Surgical Microscope Optical Tracking for Contactless Position Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy systems, particularly surgical microscopes, require manual operation which is time-consuming and inconvenient, and existing contactless operation methods are limited in freedom of use or hygienic, necessitating a system that allows accurate, contactless control with multiple degrees of freedom using a minimal number of components and low manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system incorporating a position detection device with passive markers, an image capture device, and a control device to track the position of targets, enabling contactless control of the microscope's movement and operating parameters based on the detected position, using a stand with drive devices for six degrees of freedom and minimal components.
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 time and is not user friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an optical tracking system that uses cameras to detect marker positions and automatically controls microscope movement via a control unit, eliminating the need for manual actuation and instrument setting down
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system performs self-positioning by automatically tracking the target object through the optical system and adjusting its own position based on detected marker coordinates, without requiring user intervention
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 switches and buttons with an optical tracking system that captures spatial coordinates of markers through cameras and translates them into microscope positioning commands, enabling natural hand movement control without physical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers and camera systems as intermediaries between the user's hand movements and the microscope control, allowing indirect but versatile control through spatial coordinate detection
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 system requires additional components and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function with the existing optical imaging system by using the same camera to detect both the examination object and the optical markers, eliminating the need for separate three-dimensional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures the examination object for diagnostic purposes and simultaneously detects the optical markers for positioning control, making the system multi-functional without adding dedicated positioning hardware
4Measurement precision
If multiple markers are arranged on the microscope for tracking, then six degrees of freedom can be tracked, but the manufacturing costs and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places optical markers only at critical locations on the microscope that define its six-degree-of-freedom position and orientation, rather than distributing markers uniformly across the entire system, reducing component count while maintaining tracking accuracy
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, rapid, and comfortable operation of the microscopy system by allowing contactless control, reducing setup time and infection risk, while minimizing component count and installation space.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device (10) for optical acquisition of the target
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.