Robotized Laparoscopic Surgery With Real-Time Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotized laparoscopic surgery systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate virtual and physical realities in real-time surgical environments, posing challenges for precise and safe surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A robotized laparoscopic surgical system with augmented reality that superimposes complementary images on real-time surgical scenes, using algorithms to align and preprocess images from different reference axes, allowing for efficient and rapid integration of virtual reality assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If virtual reality is integrated into robotized laparoscopic surgery systems, then surgical precision and safety are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges virtual reality imaging systems with robotized laparoscopic surgery systems by integrating image acquisition devices, processing units, and display systems into a unified surgical platform. This combination enables real-time overlay of virtual anatomical models onto actual surgical fields, improving precision while managing complexity through integrated architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms and coordinate transformation systems as intermediaries that bridge the physical surgical environment and virtual reality representations. These intermediaries process and align images from different reference frames, enabling accurate superposition without requiring direct complex integration between all system components
2Reliability
If real-time image processing is implemented for augmented reality overlays, then surgical safety is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of medical images to create virtual anatomical models and pre-align coordinate systems before surgery begins. This advance preparation reduces the computational burden during real-time surgery, allowing rapid overlay generation that maintains safety without excessive processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes and displays only the critical portions of anatomical structures that are relevant to the current surgical step, rather than rendering complete three-dimensional models. This selective processing reduces computational requirements and time while maintaining sufficient safety information for surgical decision-making
3Loss of information
If multiple image types are superimposed from different reference axes, then information completeness is improved, but alignment accuracy becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coordinate transformation algorithms and reference frame alignment systems that act as intermediaries between images acquired from different reference axes. These intermediaries mathematically transform images into a common coordinate system, enabling accurate superposition of multiple image types while preserving complete anatomical information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment procedures with automated computational methods for image registration. Software-based coordinate transformation and feature-matching algorithms automatically align multiple image types from different reference frames, achieving superior alignment accuracy compared to mechanical or manual adjustment methods
4Ease of operation
If visual aids are provided without modifying conventional procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the augmented reality system into independent modular components including image acquisition devices, processing units, display systems, and control interfaces. This modular segmentation allows integration of visual aids into conventional surgical procedures without requiring comprehensive system redesign, maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity through standardized interfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotized laparoscopic surgical system with augmented reality comprising a laparoscopic camera for acquiring, in real time, an image of a first type; and a control unit for receiving the image of the first type and superimposing it over an image of a second type. The control unit, prior to the superposition, carries out a preprocessing of the two types of images, comprising: obtaining a series of discrete points in the images; defining a number of reference triangles using the series of discrete points obtained; and calculating a spatial position and orientation of the reference triangles by applying, to a center of gravity of the triangle, in a direction, a vector that is proportional to the area of the triangle; and projecting the reference triangles of the image of the second type following a Z axis of the camera coordinates and projecting back the obtained image on a two-dimensional plane.