Mixed Reality Camera Positioning for Surgical Perspective Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical joint repair procedures face challenges in accurately positioning and orienting prosthetic implants due to the complexity of matching prosthetic shapes with individual patient bone contours, and in providing effective intraoperative guidance to surgeons.

Innovation Solution

The use of a mixed reality (MR) visualization system that includes MR visualization devices for surgeons and assistants, and an intraoperative guidance system to determine optimal standing locations within the operating room, providing real-time visualizations and image data to enhance surgical precision and teamwork.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical positioning methods are used, then the surgical procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the precision of prosthetic implant positioning is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses camera devices to capture real-time images of the surgical site and transmits them to remote users. This creates a visual copy of the surgical field, allowing remote users to view the procedure without physically being present. The imaging system captures and transmits visual information, enabling remote observation and guidance while maintaining surgical precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intraoperative guidance system as an intermediary between the surgeon at the surgical site and remote users. This guidance system includes camera devices, image processing circuits, and communication systems that mediate the interaction between the surgical team and remote observers or experts, enabling precise positioning assistance without direct physical presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users are positioned at the surgical site, then comprehensive observation is possible, but the operating room space becomes constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation flexibilityVSAvoidoperating room space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies of the surgical field through camera devices that capture images and transmit them to remote users. This allows multiple users to observe the procedure simultaneously from different locations without physically occupying the limited operating room space. The visual replication enables comprehensive observation while preserving physical space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the observation dimension from physical presence in three-dimensional space to remote viewing through transmitted images. By moving the observation function to a different dimension (remote digital viewing versus physical proximity), multiple users can observe the surgical site without competing for physical space in the operating room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If remote users view transmitted images, then operating room space is preserved, but the realism and depth perception of the surgical site is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating room spaceVSAvoidspatial information
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the parameters of image transmission by capturing three-dimensional spatial information and transmitting it as visual data that preserves depth and spatial relationships. The system adjusts imaging parameters to maintain realistic representation of the surgical site, enabling remote users to perceive spatial information despite the distance from the actual procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4003205B1Positioning a camera for perspective sharing of a surgical site
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP
  • EP4003205B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4003205B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4003205B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for augmenting a view of a first user of a first mixed reality (MR) visualization device in an operating room are described. For example, an intraoperative guidance system is configured to determine a location for a second user to stand within the operating room. A second MR visualization device is configured to be worn by the second user. The second MR visualization device is further configured to present a MR visualization that indicates the location for the second user to stand within the operating room. The first MR visualization device is configured to present a MR visualization that contains a window that show images of a surgical site captured by a camera supported by the second user.