Robotic Observation Instrument Control With Curved-Path Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical handling devices lack intuitive and low-error control mechanisms, often leading to operating errors and distractions during operations, especially in telemedical and robotic systems where direct feedback is limited.
Innovation Solution
A medical handling device with a robotic handling unit and control device that allows intuitive control of observation instruments using a single input device, maintaining a constant object distance and orientation, enabling movement along a curved path with defined pivot points, and integrating instrument and handling control units to simplify operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are provided for instruments and handling units, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single input device that serves multiple control functions for both the observation instrument and the robotic handling unit. This universal input device can control various parameters including image capture settings, instrument positioning, and handling unit movements, thereby reducing the number of separate control elements while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated input device. Instead of having separate controls for the observation instrument and handling unit, the system merges these controls into one device that can manage all functions through a unified interface, simplifying the operator's workflow.
2Ease of operation
If robotic handling units are used for instrument control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic handling unit incorporates sensors that detect the position and orientation of the observation instrument in real-time and provide this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust and control the handling unit based on the actual instrument state, improving operational ease while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the observation instrument's own sensors and control unit to assist in controlling the handling unit. The instrument essentially helps control itself by providing position and orientation data that the robotic system uses for automatic positioning, reducing the need for separate complex control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If direct feedback is provided in telemedical systems, then reliability is improved, but loss of information and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors in the observation instrument to detect its position and orientation, then transmitting this information back to the control system. This feedback loop ensures accurate control of the robotic handling unit while maintaining reliable operation through continuous position verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the observation instrument's control unit and sensors as intermediaries between the input device and the robotic handling unit. This intermediary system processes position and orientation data, transforming it into appropriate control commands for the handling unit, thereby maintaining information flow and control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical handling device comprises an instrument holder for holding an observation instrument that is equipped with an image capturing unit for capturing an image section of an object plane. The handling device further comprises a robotic handling unit that supports the instrument holder and a control device that comprises a handling control unit for controlling the robotic handling unit and an instrument control unit for controlling the observation instrument. An input device is coupled to the control device for selecting an image section to be reproduced. The control device is adapted to detect a present orientation of the observation instrument and to control the robotic handling unit, while taking into account the present orientation of the observation instrument, in response to user inputs at the input device. The observation instrument is movable with respect to a pivot point in the object plane at a defined object distance along a curved path.