Operating Microscope Optical Digital Imaging Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating microscopes with image sensors and displays have pixel numbers that do not allow for optical resolution corresponding to natural vision, limiting the imaging quality and requiring high illumination, which can increase radiation exposure and hinder the visualization of certain tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
An operating microscope that combines optical and digital imaging paths, allowing for adjustable imaging scales through a switchable optical assembly and image processing, enabling visualization of object regions with high optical quality and reduced illumination needs, while also displaying additional information like angiography data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If digital image sensors with current pixel numbers are used, then illumination requirements are reduced and radiation exposure is minimized, but optical resolution corresponding to natural vision cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into two independent paths: an optical path for high-resolution visualization and a digital path for low-illumination capture. Each path serves its specific function without compromising the other, allowing the system to achieve both high optical resolution and reduced radiation exposure simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The operating microscope is designed with multi-functionality to handle different imaging requirements through a single system. The optical path provides natural vision quality for detailed observation, while the digital path enables low-illumination capture and additional processing, making the system universally applicable to various surgical imaging needs
2Measurement precision
If high illumination is used to achieve natural visual impression, then optical imaging quality is improved, but radiation exposure of body tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into two independent paths: an optical path for high-resolution visualization and a digital path for low-illumination capture. Each path serves its specific function without compromising the other, allowing the system to achieve both high optical resolution and reduced radiation exposure simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the optical image through the image sensor, allowing the original optical path to operate at high illumination levels for quality while the digital copy can be processed and displayed with reduced illumination requirements, thus protecting tissue from excessive radiation
3Adaptability or versatility
If image data is displayed on a display device, then additional information like angiography data can be visualized, but the imaging scale may differ from natural optical observation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging scale of the display is made dynamic and adjustable through the imaging scale setting device. The display can adapt its magnification level to match the optical observation scale, ensuring that the virtual image corresponds accurately to the physical object dimensions while still allowing overlay of additional diagnostic information
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 combination of optical and digital imaging paths provides high-quality, low-illumination visualization of object regions with adjustable imaging scales, improving surgical orientation and handling by maintaining natural visual fidelity and reducing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image sensor (38) for capturing an image of the object region (32) by way of an optical image sensor beam path (28')
Data Source
AI summary
An operating microscope produces an observation image of an object region for an observer. The operating microscope has an eyepiece for observing the observation image of the object region in an intermediate image plane and it contains an imaging optical unit for producing an optical image of the object region in the intermediate image plane by way of an optical object region imaging beam path that is guided from the object region into the intermediate image plane. In the operating microscope, there is a switchable optical assembly for selectively clearing and interrupting the optical object region imaging beam path and an image sensor for capturing an image of the object region by way of an optical image sensor beam path that is guided from the object region to the image sensor.