Robotic Surgical Lighting Repositioning via Laser Pointing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manual manipulation of surgical lighting systems in operating rooms leads to contamination risks, distraction from primary tasks, and inefficient illumination adjustments, increasing the risk of surgical site infections and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a wearable pointing device and processor-controlled mechanical arm that allows for hands-free, precise repositioning of lighting systems based on user input, including voice commands and laser guidance, to maintain focus on the surgical area while avoiding collisions and ensuring sterile conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of surgical lighting systems is used, then the lighting can be repositioned to illuminate surgical areas, but contamination risks increase and surgical staff are distracted from primary tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting repositioningVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of lighting systems with an automated robotic arm system that responds to voice commands and pointing gestures. The robotic arm mechanically positions the surgical lights without requiring surgical staff to physically handle or adjust the lighting equipment, thereby eliminating the contamination risk associated with manual manipulation while maintaining ease of operation through voice-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual manipulation of surgical lighting is performed, then lighting adjustments can be made, but surgical staff concentration on primary tasks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting adjustmentVSAvoidattention distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic lighting system operates autonomously in response to simple voice commands and pointing gestures, allowing surgical staff to control lighting adjustments without leaving their primary surgical tasks. The system serves itself by automatically positioning lights based on the designated target point, eliminating the need for staff to divert attention to manual lighting manipulation while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive voice-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting systems are used, then illumination can be provided, but precise positioning and repositioning are inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical area illuminationVSAvoidlighting repositioning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional manually-adjusted lighting systems with a robotic arm system that provides precise positioning through automated control. The robotic arm can quickly and accurately reposition lights to any location within its workspace in response to voice commands and pointing gestures, dramatically improving lighting repositioning efficiency while maintaining optimal illumination intensity for surgical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic lighting system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track the position of surgical instruments and the location designated by the pointing device. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust light position and orientation to maintain optimal illumination on the surgical site, improving repositioning efficiency while ensuring consistent illumination quality throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances safety and efficiency by reducing manual handling, minimizing contamination risks, and optimizing illumination without breaking sterile seals, thereby reducing surgical site infections and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a laser spot pointing device 360 configured to indicate a point of focus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a compatible sensor component 340 for sensing a position of the target illumination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10168688B2Systems and methods for implementing a pointer-guided tracking system and a pointer-guided mechanical movable device control system

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 BRUSKY TAYLOR

AI summary

A system and method are provided for facilitating hands free and precise movement, translation and repositioning of a movable mechanical apparatus, including an operating room lighting system, mounted to a mechanically-movable base component including, for example, an articulable or articulated robotic-type arm, according to user input pointing commands, including laser or other like pointing commands initiated by a user. The user provides hands free designation of a point of focus with a pointing device. A sensor associated with the movable mechanical apparatus automatically detects the designated point of focus and a processor determines and executes a scheme of movement for moving the movable mechanical apparatus from a current position to a position proximate to the designated point of focus. A collision avoidance scheme is also provided for safety and to alert the user as to the presence of any impediment in the determined scheme of movement.