Rotatable Optics Unit for Angled Stereo Viewing in Surgical Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical observation instruments, such as surgical microscopes and exoscopes, face challenges in providing an unobstructed view and natural stereo perception during surgical interventions due to their vertical installation height and restricted visual field, especially when the viewing direction is vertically downward, which complicates orientation and alignment of the stereo basis.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation instrument with a rotatable optics unit and deflection element allows for an angled viewing direction, reducing the vertical installation height and enabling easy adjustment of the stereo basis to match the user's location and horizon, thereby providing a natural spatial impression and unimpeded access to the operating field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical observation instrument is installed vertically downward to provide access to the operating field, then the surgeon's access to the operating field is improved, but the vertical installation height increases and the visual field becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optics unit is made rotatable about a first axis of rotation, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stereo basis orientation while maintaining a fixed vertical installation height. This enables the instrument to adapt to different surgical positions and surgeon locations without requiring vertical movement or height adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting the vertical height (one dimension), the invention introduces rotation about a horizontal axis (another dimension) to achieve proper stereo basis alignment. This allows the viewing direction to remain vertically downward while the stereo basis can be rotated to match the surgeon's horizon, solving the contradiction by operating in a different dimensional space.
2Length of stationary object
If the viewing direction is vertically downward to maintain compact installation, then the vertical installation height is reduced, but the orientation and alignment of the stereo basis becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable optics unit provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the stereo basis to be aligned with the surgeon's horizon regardless of the vertically downward viewing direction. The rotation mechanism enables easy reorientation without complex mechanical adjustments or fixed installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the stereo basis through rotation, allowing it to be independently adjusted from the fixed viewing direction. This decoupling of viewing direction (vertically downward) from stereo basis orientation (adjustable via rotation) simplifies the alignment process while maintaining compact installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the optics unit is fixed in position to maintain stable observation, then the stereo basis cannot be adjusted to match different user locations, but adaptability to different surgeons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optics unit combines stability with adaptability through controlled rotation. The unit remains firmly mounted on the retaining apparatus for stable observation, while the rotation capability about the first axis allows easy adjustment of the stereo basis to match different surgeon locations and horizons, achieving both stability and versatility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable optics unit serves multiple functions: it maintains stable observation of the operating field while simultaneously adapting to different surgeon positions and orientations. This single mechanism provides both the stability needed for clear imaging and the versatility needed to accommodate various surgical team configurations.
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
This configuration allows for reduced vertical installation height, unobstructed viewing over the instrument, and improved orientation within the operating field, enhancing the surgeon's ability to maintain a clear view of the monitor without visual field restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection element which is arranged on the object side of the objective arrangement and which is embodied and arranged to deflect the first and second beam paths into the objective arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An optical observation instrument according to the invention, in particular a surgical microscope or exoscope, comprises an optics unit with an objective arrangement and at least one electronic image recorder, wherein the optics unit has a first stereo channel with a first beam path and a second stereo channel with a second beam path for recording a stereo image of an object field with the at least one electronic image recorder and wherein the first and the second beam path extend through the objective arrangement. The instrument moreover comprises a retaining apparatus, on which the optics unit is mounted so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation, the latter at least approximately corresponding to an axis of the objective arrangement, wherein the optical observation instrument has a viewing direction that is angled in relation to the axis of the objective arrangement and comprises a deflection element, arranged on the object-side of the objective arrangement, for deflecting the first and the second beam path into the objective arrangement. The invention further relates to a method for generating a stereo image of an object field.