Laparoscopic Camera Arm Control for Stable Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing endoscopic surgical apparatus has limitations in imaging range, restricting the ability to capture desired images during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A medical information processing apparatus that includes an image control section to process captured images and an arm control section to move the camera-supporting arm, allowing for dynamic control of the camera's position and zoom based on control information, enabling various imaging scenarios desired by the operator or surgeon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cropping position of the captured image is controlled, then the display focus is improved, but the imaging range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the camera arm position based on detected treatment tool motion. When the treatment tool moves beyond the current imaging range, the system automatically adjusts the camera arm position to track the tool, transitioning from a static cropping approach to a dynamic repositioning approach that maintains both focus and extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera arm acts as an intermediary between the fixed camera and the moving treatment tool. By controlling the arm's motion in response to tool position changes, the system mediates between the need for focused display and the need for wide imaging range, allowing the camera to physically reposition itself to maintain optimal viewing angles.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the camera position is fixed, then the system stability is improved, but the ability to capture desired images is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed camera configuration to a dynamically adjustable camera arm that can reposition itself based on treatment tool motion. This allows the system to maintain stability during normal operation while adapting its imaging capabilities when the treatment tool moves to new positions within the surgical field.
3Device complexity
If only image cropping is used for tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging range remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds dynamic arm position control to the existing image cropping mechanism. The system first attempts to track the treatment tool through image cropping, and when the tool moves beyond the cropable range, it activates arm repositioning. This layered approach maintains relative simplicity while significantly extending the effective imaging range.
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] A surgical apparatus of the related art controls only the cropping position of a captured image, and thus only executes a limited range of image control in laparoscopic surgery.[Solution] A medical information processing apparatus including: an image control section that controls processing of a captured image from a camera; and an arm control section that controls a motion of an arm that supports the camera. One of the image control section and the arm control section executes control on a basis of control information from another control section.