Sterile Microscope Control via Hand Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical observation devices, such as microscopes, require manual adjustment or complex control systems, limiting user control and sterility during medical procedures, and often restrict personnel from making adjustments as desired.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation device with a motorized support structure and control unit that tracks a hand-held device within its field of view, allowing intuitive control of the device's position and properties through motion, without physical interaction, using signals from cameras and motors to adjust the microscope or camera position and settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical tracking system. Cameras capture images of a trackable object, the control unit processes these images to determine position, and motors automatically adjust the observation device position, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment by automatically tracking the trackable object and positioning the observation device accordingly. The control unit continuously monitors the object's position and autonomously adjusts the device without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-regulating.
2Ease of operation
If remote controls or foot pedals are used, then ease of operation improves, but sterility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trackable object as an intermediary between the user and the observation device. The user manipulates the trackable object rather than directly controlling the device, and the system translates the object's position into device positioning, enabling contactless control that maintains sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical remote controls or foot pedals with an optical tracking mechanism. Cameras detect the position of the trackable object, and the control unit converts this visual information into motor commands, eliminating the need for physical contact controls that could compromise sterility.
3Ease of operation
If fully automatic controls are used, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that adapts to user needs. The tracking of the trackable object provides continuous, real-time control capability, allowing users to adjust the observation device position and orientation on demand rather than relying on pre-programmed automatic sequences, thus maintaining adaptability while achieving ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to anoptical observation device which is controlled in a sterility preserving manner, and to a corresponding controlling program and/or program storage medium.