Stereoscopic Endoscope Depth Estimation via Sweep Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical imaging systems are limited in recognizing and conveying concealed structures, physical contours, and dimensions within a three-dimensional space during surgical procedures, often failing to provide real-time information on critical anatomical structures like veins, arteries, nerves, and tumors, which can lead to unintended damage during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical visualization system that combines tissue identification, geometric surface mapping, and distance sensing with hyperspectral imaging and structured light to provide real-time, three-dimensional visualization of critical structures obscured by tissue, enabling clinicians to avoid critical areas during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional imaging systems are used to visualize surgical sites, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but concealed structures and three-dimensional information cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (stereoscopic imaging, structured light projection, distance sensing) into a single integrated surgical imaging system. The stereoscope captures images from slightly different angles, while the structured light module projects patterns onto tissue surfaces, and distance sensors measure depths, merging these functions to reconstruct three-dimensional anatomy including concealed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional conventional imaging to three-dimensional visualization by incorporating depth information through stereoscopic parallax, structured light pattern analysis, and distance sensing. This dimensional enhancement allows recognition of concealed structures and accurate spatial relationships that are invisible in 2D images
2Reliability
If conventional imaging systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but real-time information on critical anatomical structures cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary three-dimensional reconstruction and identification of critical structures (veins, arteries, nerves, tumors) before surgical intervention. By pre-mapping the anatomical landscape with depth information and concealing structure identification, surgeons can plan and execute procedures with enhanced safety, avoiding critical structures that would otherwise be invisible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational processing and image fusion algorithms as intermediaries that synthesize data from multiple sensors (stereoscopic cameras, structured light projectors, distance sensors) to generate enhanced visualizations. These computational intermediaries translate raw sensor data into actionable three-dimensional anatomical information that improves surgical reliability
3Measurement precision
If stereoscopic imaging with multiple parameters is implemented, then depth estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the depth measurement task into multiple independent parameter measurements: stereoscopic parallax from dual-camera angles, structured light pattern distortion analysis, and direct distance sensor readings. By dividing the complex depth estimation into separate measurable components, the system achieves high precision while managing device complexity through modular sensor arrangements
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 accurate identification and avoidance of critical structures, reducing the risk of damage during surgeries by providing real-time, intraoperative data on proximity, dimensions, and depths of anatomical features, enhancing surgical precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a camera positioned at a distal end of the shaft for visualizing a first structure below a tissue surface within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
wherein the camera is configured to be swept over the first structure about a pivot point... estimate a depth of the first structure below the tissue surface based on the monitored plurality of sweep parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical visualization system comprises: (a) an endoscope comprising: (i) a shaft comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a patient, (ii) a camera positioned at the distal end of the shaft for visualizing a first structure below a tissue surface within the cavity when the distal end is inserted into the cavity, wherein the camera defines a line of sight, wherein the camera is configured to be swept over the first structure; and (b) a processor in operative communication with the camera of the endoscope, wherein the processor is configured to: (i) monitor at least one sweep parameter when the camera is swept over the first structure, and (ii) estimate a depth of the first structure below the tissue surface based on the monitored at least one sweep parameter.