Stereoscopic Surgical Microscope HUD Using Spatial Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intrasurgical OCT systems with heads-up displays (HUD) are limited by only being capable of displaying through one ocular, which restricts the surgeon's depth perception, and existing solutions for stereoscopic HUDs are either too bulky or compromise image brightness, making them unsuitable for integration into surgical microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A compact, microscope-integrated stereoscopic HUD system using spatial multiplexing to project stereo views into both oculars simultaneously with a single micro-display, supported by real-time GPU-enabled stereoscopic OCT image processing, employing a minimal optical design with only three optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stereoscopic HUD uses a pair of micro displays, then stereoscopic depth perception is improved, but device complexity and size increase making it bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate micro displays into a single micro display unit that projects both left and right eye images. The beamsplitter divides the single display output into two separate optical paths, one for each eye, thereby achieving stereoscopic display while reducing device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The single micro display is functionally segmented into two independent display regions, with each region dedicated to projecting images for one eye. The beamsplitter further segments the optical path, directing left eye images to the left ocular and right eye images to the right ocular, maintaining stereoscopic capability with reduced hardware.
2Device complexity
If only one micro display is used for HUD, then device complexity is reduced, but image brightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A beamsplitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element that efficiently divides the light from the single micro display into two separate paths. This allows the single display to illuminate both oculars with sufficient brightness by optically coupling the light distribution, maintaining image quality while using minimal optical elements.
3Productivity
If HUD is integrated into surgical microscope, then real-time OCT feedback is improved, but surgical field of view may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the OCT data overlay that is projected through the microscope oculars. This allows surgical data to be displayed without physically obstructing the surgical field of view, as the information is optically superimposed in the surgeon's visual field rather than requiring separate display devices that would block the view.
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 real-time, high-resolution, stereoscopic display of surgical data without compromising the surgeon's field of view or depth perception, maintaining image brightness and compactness, thus improving surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first beamsplitter or other optical element positioned so that the first eyepiece only receives the first images, and positioned to receive and reflect both first and second light into the first microscope optical path
Implementation Method 2
the received second light is rejected by the aperture inside the first eyepiece or any suitable aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Stereoscopic display systems and methods for displaying surgical data and information in a surgical microscope are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a system includes first and second eyepieces. The system includes a display having first and second display portions, configured to display first images in the first display portion, and configured to display second images in the second display portion. The first image and the second image are projected along a first pathway and a second pathway. The system includes a first optical element positioned to relay the first images into the first eyepiece. The system includes a second optical element positioned to relay the second images into the second eyepiece.