Q3D Endoscope 3D Coordinate Determination for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical endoscopy systems struggle to accurately determine three-dimensional coordinates of physical structures within surgical images, limiting precise navigation and instrument control during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a Q3D sensor array within an endoscope to create a three-dimensional model of the surgical scene, allowing for the determination of 3D coordinates of target instruments and anatomical structures. This system includes features like 'no fly zone' determination, instrument path prediction, and virtual perspective transformation to enhance surgical precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional 2D endoscopy systems are used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of three-dimensional coordinates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D endoscopic imaging to 3D quantitative visualization by introducing depth information through multiple imaging planes or stereoscopic cameras. This dimensionality change enables precise determination of three-dimensional coordinates of surgical instruments and anatomical structures, directly resolving the measurement precision limitation while accepting increased system complexity as a necessary trade-off for advanced surgical navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces computational algorithms and image processing intermediaries that transform 2D or multi-plane images into quantitative 3D coordinate data. These computational mediators bridge the gap between simple imaging hardware and precise 3D measurement capabilities, enabling accurate spatial localization without requiring complex hardware modifications
2Manufacturing precision
If quantitative 3D vision systems are implemented, then the navigation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscopy system is designed to perform multiple functions: standard 2D imaging, 3D visualization, and quantitative coordinate measurement, all within a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide precise surgical navigation while maintaining compatibility with existing surgical workflows and reducing the need for separate specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D measurement systems with optical and computational approaches. By using image processing algorithms and photogrammetric methods rather than mechanical measurement devices, the system achieves high navigation accuracy while minimizing mechanical complexity and moving parts
3Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used for 3D visualization, then the 3D coordinate determination accuracy is improved, but the loss of information increases due to data processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential 3D coordinate information from multiple image sensor data streams, rather than processing and displaying all raw data. By selectively extracting depth information and spatial coordinates while discarding redundant visual details, the system maintains measurement precision while reducing information loss and processing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a Q3D endoscope disposed to image a field of view and a processor that produces a Q3D model of a scene and identifies target instruments and structures. The processor is configured to display the scene from a virtual field of view of an instrument, to determine a no fly zone around targets, to determine a predicted path for said instruments or to provide 3D tracking of said instruments.