Computer Assisted Surgery System with Neural Network Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer-assisted surgery systems face challenges in ensuring accurate decision-making by automated surgical apparatuses, as there is no guarantee that image classifications by artificial neural networks are correct, leading to potential delays and risks during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The system uses feature visualization to generate artificial images representing what the neural network is looking for, allowing human surgeons to review and grant permission for automated decisions, thereby reducing unnecessary disturbances and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the computerised surgical apparatus makes automatic decisions based on neural network classification, then the productivity of the surgical process is improved, but the reliability of the decision-making is compromised due to inability to guarantee correct classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism where the system generates and displays artificial images representing what the neural network is looking for, allowing a human operator to verify the classification logic before the automatic decision is executed. This intermediary step bridges the gap between automated efficiency and reliable accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by generating artificial images in advance that visualize the neural network's classification criteria. This allows verification to be done before the actual surgical decision is made, ensuring reliability while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If permission is sought from human surgeon for each automated decision, then the reliability of surgical actions is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to time-consuming permission requests
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by displaying artificial images that show what the neural network is looking for, allowing the human surgeon to give advance permission or adjust parameters before actual surgical decisions are made. This preliminary action ensures reliability while enabling faster execution during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the surgeon through artificial images that visualize the neural network's classification criteria. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to understand and verify the basis for automated decisions, maintaining reliability while reducing the frequency of permission requests through pre-verification.
3Productivity
If the computerised surgical apparatus autonomously performs tasks without human permission, then the productivity is improved by eliminating permission delays, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential wrong classifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by generating and displaying artificial images that visualize what the neural network is looking for. This allows the surgeon to provide advance permission for specific scenarios, enabling autonomous action during critical moments while maintaining reliability through pre-verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of autonomy based on pre-verified scenarios. For scenarios where the surgeon has given permission based on reviewed artificial images, the system can act autonomously. For unverified scenarios, it maintains higher levels of human oversight, creating a dynamic balance between productivity and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer assisted surgery system comprising an image capture apparatus, a display, a user interface and circuitry, wherein the circuitry is configured to: receive information indicating a surgical scenario and a surgical process associated with the surgical scenario; obtain an artificial image of the surgical scenario; output the artificial image for display on the display; receive permission information via the user interface indicating if there is permission for the surgical process to be performed if the surgical scenario is determined to occur.


