Stereo Endoscope Region Amplification for Surgical Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgeries face challenges in providing clinicians with a detailed view of specific locations within the body while maintaining a broad view of the surgical environment, as existing endoscopes require zooming in, which results in loss of peripheral vision.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a stereo endoscope with two cameras and a computer processing unit to determine and amplify specific regions of interest, applying image processing filters to generate and display amplified images, allowing for detailed views of specific areas while maintaining a broad view of the surgical environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the endoscope is zoomed into a specific area to see high detail, then the detail view is improved, but the peripheral vision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the field of view into multiple regions (central region of interest and peripheral regions) and processes them differently. The central region is amplified for detailed viewing while peripheral regions maintain broader context, allowing simultaneous detailed and contextual visualization without physical zooming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional view to a multi-dimensional display approach by showing amplified central region images alongside peripheral region images in different spatial locations on the display device, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the information presentation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple small incisions are used for minimally invasive surgery, then patient discomfort is reduced and recovery time is improved, but visibility of internal organs and tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges images from multiple endoscope cameras (first and second cameras) to create a composite view that combines the limited fields of view from each small incision into a more comprehensive visualization of internal organs and tissue, maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive access while improving overall visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies and processed versions of the images captured by the endoscope cameras, generating amplified representations of regions of interest that enhance the visibility of internal structures without requiring larger physical incisions for better direct viewing.
3Measurement precision
If image processing filters are applied to amplify regions of interest, then detailed views of specific areas are achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies image processing and amplification selectively only to identified regions of interest rather than processing the entire image field uniformly. This partial action approach concentrates computational resources on areas requiring detailed visualization while maintaining faster processing for peripheral regions, reducing overall processing time while achieving detailed views where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for amplifying a region of interest in a surgical environment. The system includes a stereo endoscope having a first camera and a second camera configured to obtain one or more images of the surgical environment. The system also includes a computer that has a central processing unit (CPU) configured to determine the region of interest in the surgical environment, a first controller configured to process the one or more images from the first camera to generate first amplified image(s), and a second controller configured to process the one or more images from the second camera to generate second amplified image(s). The first and second controllers process the one or more images based on the region of interest determined by the CPU. A display displays the one or more first amplified images and the one or more second amplified images.