Implantable Surgical Camera with Actuated Pan Tilt Zoom

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques face limitations due to narrow imaging fields, limited workspace, counterintuitive motions, and the need for multiple incisions for endoscope ports and tooling, which complicate surgical procedures by impairing depth perception and haptic feedback.

Innovation Solution

Development of implantable imaging devices with actuators that can be remotely controlled for pan, tilt, and zoom movements within a body cavity, including stereo cameras for 3D imaging, and a remote control system with a processor to generate control signals, allowing for precise manipulation and improved visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If standard endoscopes are used in minimally invasive surgery, then the surgical procedure can be performed, but the imaging field of view remains narrow and workspace is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging field of viewVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static endoscope into a mobile robotic system with multiple degrees of freedom. The robotic device can dynamically adjust its position, orientation, and zoom level within the body cavity, allowing the imaging field of view to be expanded and repositioned as needed during surgery, rather than being constrained by a fixed insertion point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dimensionality change by adding rotational and translational degrees of freedom to the imaging system. Instead of being limited to linear movement along a single insertion path, the robotic device can move in multiple dimensions (pan, tilt, zoom), effectively adding spatial dimensions to the imaging capability and dramatically expanding the visible workspace

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple incisions are made for endoscope ports and tooling, then surgical access is achieved, but patient trauma increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical accessVSAvoidpatient trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by consolidating multiple surgical functions (imaging, tool manipulation, retraction) into a single integrated robotic system that accesses the body cavity through one port. This eliminates the need for separate incisions for endoscopes and surgical tools, reducing patient trauma while maintaining full surgical capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic device embodies multi-functionality by serving as both the imaging system and the manipulator for surgical tools. A single robotic platform can perform diverse surgical tasks including visualization, retraction, and instrument manipulation, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices and incisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If rigid stick-like instruments are used in laparoscopy, then surgical tools can be inserted, but depth perception and haptic feedback are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical tool insertionVSAvoiddepth perception and haptic feedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing rigid mechanical stick-like instruments with a flexible robotic system that uses articulated arms and end-effectors. This allows for more natural manipulation and restores haptic feedback through force sensors and compliant mechanisms, while the robotic control system provides enhanced depth perception through multi-camera imaging and 3D visualization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If standard endoscope positioning is used, then the device is simple to operate, but counterintuitive motions are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoperator motion control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the control paradigm: instead of the operator manipulating controls that produce counterintuitive instrument movements, the robotic system uses sensors and feedback to automatically adjust its position and orientation, making the device adapt to the operator's intent rather than requiring the operator to adapt to the device's limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8810638B2Insertable surgical imaging device

Publication Date: 2014.08.19 THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIV IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A body-insertable imaging device includes a first camera that comprises a first image sensor and a first lens to pass incident light onto the first image sensor, a control interface to receive a remotely generated control signal, and an actuator communicatively coupled to the control interface and configured to support the camera and manipulate the camera about a pan axis, a tilt axis, and along a zoom direction in response to the control signal while the camera and actuator are within a body cavity, wherein the zoom direction extends out from a distal end of the body-insertable camera.