Pan-Tilt Surgical Lighting With Automatic Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical lighting systems are immobile, leading to shadowing and heat-related issues, and manual adjustment risks contamination during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tracking lamp system with a digital imaging system and pan-tilt mechanism connected to a computer-based control unit, using a position indicator to automatically adjust the light beam to maintain illumination on moving targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a fixed lamp system is used to provide strong illumination, then the illumination intensity is sufficient, but the light source creates heat that can damage the patient and discomfort to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lighting system mobile rather than fixed. The lamp can be moved to different positions and angles to illuminate the surgical site, allowing the heat-generating light source to be positioned optimally to minimize heat exposure to the patient while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary between the lamp and the surgical site. The camera captures images of the surgical field, allowing surgeons to view the illuminated area remotely through monitors, thereby reducing direct exposure to the heat-generating light source while maintaining illumination intensity at the target area.
2Device complexity
If a fixed lamp system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the light source cannot follow moving objects and creates shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a camera system that continuously monitors the surgical field and detects the position of surgical instruments and tissues. This visual feedback is processed by a computer system that automatically adjusts the lamp's position and orientation to maintain optimal illumination on the surgical site, enabling the light to follow moving objects without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of the lamp with an automated computer-controlled system. Instead of physically moving the lamp by hand to track surgical instruments, the system uses computer vision algorithms to detect instrument positions and automatically controls motors to reposition the lamp, substituting mechanical manual operation with automated electromechanical control.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the lamp is performed, then the light can be repositioned, but there is risk of transmitting contaminating microorganisms to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the lighting system to reposition itself automatically without human intervention. The computer-controlled motors move the lamp based on feedback from the camera system, allowing the light to track surgical instruments and maintain illumination on the surgical site while eliminating the need for non-sterile personnel to manually adjust the lamp within the sterile surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electromechanical control. The system uses computer vision to detect the positions of surgical instruments and automatically controls motors to reposition the lamp, substituting human hand movements with automated mechanical systems that do not risk contaminating the sterile surgical field.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lamp is attached to the operator's head for manual tracking, then shadowing is reduced, but the system becomes more complex and requires head movements that may transmit contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary that eliminates the need for head-mounted lamps. The camera captures images of the surgical field, and the computer system processes these images to determine the optimal lamp position, replacing the direct visual feedback from the operator's eyes with an automated imaging system that reduces shadowing without requiring head movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical head-mounted lamp system with a stationary computer-controlled lamp system. Instead of requiring the operator to physically move their head to track surgical instruments, the system uses computer vision algorithms to detect instrument positions and automatically controls motors to reposition the lamp, eliminating the need for head movements and associated contamination risks.
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
Provides constant and shadow-free illumination without manual intervention, reducing heat exposure and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a digital imaging system comprising a digital image sensor and a lens module
Implementation Method 2
the pan-tilt adjustable housing operably connected to a first panning-tilting mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a lamp fixedly mounted on the pan-tilt adjustable housing and positioned to direct a light beam
Implementation Method 4
the pan-tilt adjustable housing can comprise a near infra-red light emitter configured to illuminate the position indicator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are embodiments of a position-adaptive lighting system comprising a pantilt adjustable housing enclosing a digital imaging system and a lens module operably connected to a computer-based digital control unit, a lamp, and a position indicator detectable by the digital camera system and the computer-based digital control unit. The position-adaptive lighting system can adjustably direct a light beam to provide illumination of an object to which the position indicator is attached. The system is advantageous for providing a directed light to a surgical site and accommodate the movement of the position indicator on a surgeons hand or instrument.