Multiband Camera System for Contactless Surgical Instrument Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instrument calibration methods for image-guided surgery are inadequate, as they often require physical contact and cannot accurately verify the geometric configuration of instruments in real-time, leading to potential tissue damage due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with multiple optical detection systems capable of simultaneously or sequentially detecting infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, allowing for contactless calibration and verification by integrating stereoscopic recordings and using beam splitters or prisms to separate light wavelengths, enabling precise tracking and registration of medical instruments without the need for external synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical contact calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but the risk of tissue damage increases due to misalignment and real-time verification is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based calibration with optical detection systems that use light (infrared, visible, ultraviolet) to detect instrument geometry and spatial position. The optical detection systems capture images of the instrument without physical contact, enabling accurate calibration and real-time verification while eliminating the risks associated with contact methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the instrument's geometry and spatial position using multiple wavelength detection systems. These optical copies are then processed and compared against reference data to verify calibration accuracy, allowing non-contact verification of instrument configuration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelength detection systems are integrated, then contactless calibration and real-time verification are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection systems operating at different wavelengths (infrared, visible, ultraviolet) into a single integrated camera system. The detection systems are positioned at predetermined distances and angles, with their data processed by a unified evaluation unit that correlates information from all wavelengths to determine instrument geometry and spatial position.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated camera system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects instrument markers, captures geometric outlines, determines spatial position, and verifies calibration accuracy all through a single multi-wavelength detection system, reducing the need for separate calibration devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If stereoscopic recordings are used for calibration, then three-dimensional geometric verification is achieved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation unit compares the detected instrument geometry and spatial position from stereoscopic recordings against pre-stored reference data. The system provides real-time feedback on calibration accuracy, indicating whether the instrument configuration matches the expected geometry within acceptable tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by capturing stereoscopic images of the instrument at known reference positions and storing this data for later comparison. This preliminary action establishes the baseline geometry against which all subsequent measurements are verified, simplifying real-time calibration checks.
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
This solution provides a reliable, non-contact method for calibrating and verifying medical instruments, ensuring accurate spatial alignment and reducing the risk of tissue damage by allowing real-time geometric verification, thus enhancing the precision of image-guided surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
providing a beam splitter, such as a prism or a semi-transparent mirror, which lies in the beam path of the light entering
Implementation Method 2
providing a beam splitter, such as a prism or a semi-transparent mirror, which lies in the beam path of the light entering
Implementation Method 3
at least one and advantageously each optical detection system is designed in such a way that light in a different spectral or wave range can be detected simultaneously or in succession
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera system with at least two camera units, wherein each camera unit (4) has at least one detection element (6a, 6b) for detecting an optical signal, characterized in that at least one or each camera unit has at least one element (10) which enables the detection of light in at least two different spectral ranges (12a, 12b), and a method for calibrating an instrument or implant on which at least one marker is attached, wherein the position of the instrument or implant in space is determined by means of the at least one marker by detecting light (11) in a first wavelength range (12b) with a camera or camera system.the outline or view or geometry of the instrument or implant is optically captured from at least one side in a different second wavelength range (12a) using the same camera (4) or camera system and compared with corresponding outlines, views or geometries of stored pre-calibration data of the instrument or implant to represent an instrument model in order to determine whether the instrument or implant is calibrated.