Multi-Channel Optical Observation Apparatus for Surgical Data Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscopes lack flexibility in inserting different types of information into the field of view for various users and applications, as all observers receive the same image information, which is not suitable for training, recording, or displaying specific data like date, time, or treatment parameters.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation apparatus with multiple electronic image channels and a processing unit that allows for the generation and configuration of distinct electronic insertion images using a selection of display data elements, enabling different information sets to be displayed on separate channels for primary and secondary users, including operation-relevant data and additional information like CT or endoscope images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single superimposition module is used to insert patient data into the surgeon's field of view, then the system structure remains simple, but all observers receive the same image information which lacks flexibility for different users and applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single superimposition module into multiple independent superimposition modules (first superimposition module and second superimposition module), each capable of processing different image channels separately. This allows different information to be superimposed on different channels simultaneously, enabling flexible information insertion for different users while maintaining independent control over each channel's content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multiple image channels (optical channel, first electronic image channel, second electronic image channel) that can serve different functions simultaneously. The first channel is optimized for surgical observation with operation-critical information, while the second channel serves training and documentation purposes with additional contextual information, making the system universally applicable to multiple use cases.
2Loss of information
If the image acquisition device captures the field of view with all inserted patient data, then the recording contains comprehensive information, but the primary surgeon's view may be hindered by excessive information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information display into different channels: the optical channel provides a clean view for the surgeon with minimal distractions, while the electronic image channel captures the complete picture with all superimposed information for recording purposes. This segmentation allows each user to receive appropriately tailored information without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary electronic image processing path that separates the surgeon's direct optical view from the recorded image. The first superimposition module processes the optical channel for real-time surgical view, while the second superimposition module processes the electronic channel for recording, allowing different information sets to coexist without interfering with each other.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electronic image channels with different information sets are implemented, then tailored displays for different users are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the image processing into separate channels with dedicated superimposition modules. Each channel can be independently configured and controlled, allowing customized information display for different users. The segmentation enables parallel processing of different information sets without requiring complex integration between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image channel is optimized with specific quality characteristics suited to its purpose. The optical channel prioritizes clarity and real-time performance for the surgeon, while the electronic channel prioritizes information completeness for documentation. This local optimization allows each channel to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical observation apparatus has an optical image channel for viewing optical field-of-view images, a processing unit to generate a first electronic insertion image via a first electronic image channel, and a data insertion image projector for generating an optical insertion image from the first electronic insertion image and inserting that image into the optical field-of-view image. An acquisition device acquires the optical field-of-view image without the optical insertion image inserted by the data insertion image projector. A second electronic image channel has a superimposition module, that superimposes the electronic field-of-view image with an electronic insertion image and provides the superimposed images via the second electronic image channel. The processing unit generates a second electronic insertion image, provides available display data elements, and makes it possible to assemble the electronic insertion images and assign them to different electronic image channels.