Medical Observation Device Visual Field Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video microscope systems obstruct the user's visual field due to the placement of imaging units between the operator and the monitor, leading to insufficient measures for ensuring a clear view during operations.
Innovation Solution
The medical observation apparatus is designed such that the cross section of the microscope unit, joint units, and arm units are configured within a circle centered at the focus position, hiding the arm units and joint units behind the microscope unit when viewed from the user, thereby minimizing visual obstructions and ensuring a clear visual field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imaging unit is placed between the operator and the monitor to capture surgical site images, then the imaging function is achieved, but the operator's visual field is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the imaging unit from a location directly between the operator and monitor to an adjacent position on the monitor's side. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension allows the imaging unit to capture images of the surgical site through the monitor without blocking the operator's line of sight to the display, thereby resolving the contradiction between imaging functionality and visual field accessibility
2Measurement precision
If the operator observes the surgical site via an eyepiece for extended periods, then the operation can be performed with high precision, but the burden on the operator's eye and body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monitor that displays a video signal from the imaging unit, creating a visual copy of the surgical site. This allows the operator to observe the surgical field on the monitor rather than directly through the eyepiece for extended periods, reducing eye and body burden while maintaining observation precision through the high-quality video display
3Stability of the object's composition
If the microscope unit and support structures are positioned to provide stable imaging, then the imaging stability is improved, but the visual field obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement by positioning the imaging unit and support structures in a location adjacent to the monitor rather than in the direct line of sight between the operator and monitor. This dimensional repositioning maintains the stability needed for high-quality imaging while eliminating the visual field obstruction caused by traditional placements
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a medical observation apparatus including: a columnar microscope unit configured to image a minute part of an object to be observed with magnification and thereby output an imaging signal; and a support unit including a first joint unit holding the microscope unit in a rotationally movable manner around a first axis parallel to a height direction of the microscope unit, a first arm unit holding the first joint unit and extending in a direction different from the height direction of the microscope unit, a second joint unit holding the first arm unit in a rotationally movable manner around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a second arm unit holding the second joint unit. In a plane passing through the first and second axes, a cross section of the microscope unit, the first and second joint units, and the first and second arm units is included in a circle that has a center at a focus position of the microscope unit and passes through an end point of the first joint unit that is at the maximum distance from the focus position. Thus, when imaging an object to be observed and displaying the image, the user's visual field for observing the displayed image can be sufficiently ensured.