Surgical Microscopy Position Control Using Optical Marker Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems for surgical interventions require manual adjustment, which is time-consuming and not user-friendly, and existing contactless solutions are limited in degrees of freedom or uncomfortable/unhygienic.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system with a position detection device using passive marker elements and an image capture device to enable contactless control of the microscope's movement in up to six spatial degrees of freedom, allowing precise tracking without the need for manual instrument handling.
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 adjustment with an automated optical tracking system. The microscope system automatically tracks the surgical site using image capture devices and algorithms, eliminating the need for manual mechanical repositioning by the surgeon.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope system performs self-adjustment through automated tracking. The system uses its own image capture devices to detect the position of surgical instruments and automatically adjusts its viewing position to maintain optimal visualization without external intervention.
2Ease of operation
If foot-operated switches or mouth-operated switches are used for operating the microscope, then contactless operation is possible, but they are either limited in terms of degrees of freedom or uncomfortable and unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical foot switches or mouth switches with an optical tracking system that uses image capture devices and computational algorithms to detect surgeon intent and automatically control the microscope, providing both comfort and full operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture devices serve multiple functions: they capture surgical scenes for display, track surgical instrument positions, detect surgeon gestures or gaze direction, and provide feedback for automated microscope control, replacing multiple separate control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If contactless spatial positioning is implemented, then the user can operate without contact, but the system requires additional components for position detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates position detection functionality into the existing image capture devices of the microscope system. These devices simultaneously perform surgical scene capture and spatial position detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated position detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual copying of surgical instrument positions and surgeon gestures through image capture devices to infer spatial information, replacing the need for direct mechanical or electromagnetic position sensing components.
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 with reduced risk of infection, allowing easy repositioning and adjustment of operating parameters without manual intervention.
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.