Surgical Microscope Optical Tracking for Contactless 6DoF Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopy systems for surgical interventions require manual adjustment, which is time-consuming and inconvenient, and existing contactless solutions are limited in degrees of freedom or uncomfortable/unhygienic.
Innovation Solution
A microscopy system with a position detection device using passive marker elements and an image capture device to enable contactless control of the microscope's movement in up to six spatial degrees of freedom, allowing precise tracking without the need for manual instrument handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the microscope is used, then the user can directly control the microscope position, but the user has to set down instruments which takes time and is not user friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical tracking system. The microscope position is controlled by a drive mechanism that responds to spatial coordinates detected by an optical tracking system, eliminating the need for manual instrument handling during position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the microscope automatically tracks and positions itself based on spatial coordinates detected from the user's hand or instrument position, without requiring direct manual adjustment of the microscope.
2Ease of operation
If foot-operated or mouth-operated switches are used, then contactless operation is achieved, but the degrees of freedom are limited or the operation is uncomfortable and unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces limited switch-based control with a three-dimensional sensor system that detects spatial coordinates in three-dimensional space. This enables continuous, multi-degree-of-freedom control through optical tracking of hand or instrument position, providing both contactless operation and full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional switch pressing to three-dimensional spatial coordinate detection. The three-dimensional sensor captures position information in x, y, and z dimensions, enabling comprehensive control of the microscope's six degrees of freedom through optical tracking.
3Ease of operation
If a three-dimensional sensor is used for contactless spatial positioning, then the microscope can be positioned without contact, but the system complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical tracking system serve multiple functions: it detects spatial coordinates for microscope positioning, tracks instrument position, and provides feedback for automated control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a coordinate system as an intermediary that links the optical tracking sensor to the microscope's drive mechanism. This standardized interface simplifies the integration between detection and actuation systems, reducing overall complexity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple image capture devices are arranged at a distance from each other, then position detection accuracy is improved, but the installation space requirements and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single image capture device that detects spatial coordinates in three-dimensional space, eliminating the need for multiple devices arranged in space. The three-dimensional detection capability provides full position accuracy without requiring multiple sensors or large installation area.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and hygienic operation of the microscopy system by allowing contactless control of the microscope's position and orientation, reducing operation time and minimizing the risk of infection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one image capture device (10) for optical acquisition of the target (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopy system includes a microscope, a stand configured to mount the microscope and including a drive device configured to move the microscope, a detection device configured to detect a spatial position of a target fastened to a body part or to an instrument, wherein the position detection device includes the target with at least one marker element and an image capture device configured to optically capture the target. The microscopy system further includes at least one control device configured to operate the microscopy system according to the detected position of the target, wherein the position detection device is configured to determine the position of the target by evaluating a two-dimensional image of the image capture device. In addition, a method for operating the microscopy system is provided.