Surgical Microscope Position Control Using Image Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microscope devices used in surgical operations require precise control of position and attitude to obtain desired images, which is burdensome for users, especially at high magnification, leading to prolonged operation times and increased user fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that automatically adjusts the microscope unit's position and attitude based on pre-set conditions using captured images, allowing for precise positioning without manual manipulation, thereby reducing user burden and improving convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning is used to achieve precise microscope unit positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but user burden increases and operation time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiduser burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microscope unit automatically adjusts its own position and attitude based on captured images and pre-set conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system captures images, analyzes positioning accuracy, and autonomously moves to correct positions, making the system self-correcting and self-positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system that uses image capture and analysis to determine positioning accuracy. The control device substitutes human operators with an automated feedback loop that continuously monitors and adjusts microscope unit position based on captured images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning is used to achieve precise microscope unit positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but operation time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously captures images and evaluates positioning accuracy without interruption. The automated control device continuously monitors the microscope unit's position and makes real-time adjustments, eliminating the intermittent nature of manual positioning and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual positioning operations with an automated image-based control system that rapidly evaluates position and executes corrections, significantly reducing the time required for precise positioning while maintaining high accuracy standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated positioning is implemented, then user burden is reduced and operation time is shortened, but positioning precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures images of the operating site and uses the captured image data as feedback to evaluate positioning accuracy. The control device analyzes the images, compares actual position with target position, and automatically adjusts the microscope unit to achieve precise positioning, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an automated optical measurement and control system that substitutes manual visual assessment with image-based precision measurement, enabling the system to achieve high positioning accuracy through automated image analysis and control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3659540B1Control device, control method, and microscope device for operation
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3659540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3659540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3659540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To make it possible to improve user convenience. Provided is a control device including: a control unit configured to control a position and an attitude of a microscope unit by driving an arm unit that supports the microscope unit on the basis of a captured image of an operating site photographed by the microscope unit during an operation so that a position and attitude condition set before the operation is satisfied. The position and attitude condition is a condition that prescribes a position and an attitude of the microscope unit with respect to the operating site to obtain a desired captured image corresponding to the position and attitude condition.