Microscope Stand Auto-Alignment for Ergonomic Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope stands require time-consuming and effortful realignment procedures when moved from a desired position or orientation, especially during surgeries, as they lack automated repositioning and reorientation capabilities to new, ergonomically favorable positions or different view angles.
Innovation Solution
A method and stand for microscopes with controllable positioning and orienting means, along with a control unit, that allows for automated alignment to a user-defined target point, enabling stabilization and reorientation without user assistance, using motorized linkages and brakes for mechanical balancing and adjustment of focus parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microscope is moved to a different position and/or orientation with respect to the object, then the user can achieve better ergonomics or different view angles, but the focusing to the region of interest is lost and time-consuming manual realignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calculating and executing the realignment sequence before the user can even initiate it. When the microscope is moved to a new position, the control unit automatically determines the required position and orientation adjustments to restore focus on the region of interest, executing the realignment without waiting for user input or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical realignment operations with an automated control system. The control unit calculates the necessary adjustments and actuates the positioning and orienting means automatically, substituting the user's manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system that restores focus rapidly and accurately.
2Extent of automation
If conventional stands provide automated realignment to previously saved positions, then the return to previous field of view is facilitated, but the user cannot relocate the microscope to different preferred positions with automated realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed realignment to dynamic, adaptive realignment. Instead of relying on predetermined saved positions, the control unit continuously monitors the microscope's position and orientation relative to the region of interest and dynamically calculates the necessary adjustments in real-time, enabling automated realignment from any position within the working range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by continuously adjusting the position and orientation parameters of the microscope based on real-time feedback. The control unit modifies these parameters dynamically to maintain optimal alignment with the region of interest, regardless of the starting position or the user's ergonomic preferences.
3Ease of operation
If the microscope provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning and orienting, then accessibility and observability of the region of interest are improved, but the complexity of manual balancing and alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the microscope stand to automatically perform its own alignment and balancing operations. The control unit monitors the microscope's state and autonomously adjusts the positioning and orienting means to maintain optimal alignment with the region of interest, eliminating the need for user intervention in complex balancing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the microscope's position and orientation relative to the region of interest. Based on this feedback, the system automatically calculates and executes the necessary adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system that manages the complexity of multiple degrees of freedom without increasing operational burden on the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatedly aligning a stand (12) for a microscope (14), wherein the stand (12) for the microscope (14) comprises controllable positioning means (16) for positioning the microscope (14) and controllable orienting means (18) for orienting the microscope (14). The method comprises defining a target point (24) to be observed by the microscope (14), wherein the target point (24) is located within a coordinate range accessible by the stand (12), stabilizing the microscope (14) at a user determined position in an automated manner by means of the controllable positioning means (16) of the stand, and adjusting an orientation of the microscope (14) at the user determined position to the target point (24) in an automated manner using the controllable orienting means (18) of the stand. The invention further relates to a stand, a microscope assembly (10), a control unit, a computer program and a computer-readable data storage.