Stereoscopic Fiber-Optic Surgical Visualization for Stable Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional surgical visualization systems, such as endoscopic and microscopic imaging systems, suffer from poor depth perception, low resolution, and instability, which limits the ability to accurately perceive spatial relationships between delicate structures during microsurgical procedures, and are often too bulky to fit within small incisions required for modern minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical visualization system with a modular robotic control unit, fiber optic bundles, and a stereoscopic imaging system integrated with artificial intelligence for enhanced depth perception and precision, allowing for real-time image processing and hands-free control using a wearable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional endoscopic or microscopic imaging systems are used for surgical visualization, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the image resolution is low, depth perception is poor, and clarity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple independent fiber optic bundles, each capturing specific visual information. This segmentation allows high-resolution imaging through thin individual fibers while maintaining system manageability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fiber optic bundles are integrated within a compact robotic catheter structure, with the imaging system nested inside the robotic control unit. This nesting enables high-resolution stereoscopic imaging while keeping the overall device size suitable for minimally invasive procedures.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional surgical microscopes are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the device size is large and cannot fit within small incisions required for modern microsurgical techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic imaging bundles are nested within the robotic control unit catheter, allowing the high-resolution imaging system to fit through small incisions while maintaining visualization clarity through the advanced optical properties of the fiber bundles.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical microscope system is replaced with a fiber optic-based imaging system that transmits visual information through flexible bundles, enabling miniaturization while maintaining or improving image quality through optical rather than mechanical means.
3Reliability
If traditional fiber endoscopes are used, then the system structure is simple, but the image stability is poor and depth perception is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where image quality and stability are continuously monitored and adjusted. The robotic control unit provides stable positioning and the fiber optic bundles maintain consistent optical pathways, with system parameters adjusted based on real-time performance feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple fiber optic bundles carrying different visual information are merged into a unified stereoscopic image. This combination of multiple imaging channels provides both stability through redundancy and depth perception through stereoscopic visualization.
4Loss of information
If monoscopic fiber endoscopes are used, then the device can fit within small incisions, but the depth perception is poor and spatial relationships cannot be fully perceived
Solution Approach 1:
The visual information is segmented into multiple stereoscopic channels through separate fiber optic bundles, with each bundle capturing specific depth and spatial information. This segmentation preserves depth perception by maintaining distinct left and right eye views or multiple focal planes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stereoscopic imaging bundles are nested within the robotic control unit, enabling full-color stereoscopic visualization through small incisions. The nested architecture allows complex multi-channel imaging while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for minimally invasive surgery.
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
The system provides high-resolution, stable, and clear stereoscopic images with enhanced depth perception, enabling precise manipulation of delicate tissues and fitting within small incisions, thereby improving surgical accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The second housing comprises one or more fiber optic bundles, and a stereoscopic system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a robotic surgical visualization system. The system comprises a robotic control unit, a wearable device, a user device, and a processing unit. The wearable device and the user device are configured to provide directional, rotational, and tactile control. The robotic unit is configured to capture a stereoscopic image by receiving an optical signal and converting the optical signals into digital imagery. The processing unit is in communication with the user device and the wearable device. The processing unit is further configured to receive the stereoscopic image from the control unit and transmit real-time stereoscopic image to the wearable device. Further, the wearable device comprises a visual-enhancement unit comprises an artificial intelligence (AI) module and a real-time stabilization module configured to enhance the stereoscopic image. The processing unit is further configured to store calibration data, and manages communication, image processing, calibration storage, and closed-loop feedback control.