Microscope AR Image Overlay for Stable Surgical Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical technologies, such as Head-Mounted Systems (HMS) and Video and Optical See Through Augmented Reality Surgical Systems (VOSTARS), face issues with system stability, image projection, and discomfort due to virtual reality content being projected on screens rather than directly into the surgeon's field of view, leading to fatigue and inconvenience during long operations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical device that combines a conventional microscope with augmented reality by projecting digital images directly into the surgeon's eyes using semi-reflective prisms and beam splitters, allowing for high-resolution image superimposition of CT scans or X-rays over the operating field, with real-time three-dimensional reconstruction and virtual image overlay, enabling remote collaboration and improved visual perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If images are projected onto a screen worn by the surgeon (HMS and VOSTARS), then augmented reality content is visible, but the surgeon experiences additional discomfort and inconvenience, and the system lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screen projection system with an optical waveguide system that uses total internal reflection to guide light directly to the surgeon's eyes. This substitution eliminates the need for movable screens and complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving both surgeon comfort and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a waveguide as an intermediary component between the display and the surgeon's eyes. The waveguide mediates the transmission of light through total internal reflection, allowing images to be projected directly into the surgeon's field of view without requiring screen contact or mechanical adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is integrated into a viewer worn by the surgeon (VOSTARS), then the system is mobile according to surgeon movements, but the image projection becomes shaky due to frequent and shaky movements during long operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the movable viewer system with a fixed optical waveguide that is integrated into the microscope structure. This substitution eliminates the mechanical coupling between surgeon movement and image projection, allowing the system to maintain stability while the surgeon moves freely during long operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the augmented reality system into a fixed waveguide component integrated with the microscope and a separate display component. This segmentation allows the waveguide to remain stationary and stable while the display can be adjusted independently, resolving the contradiction between mobility and image stability.
3Reliability
If conventional microscopes are used without augmented reality, then stable viewing is achieved, but virtual reality integration and remote consultation capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conventional microscope optical path with the augmented reality waveguide system. The microscope provides stable magnified viewing while the waveguide overlays virtual reality images and enables remote consultation capabilities, combining the reliability of traditional microscopy with the adaptability of modern digital technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the integrated optical device not only provides stable microscope viewing but also enables augmented reality overlay, remote consultation, and image projection. This universal system maintains the stability of conventional microscopy while adding multiple new capabilities through the waveguide technology.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides stable, high-resolution image projection directly into the surgeon's field of view, enhancing surgical precision, enabling remote consultation, and allowing for improved visualization of anatomical structures, reducing fatigue and distractions, while maintaining system stability and compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The image is transmitted through a waveguide by means of total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a number of optical systems, one for each display, for focusing the respective images onto the retina of the operator
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated optical device comprising an optical instrument for producing real images comprising in turn eyepieces, an optical body, a binocular body and a support arm, and an instrumentation for producing virtual images, wherein said instrumentation for producing virtual images comprises at least a display (1) for projecting said virtual images, a lens (2) for adjusting the focus, a plurality of prisms (3) for inserting, directing, and mixing said virtual images, and a plurality of mirrors (4) and first cameras (5) for directing and positioning said virtual images so as to superimpose said virtual images on said real images in the eyepieces of said optical instrument.