Multi-Option 3D Surgery Visualization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical visualization systems, including traditional optical microscopes and virtual reality headsets, pose ergonomic challenges for surgeons due to limited field of vision, discomfort, and strain, leading to musculoskeletal disorders and inefficiencies in the operating room.
Innovation Solution
A multi-option 3D surgery visualization system incorporating a wearable augmented and extended reality headset with micro-displays, head- and eye-tracking, and a cobotic arm-mounted digital microscope, providing a wide field of vision, comfort, and ergonomic flexibility through wireless communication and dynamic opacity adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional optical microscopes are used for surgical visualization, then magnification and zoom capabilities are provided, but surgeons experience ergonomic strain and limited field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical microscope systems with a digital imaging system that uses electronic sensors and displays. The surgical microscope includes a digital imaging device with sensors that capture optical images, which are then processed and displayed on electronic screens or wearable displays, eliminating the need for optical zoom and magnification through mechanical lens systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital imaging system serves multiple functions: it provides wide-field visualization, records surgical procedures, enables real-time image processing and enhancement, and can be integrated with other surgical systems. The electronic display system can show multiple views simultaneously and can be adjusted by software rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality headsets are used for 3D surgery visualization, then immersive viewing is achieved, but comfort and field of vision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wearable display devices that act as intermediaries between the surgical field and the surgeon's vision. These devices include see-through augmented reality displays that overlay digital information on the real-world view, or transparent screens that allow simultaneous viewing of surgical site and digital images, eliminating the need for immersive virtual reality that blocks out the real world.
3Adaptability or versatility
If digital imaging is added to legacy optical microscopes, then digital viewing capability is provided, but the system becomes larger and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surgical microscope system into separate functional modules: an optical imaging module that captures images, a digital processing module that handles image enhancement and processing, and a display module that presents the images. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables flexible configuration based on surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the optical images captured by the surgical microscope. These digital replicas can be enhanced, processed, and displayed without affecting the original optical path, allowing multiple viewing options and image manipulations while keeping the physical microscope compact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If polarized 3D glasses are required for 3D monitor viewing, then 3D visualization is achieved, but surgeon strain and ergonomic issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the surgeon to wear special glasses or position themselves at specific angles to view 3D images on large monitors, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the display to the surgeon's eyes through wearable devices. The system provides 3D visualization directly in the surgeon's field of view without requiring external monitors or special viewing conditions.
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 allows surgeons to maintain a clear view of both real-world and computer-generated images, reducing strain and improving ergonomics, enabling more precise and efficient surgical procedures while minimizing musculoskeletal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a wearable device comprising one or more micro-displays, one or more lenses, where the micro-displays are capable of projecting images onto the lenses
Implementation Method 2
one or more lenses, where the micro-displays are capable of projecting images onto the lenses
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality and extended reality surgical system comprising three 3D viewing options of: (i) an AR/XR headset or headsets, (ii) one or more autostereoscopic “3D glasses free” monitor(s); and (iii) one or more digital ocular stereoscopic 3D viewports which is mounted to a cobotic arm viewing option for ergonomically sound viewing. The system may comprise a wearable device, such as a head mounted display or glasses, that provides the user with virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or mixed reality for surgery visualization. This system is all digital and features both wired and wireless connections that have approximately the same latency of less than 20 milliseconds. This may allow the user to access 2D or 3D imaging, magnification, virtual visualization, six-degrees of freedom (6DoF) image management, and/or other images while still viewing real reality and thus maintaining a presence in the operating room. The all-digital multi-option 3D viewing surgery system provides an ergonomically sound surgery visualization system.