Master-Slave Control Device for Seamless Surgical Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing master-slave systems used in endoscopic surgery impose a significant burden on users due to the need to suspend remote control or use additional input devices to change operation magnification, offset, or image parameters.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that detects when the master apparatus has reached its movable range limit, allowing for automatic adjustment of operation magnification, offset, and image parameters without suspending remote control or requiring additional input devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operation magnification or offset is changed in existing master-slave systems, then the operation parameters can be adjusted, but the remote control must be suspended or additional input devices must be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation parameter adjustmentVSAvoidremote control continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The master apparatus automatically detects when it has reached the movable range limit and autonomously generates control signals to adjust operation magnification or offset, eliminating the need for user intervention or suspension of remote control. The system serves itself by detecting its own state boundaries and initiating parameter changes automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control apparatus continuously monitors the position of the master apparatus and provides feedback regarding whether the movable range limit has been reached. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts operation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains continuous operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional input devices are used to change operation parameters, then parameter adjustment is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter control capabilityVSAvoidinput device quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the operational control interface for the slave apparatus and the detection device for determining movable range limits. The same master apparatus that controls surgical instruments also autonomously detects its own position boundaries and initiates parameter adjustments, eliminating the need for separate input devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection function for movable range limits is merged into the master apparatus itself rather than being a separate component. The master apparatus combines operational control and self-detection capabilities in a single integrated system, reducing the total number of devices required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3763488B1Control device, control method, and master/slave system

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

[Overview] [Problem to be Solved] There are provided a control apparatus, a control method, and a master-slave system. [Solution] A control apparatus includes: a detector that detects whether or not a master apparatus used for an operation of a slave apparatus is located at a movable range limit; and a controller that controls, on the basis of a detection result, a slave parameter related to control of the slave apparatus and an image parameter related to an image displayed on the basis of imaging.