Robotic Microscope Head Tracking With Capacitive Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic microscopes for medical and surgical procedures are inconvenient and uncomfortable to use due to the need for manual control elements like switches, joysticks, and markers, which can compromise hygiene and increase operational effort.
Innovation Solution
A robotic microscope equipped with a capacitive sensor and control circuitry that allows touchless control of the optical system by maintaining a constant distance and orientation based on capacitance values, eliminating the need for manual actuation and markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control elements (switches, joysticks, foot pedals, mouth pieces) are used to control the robotic microscope, then the microscope can be positioned and moved in multiple degrees of freedom, but the operation becomes inconvenient and uncomfortable for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional manual control elements (switches, joysticks, foot pedals, mouth pieces) from the system. Instead, it uses capacitive sensors integrated into the microscope housing to detect user head position and control the optical system, thereby extracting the cumbersome control mechanisms while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces capacitive sensors as an intermediary between the user and the microscope control system. These sensors detect changes in capacitance caused by the user's head proximity and translate them into control signals, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct manual manipulation of control elements
2Ease of operation
If markers are attached to the user's skin or cap for control, then the microscope can be controlled through marker tracking, but additional effort is required for applying and removing markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for external markers by integrating capacitive sensors directly into the microscope housing. The sensors detect the user's head position through capacitance changes without requiring any external attachments, thereby extracting the time-consuming marker application and removal steps
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensors automatically detect and track the user's head position without requiring any active participation from the user for marker application or adjustment. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring capacitance changes and adjusting the optical system accordingly
3Ease of operation
If manual control elements are used during surgical procedures, then the microscope can be controlled, but hygiene is compromised due to contact with control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes physical contact points between the user and control system by eliminating traditional manual control elements. The capacitive sensing system operates through proximity detection, extracting the hygiene-risk contact interface while maintaining control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensors act as a contactless intermediary, detecting user intent through electrical field changes without physical contact. This mediator eliminates the hygiene risk associated with touching control elements during surgical procedures
4Ease of operation
If traditional control methods are used, then the microscope can be positioned, but the user experience is uncomfortable and requires additional operational effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and responds to user head position changes through capacitive sensing, eliminating the need for manual control operations. The microscope self-adjusts its position and orientation based on detected capacitance changes, providing a comfortable and intuitive user experience through automated control
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
Enables intuitive, precise, and hygienic control of the microscope's optical system, reducing user discomfort and operational effort while maintaining precise positioning and movement control.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor (22) with at least one electrode (24) coupled to, arranged at, and/or mounted to at least a part of the optical system (12), wherein the capacitive sensor (22) is configured to provide, generate and/or output one or more sensor signals indicative of a capacitance in a vicinity of the at least one electrode (24)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robotic microscope that includes an optical system being moveable in one or more spatial directions and an actuator configured to move the optical system in the spatial directions. The microscope includes a capacitive sensor with an electrode coupled to at least a part of the optical system, the capacitive sensor configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of a capacitance in a vicinity of the electrode. The microscope further includes control circuitry configured to determine, based on processing the sensor signal, at least one capacitance value for the capacitance, and configured to actuate, based on comparing at least one capacitance value with at least one reference value for the capacitance, the actuator to move the optical system such that a distance between a user's head and part of the optical system and/or an orientation of the user's head and part of the optical system is substantially constant.