and the GUI. This virtual detection area, projected onto the surgical field view, allows the instrument tip to remain at the surgical site while its stationary position triggers menu activation and control. The detection area serves as an intermediate zone that translates spatial positioning into temporal control signals without requiring physical movement to separate control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the detection area overlaying the surgical site visualization. This virtual detection area mirrors the physical instrument tip's position and uses it to trigger GUI operations. The copy allows the system to interpret the stationary instrument tip's position and duration as control signals, enabling menu operation without actual movement of the instrument from the surgical site.
3Ease of operation
If the menu is displayed in the recorded image, then it can be operated with the instrument tip, but it may obscure the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making the menu semi-transparent rather than fully opaque. This allows the underlying surgical site to remain partially visible through the menu overlay, maintaining situational awareness while providing GUI access. The semi-transparent quality enables simultaneous visualization of both the surgical field and the control interface without complete occlusion of either.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
AI summary
The device (10) according to the invention has an image recording device (14) to which an image evaluation device (25) and, via the latter, an image reproduction device (18) are connected. The image processing device (25) is configured to overlay a menu (20) into the image of the image processing device (18). The overlaying of the menu (20) can be triggered by a suitable movement of the instrument (11). For example, an activation region (A) can be provided at the edge of the image, which is monitored by the image processing device (25) to determine whether the instrument tip (19) touches this region. If this is the case, a corresponding activation signal (a) characterizing this gesture can be generated and used to overlay the menu (20) into the image.Further movements of the instrument tip (19), in particular in a defined detection area (E), enable the control of a pointer (21) in the menu (20) and the selection of functions for controlling the device (15).