Microscope Optical Tracking for Contactless 6-DOF Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy systems lack a contactless control method that allows accurate tracking of the microscope in up to six spatial degrees of freedom with a minimal number of components, leading to increased manufacturing costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system and method that utilize a position detection device with a target and image capture device to detect the spatial position of the target, allowing for contactless control of the microscope's movement and adjustment of operating parameters based on the detected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual actuation of the microscope is used to change position, then the user can directly control the microscope, but the user has to set down instruments which takes up time and is not user friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with an optical tracking system that uses a camera to detect the position of a marker on the microscope. This allows the user to control microscope positioning through gestures or movements detected by the optical system, eliminating the need to manually adjust mechanical controls while holding instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical tracking system with a camera and marker as an intermediary between the user and the microscope control system. The user's movements or gestures are captured by the camera, processed to determine position changes, and then used to automatically adjust the microscope position, serving as a contactless mediator that eliminates direct manual manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If foot-operated switches or mouth-operated switches are used to operate the microscope, then contactless operation is possible, but they are either limited in terms of use or uncomfortable or unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces limited switches with a comprehensive optical tracking system that captures three-dimensional spatial information. The camera-based system detects marker position in x, y, and z directions, enabling full six-degree-of-freedom control (three translational + three rotational) through natural movements, providing both contactless operation and complete adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional switch activation to three-dimensional spatial tracking. By using a camera to detect the marker's position in three-dimensional space and combining this with orientation detection, the system enables control across all six degrees of freedom, adding dimensional capability beyond simple on/off or limited directional switches.
3Extent of automation
If a three-dimensional sensor is used for contactless spatial positioning, then the surgical microscope can be positioned without contact, but the document does not contain further explanations and implies complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple two-dimensional camera to capture images of a marker, then processes these images to extract three-dimensional position information. Instead of using a complex three-dimensional sensor, the system creates a digital copy of the marker's position from two-dimensional images and calculates spatial coordinates through image processing and geometric relationships, simplifying the hardware while achieving three-dimensional tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary object that carries position and orientation information. The camera does not directly measure three-dimensional space but instead captures two-dimensional images of the marker, from which position and orientation are derived through image processing. This intermediary approach simplifies the sensing system while enabling contactless spatial positioning.
4Measurement precision
If multiple image capture devices are used to detect position accurately, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing costs and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single camera to capture two-dimensional images of a marker with specific geometric features. Through image processing algorithms that analyze the marker's geometry and position in the image plane, the system calculates three-dimensional position and orientation data, creating a digital representation from a single visual copy rather than requiring multiple physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single image capture device perform multiple functions: detecting the marker's position, determining its orientation, calculating three-dimensional coordinates, and providing contactless control signals. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each measurement type, reducing component count while maintaining precision through sophisticated image processing.
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
Enables precise and rapid control of the microscopy system's movement and operating parameters, reducing user intervention time, improving comfort, and minimizing the risk of infection during surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device (10) for optical acquisition of the target (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy system includes a microscope, a stand configured to mount the microscope and including a drive device configured to move the microscope, a detection device configured to detect a spatial position of a target fastened to a body part or to an instrument, wherein the position detection device includes the target with at least one marker element and an image capture device configured to optically capture the target. The microscopy system further includes at least one control device configured to operate the microscopy system according to the detected position of the target, wherein the position detection device is configured to determine the position of the target by evaluating a two-dimensional image of the image capture device. In addition, a method for operating the microscopy system is provided.