Surgical Tool Camera Alignment With Sensor-Based Image Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera probes for surgical applications face challenges in maintaining orientation and alignment with surgical tools during minimally invasive procedures, particularly when viewing narrow patient cavities, leading to manual manipulation complexities.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus with a body featuring support surfaces that control the intersection angle and spacing between the surgical tool and camera probe, utilizing a collar or cannula to maintain alignment, and a controller that adjusts image data orientation based on detected tool features, ensuring consistent depiction of the surgical tool in the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual manipulation of camera probes and surgical tools is used, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but coordination complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera probe and surgical tool into a single integrated apparatus, where the camera probe is positioned at an angle relative to the surgical tool shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual coordination of two independent devices, reducing operational complexity while maintaining positioning flexibility through the angled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that automatically adjusts the orientation of captured images based on detected tool features. This mediator processes information from sensors and modifies the image display to maintain proper orientation without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing coordination difficulty while preserving adaptability.
2Productivity
If the camera probe is positioned at an angle to the surgical tool, then the field of view captures both the tool and anatomical structures, but the image orientation becomes inconsistent with the horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to detect the orientation and position of the surgical tool, and this feedback information is used by the controller to automatically adjust and correct the image orientation. The system continuously monitors tool features and modifies the displayed images accordingly, ensuring horizon consistency while maintaining the angled positioning that provides effective imaging of both tool and anatomy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera apparatuses are used to capture different portions of the cavity, then comprehensive viewing is achieved, but the complexity of coordinating and displaying multiple feeds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that manages multiple camera apparatuses using a standardized coordination approach. The controller applies the same image orientation adjustment algorithms and detection methods to all camera feeds, enabling comprehensive viewing of different cavity portions while maintaining consistent processing rules that reduce coordination complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical imaging system includes at least one camera apparatus having a camera body including an image sensor configured to capture image data in a field of view. A scope extends along a longitudinal axis from the camera body. A camera orientation sensor is in connection with the camera apparatus. The camera orientation sensor detects a camera orientation of the camera apparatus. A scope orientation sensor detects a scope orientation of the scope relative to the camera body. A controller monitors the camera orientation and the scope orientation. In response to a change in the scope orientation relative to the camera orientation, the controller updates a rotation of the field of view of the image data.