Retinal Projection Goggles for Surgical Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical vision systems, including robotic assist, open surgery, endoscopic surgery, and surgical microscopes, face challenges in optimizing all visual parameters such as acuity, magnification, field-of-view, depth perception, focusing, contrast ratio, cost, and ergonomics, often resulting in narrow field-of-view and poor ergonomics, which limits the surgeon's natural body position and comfort during procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of 3D stereo vision goggles with a 120-degree horizontal field-of-view, binocular overlap, and vergence focus based on real-time eye tracking, featuring automatic alignment, dynamic control for immersive or see-through operation, and the ability to adjust for eye prescriptions, utilizing technologies from optics, control theory, electronics, and software engineering to provide high-definition 3D images directly on the retina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional surgical vision systems (robotic assist, endoscopic, microscope) are used, then magnification and resolution are improved, but field-of-view becomes narrow and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D flat screen displays to 3D stereoscopic vision by projecting images directly onto the retina using an ellipsoid mirror system. This dimensional change allows the surgeon to view surgical instruments in three-dimensional space with natural depth perception, eliminating the need to turn the head to the side and improving ergonomic positioning while maintaining high resolution through retinal projection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical head-fixing mechanism required by traditional microscope and robotic systems with an optical projection system that delivers images directly to the retina. This substitution eliminates the need for fixed head positioning and narrow field-of-view constraints, allowing natural head movement and broader ergonomic flexibility while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If traditional surgical vision systems are used, then magnification is improved, but field-of-view becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an ellipsoid mirror to project magnified images directly onto the retinal surface, utilizing the optical properties of the ellipsoid to expand the field-of-view. The ellipsoid geometry allows light from a point source to reflect and converge on the retina, providing wide-angle coverage while maintaining high magnification and resolution simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the surgical field by projecting an optical image onto the retina rather than requiring direct line-of-sight viewing. This optical copying mechanism allows the surgeon to perceive a wide field-of-view through retinal projection while maintaining the magnification benefits of traditional surgical vision systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed head positioning is required for traditional systems, then image stability is improved, but ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical head-fixing system with an optical projection system that is inherently independent of head position. By projecting images directly onto the retina through an ellipsoid mirror, the system maintains image stability regardless of head movement, eliminating the trade-off between stability and ergonomic comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the surgical vision system to adapt automatically to the surgeon's head movements without requiring external adjustment mechanisms. The retinal projection system self-adjusts to maintain proper image delivery despite changes in head position, providing both stability and ergonomic freedom simultaneously
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 solution provides a wide field-of-view, high-resolution, and natural depth perception, allowing surgeons to move comfortably while maintaining image clarity, improving ergonomics and reducing the need for fixed head positioning, and can be adapted for various applications beyond surgery, including entertainment and business uses.
Implementation Method 1
a partially mirrored ellipsoid section on the inside of each side of the goggle that places an image directly on the back of the retina of each eye
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to 3D stereo vision goggles or other platforms that could be used for enhanced vision systems for surgical applications, for patients with macular degeneration, or for entertainment or business applications. The invention takes images received from a video input source, and segments and projects those images off a mirror defined by a portion of an ellipsoid and directly onto the retina of the eye of a user. The invention allows users to enjoy 3D stereoscopic vision with an increased field of view, increased image quality, increased comfort, reduced cost, and other benefits.