Surgical Visualization Mirror System for Ergonomic Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional visualization apparatuses for surgical sites require dedicated image representation units for each observer, leading to restricted working space, increased fatigue due to head movements and accommodation challenges, especially for observers with presbyopia.
Innovation Solution
A visualization apparatus with a first mirror unit that reflects the image representation surface to allow observers to change views between the operation site and image representation unit by slight eye movements, maintaining ergonomic and fatigue-free work, and optionally using a second mirror unit for a second observer with similar benefits, allowing a single image representation unit to serve both.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated image representation unit is provided for each observer, then each observer can view the surgical site independently, but the working space is restricted and observers experience fatigue due to head movements and accommodation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple viewing functions into a single shared image representation unit. The mirror unit system allows multiple observers to view the surgical site and image representation simultaneously or alternately without requiring separate display units for each observer, thereby saving space while maintaining independent viewing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror unit acts as an intermediary between the image representation unit and multiple observers. By using mirrors to redirect light paths, the system enables observers to view the image representation from different positions without requiring multiple physical displays, thus preserving working space freedom while providing adaptable viewing options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If observers wear varifocal spectacles to accommodate both operation site and image representation unit, then accommodation range is extended, but objects can be observed well only at a specific viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by using mirror units to redirect light paths. Instead of relying on varifocal spectacles that limit viewing angles, the mirror system allows observers to change their physical viewing position and angle while maintaining proper focus on both the operation site and image representation, thus providing viewing angle flexibility without sacrificing accommodation range.
3Device complexity
If the image representation unit is placed at a fixed position, then the system structure is simplified, but observers aged 40 or more experience increased fatigue due to accommodation times and head movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the system through mirror units that can be positioned and angled to accommodate different observer needs. This dynamic configuration allows the fixed image representation unit to serve multiple observers at different positions and distances, reducing accommodation strain and head movements without requiring a complex multi-unit system structure.
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 ergonomic and fatigue-free surgical procedures by allowing observers to change views without head movement, accommodating presbyopic observers without additional aids, and providing a space-saving arrangement of the image representation unit.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror unit having a first mirror surface, which has a first center point S and which is arranged relative to the image representation surface in such a way that the image reproduced by the image representation surface is reflected by the first mirror surface
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization apparatus for a surgical site includes a recording unit for recording an image of an object arranged in a focal plane of the recording unit. The recording unit has a lens having an optical axis that intersects the focal plane at a point P. An electronic image representation unit has an image surface for reproducing the recorded image and point P is reproduced at image point P′. A mirror unit has a mirror surface, which has a center point S and is arranged relative to the image surface such that the reproduced image is reflected by the mirror surface. The focal plane, image surface and mirror surface are arranged relative to one another such that an observation point B results for which the following applies:−2 D<Φ1−Φ2<+2 D;wherein:Φ1=−1/d1 Φ2=−1/d2 d1=distance PBd2=distance P′S+distance SB.