Surgical Microscope Augmented Imaging With Depth-Layered Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscopes struggle to provide augmented images that enhance display quality without distracting or overwhelming the observer, particularly in stereo systems where depth perception is compromised by superimposed three-dimensional information.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating augmented images using a medical visualization system with a surgical microscope, incorporating a first image acquisition device, a stand with six degrees of freedom, and display devices, which superimposes a virtual image based on preoperative or intraoperative data, adjusting transparency and depth perception through a window object representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If three-dimensional additional information is superimposed on the examination area representation, then augmented information is provided to enhance visualization, but depth perception is compromised and observer distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the augmented image into multiple transparency layers corresponding to different depth planes. The real examination area image forms a first transparency layer, while virtual three-dimensional objects form subsequent transparency layers at different depths. This segmentation allows the observer to perceive depth relationships correctly by processing layers in sequence, resolving the contradiction between providing augmented information and maintaining depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of transparency layering to the traditional two-dimensional image superposition. By organizing information across multiple transparency layers with different depth characteristics, the system creates a three-dimensional perception structure that preserves depth perception while adding augmented information, thus resolving the contradiction between information enhancement and depth perception.
2Loss of information
If three-dimensional objects are superimposed on the examination area, then augmented visualization is achieved, but the observer may be distracted or overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transparency characteristics to different regions and layers of the augmented image. The real examination area maintains high transparency for clear visibility, while virtual three-dimensional objects use variable transparency based on their depth and importance. This local quality differentiation ensures that critical information stands out without overwhelming the observer, resolving the contradiction between information provision and observer comfort.
3Loss of information
If virtual images are superimposed on real images, then augmented representation is provided, but display quality is reduced due to compromised depth perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple transparency layers with distinct depth characteristics. The real image forms the base layer with high clarity, while virtual objects are placed in subsequent layers with appropriate transparency and depth cues. This segmentation preserves display quality by maintaining clear differentiation between real and virtual elements, resolving the contradiction between augmented representation and display quality.
Data Source
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Figure 5a~7
Figure 6b~6c
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating a first augmented image (AI1) when operating a medical visualization system (4) with a surgical microscope (10) comprising at least a first image acquisition device (5), the method comprising the steps of a. receiving a first real image (RI1) being generated by the first image acquisition device (5) and representing an image of an examination area, b. generating a first virtual image (VI1) based on a reference data set (R) representing three-dimensional additional information (A) and a three-dimensional window object (O), the window object (O) being open on at least one side, wherein an inner section (VI1_IS) of the first virtual image (VI1) is represented in a different way than an outer section (VI1_OS) of the first virtual image (VI1), wherein the inner section (VI1_IS) depicts a volume inside the window object (O) and the outer section (VI1_OS) depicts a volume outside the window object (O), c. generating the first augmented image (AI1) which represents the first real image (RI1) on which the first virtual image (VI1) is superimposed in at least a partial area. a medical visualization system (4) and a computer program product.