Microscope Tracking Illumination for Accurate Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy systems face challenges with reliable and accurate position detection, particularly in medical applications, due to issues such as occlusion, recalibration needs, high power consumption, and increasing inaccuracy at large distances, which affect usability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system with a tracking camera, tracking illumination devices, and a control unit that adjusts illumination and image acquisition based on position, brightness, and working distance to ensure precise and reliable position tracking, minimizing overexposure and underexposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external position tracking devices are used, then position detection functionality is provided, but installation space is required and occlusion occurs restricting movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking camera and tracking illumination devices are integrated into the microscope system, merging the position tracking functionality with the existing microscope structure. This eliminates the need for separate external tracking devices and their associated installation space, while preventing occlusion that would restrict surgeon movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system serves multiple functions: it provides both optical magnification for surgical visualization and position tracking for instrument localization. By integrating the tracking camera and illumination devices into the microscope, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional external equipment.
2Reliability
If powerful illumination is used for position tracking, then all targets are reliably imaged, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking illumination devices are designed to dynamically adjust their operation based on working distance. The control unit modifies illumination intensity and image acquisition parameters in real-time according to the detected position of the surgical instrument, ensuring reliable target imaging while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding constant high-power illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (intensity, duration) and image acquisition parameters based on working distance. At larger working distances where more light is needed for reliable detection, the illumination intensity is increased, while at closer distances it is reduced, optimizing energy consumption across all operating conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If tracking camera is positioned far from target, then broader coverage is achieved, but position detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system is designed to move with the surgical instrument, dynamically adjusting its position to maintain an optimal working distance. This ensures the tracking camera remains at a consistent, accurate detection distance while the entire microscope assembly moves to provide broad surgical field coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces static external tracking cameras with a mobile tracking camera integrated into the microscope. This allows the tracking system to move together with the surgical field, maintaining optimal detection distance while providing broad coverage through the microscope's mechanical positioning capabilities.
4Reliability
If targets are attached to microscope for maintenance, then functionality is preserved, but recalibration is required after reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking camera and illumination devices are permanently integrated into the microscope structure, merging the position tracking system with the microscope itself. This eliminates the need to attach and detach separate targets during maintenance, avoiding recalibration requirements while preserving functionality.
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 system enables accurate and efficient position tracking with reduced energy consumption and improved usability by dynamically adjusting illumination and image capture based on object position and working distance, ensuring reliable and precise detection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tracking illumination device (27) for illuminating an object to be scanned
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical element for guiding the radiation generated by the tracking illumination devices
Implementation Method 3
tracking camera for detecting the position of at least one object to be scanned
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a microscopy system and to a method for operating a microscopy system, comprising at least one tracking camera (30) for detecting the position of at least one object to be detected. The microscopy system (1) additionally comprises: - at least one tracking illumination device (27, 27a, 27b, 27c), and - at least one controller (7) for controlling the at least one tracking illumination device (27, 27a, 27b, 27c) and/or the tracking camera (30), wherein illumination information can be determined by analyzing at least one image of the tracking camera (30) and/or position information of the object relative to at least one illumination device (30, 32) and/or a working distance (D, D1, D2), and the illumination is adjusted by the tracking illumination device (27, 27a, 27b, 27c) and/or an image capturing process is adjusted by the at least one tracking camera (30) on the basis of the illumination information and/or on the basis of the position information of the object and/or on the basis of the working distance (D, D1, D2).