Surgical Microscope Stereo Basis Adjustment via Vertical Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical observation instruments like surgical microscopes and exoscopes face challenges in maintaining a stable stereo basis during surgical procedures, which can disrupt the surgeon's spatial perception and orientation due to rotation or changes in position, and their size and weight restrict the surgeon's view and workspace.
Innovation Solution
An optical observation instrument with stereo optics that includes a rotatable optics unit mounted on a retaining apparatus with a deflection element, allowing for adjustment of the stereo basis and viewing direction to maintain a natural spatial impression while minimizing the instrument's footprint, enabling unobstructed access and viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optics unit is made larger to provide better observation capabilities, then the observation quality is improved, but the surgeon's workspace and view are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the optics unit from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement above the surgical site. This dimensional change allows the optics unit to be positioned in the vertical dimension rather than occupying horizontal workspace, thereby maintaining high observation quality while preserving surgeon accessibility and workspace in the horizontal plane.
2Measurement precision
If the optics unit is made larger to improve observation, then the observation quality is improved, but the instrument becomes more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the optics unit vertically above the surgical site rather than horizontally beside it, the patent reduces the instrument's exposure to the surgical workspace where it could be accidentally contacted by surgical tools or personnel. This vertical positioning in another dimension protects the expensive optics while maintaining observation quality.
3Measurement precision
If the stereo basis is adjusted to maintain spatial perception, then the spatial impression is maintained, but the instrument complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting stereo basis mechanism where the stereo basis automatically adapts when the optics unit is repositioned. The system uses the known transformation between coordinate systems to automatically calculate and apply the necessary stereo basis adjustment, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex additional adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the optics unit is repositioned to improve accessibility, then the workspace accessibility is improved, but the stereo basis changes and disrupts spatial perception
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically compensates for stereo basis changes caused by repositioning. When the optics unit is moved to improve accessibility, the control unit automatically calculates the new stereo basis based on the transformed coordinate system and adjusts the stereo imaging accordingly, maintaining spatial perception without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the position of the optics unit and automatically adjusts the stereo basis to compensate for position changes. This closed-loop control ensures that spatial perception is maintained despite repositioning for better accessibility.
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
Facilitates intuitive and stable positioning of the optics unit, maintaining a natural spatial impression and unobstructed access to the surgical site, reducing the risk of instrument damage and improving the surgeon's orientation and workspace accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection element which is arranged on the object side of the objective arrangement and which is embodied and arranged to deflect the first and the second beam paths into the objective arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
An optical observation instrument according to the invention, in particular a surgical microscope or exoscope, comprises an optics unit with an objective arrangement and at least one electronic image recorder, wherein the optics unit has a first stereo channel with a first beam path and a second stereo channel with a second beam path for recording a stereo image of an object field with the at least one electronic image recorder and wherein the first and the second beam path extend through the objective arrangement. Further, the observation instrument comprises a retaining apparatus which comprises a retaining bracket, which engages over the optics unit, wherein the retaining bracket comprises an operating device with a number of operating elements for controlling a retaining arm, to which the retaining apparatus is connectable.