Multi-Camera Endoscopic Imaging for Unified 3D Surgical Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical imaging systems face challenges in combining image streams from multiple endoscopic devices to provide a unified, wide-field-of-view, 3D stereoscopic image with effective obstruction removal, especially during surgeries requiring multiple cannulas for tool insertion.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera imaging system that combines image streams from two separate endoscopic units based on spatial information, including distance, angle, and rotation, to generate a unified augmented image, capable of identifying and removing obstructions, and integrating secondary imaging sources like CT scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple endoscopic imaging units are used to provide wide field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the complexity of combining image streams and processing spatial relationships increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image streams from multiple endoscopic imaging units into a single unified image stream. The imaging controller receives image streams from multiple imaging units, determines spatial relationships between them, and merges the images to create a composite view that provides a wider field of view while maintaining 3D stereoscopic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an imaging controller as an intermediary component that manages the complexity of combining multiple image streams. The controller processes spatial information, determines relationships between imaging units, and coordinates the merging operation, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving wide field of view.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging units are inserted into the body, then the field of view and imaging coverage are improved, but the difficulty of determining spatial relationships and alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the imaging controller continuously monitors and processes spatial information from multiple imaging units. The system determines spatial relationships between imaging units based on their positions and orientations, adjusting the image merging process accordingly to maintain accurate 3D stereoscopic visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D individual imaging views to 3D stereoscopic imaging by incorporating spatial dimension data. The imaging controller processes three-dimensional spatial relationships between multiple imaging units, enabling the system to reconstruct and display accurate 3D images that reflect the relative positions and orientations of the imaging units within the body cavity.
3Ease of operation
If image streams are combined to create unified augmented image, then surgical visibility is improved, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of image streams and spatial information before the actual image merging operation. The imaging controller pre-processes individual image streams, determines spatial relationships in advance, and prepares the necessary transformation parameters, thereby reducing the computational burden and processing time during the actual image combination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes only the necessary portions of the image streams and spatial data required for merging, rather than processing all possible data. The imaging controller selectively processes image regions and spatial relationships that are relevant to the current surgical view, optimizing the balance between processing completeness and computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that combine image streams from two separate imaging units into a unified, augmented image. The systems and methods can combine the image streams based on relative spatial information of the imaging units. The spatial information can include distance, angle, and rotation of the imaging units relative to one another. In some implementations, the combined image stream can be a three-dimensional stereoscopic view.