Surgical Microscope Auxiliary Observation for Display Failure Backup

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical microscope systems with electronic imaging units face challenges in continuing observation when the display fails, leading to increased costs, workload, and space requirements for additional optical devices.

Innovation Solution

A surgical microscope system with an auxiliary observation device, such as a loupe, that can be attached to the microscope unit or support unit, allowing direct observation of the operating site in case of display failure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate optical microscope device is prepared as a substitute means of observation, then patient safety is improved by enabling continuation of surgery in case of display failure, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The microscope unit is designed to serve dual functions: primary electronic imaging for normal operation and secondary optical observation for backup. The same microscope unit that normally performs electronic imaging can be quickly converted to optical observation mode by attaching the auxiliary optical observation device, eliminating the need for a completely separate backup microscope device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary optical observation device is introduced as an intermediary component that can be attached to the existing microscope unit. This intermediary device enables optical observation capability without requiring a full separate microscope system, serving as a cost-effective bridge between the electronic imaging system and optical backup needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate optical microscope device is prepared as a substitute means of observation, then patient safety is improved by enabling continuation of surgery in case of display failure, but the amount of work increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidamount of work

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary optical observation device is pre-configured and stored in a ready-to-use state on the microscope unit. In case of display failure, the device can be immediately activated without requiring time-consuming setup or preparation, allowing surgeons to switch to optical observation mode rapidly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the auxiliary optical observation device can be quickly deployed when needed. The microscope unit's ability to switch between electronic imaging mode and optical observation mode provides operational flexibility and reduces the burden on medical staff

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a separate optical microscope device is prepared as a substitute means of observation, then patient safety is improved by enabling continuation of surgery in case of display failure, but the operating room becomes crowded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidspace

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary optical observation device is nested within or attached to the existing microscope unit structure. This nested configuration allows the backup optical observation capability to be housed within the space already occupied by the primary electronic imaging system, avoiding the need for additional space in the operating room

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary optical observation device is merged with the existing microscope unit to create an integrated system. By combining the backup optical observation function with the primary electronic imaging microscope, the system eliminates the need for a completely separate backup device that would require additional space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3295890B1Microscope device for surgical use, and microscope system for surgical use

Publication Date: 2025.07.30 SONY OLYMPUS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

To enable observation of the operating site to be continued more easily in the case in which the picture of the operating site is no longer displayed normally. Provided is a surgical microscope device including: a microscope unit that images an observation target, and outputs a picture signal; a support unit that supports the microscope unit, and is configured as a balance arm; and an auxiliary observation device that is attachable to the microscope unit or the support unit, and is configured to enable observation of an observation range provided by the microscope unit.