Microscope Optical Path Adjustment for Surgical Exoscope Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging systems, particularly surgical exoscopes, face challenges in aligning the microscope's field of view with the surgeon's natural vision, leading to unnatural sensitivity and discomfort due to the need for manual adjustments and the inability to maintain eye-hand coordination.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that uses position data to determine control data for adjusting the optical path of the microscope, allowing it to match the observation angle with the user's viewing angle, thereby improving the alignment and reducing deviations between the microscope's field of view and the user's natural field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a head-mounted microscope is used to provide natural alignment, then the observation angle is improved, but the weight on the surgeon's head increases and requires manual attachment/detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of a positioning device with sensors and a control unit that mediates between the microscope and the surgeon's head. The positioning device detects head position and the control unit automatically adjusts the microscope's optical path, eliminating the need for direct mechanical attachment to the head while maintaining precise alignment.
2Reliability
If the microscope is placed close to the head for natural viewing, then the observation angle is improved, but the device becomes difficult to position and align
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the positioning device continuously monitor and detect the surgeon's head position before and during the surgical procedure. The control unit pre-calculates and executes the necessary optical path adjustments based on this detected position, ensuring the microscope is automatically and correctly positioned close to the head without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment adjustments are made, then the observation angle can be adjusted, but the alignment time increases and disrupts the surgical flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors in the positioning device to continuously detect the surgeon's head position and orientation. This real-time feedback is processed by the control unit, which automatically adjusts the microscope's optical path in real-time, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and maintaining continuous adaptability without time loss.
4Ease of operation
If the microscope is positioned far from the head, then it is easier to position, but the observation angle deviates from the natural viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path of the microscope dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit continuously modifies the optical path based on real-time detection of the surgeon's head position, allowing the microscope to be positioned at convenient locations while automatically maintaining the correct observation angle through dynamic optical adjustment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Examples relate to an apparatus for an optical imaging system. The apparatus comprises one or more processors and one or more storage devices. The apparatus is configured to obtain position data indicative of a position of the microscope of the optical imaging system relative to the user of the optical imaging system. The apparatus is further configured to determine control data for adjusting an optical path of the microscope. The control data is determined based on the position data.