Surgical Robot Eye-Tracking Control for Hands-Free Instrument Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotized surgery systems are complex and non-intuitive, requiring surgeons to manually control multiple robot arms and instruments, often distracting them from the operating field and increasing the risk of unsafe movements.

Innovation Solution

A robotized surgery system with an eye-tracking system that detects the surgeon's gaze to control robot arm movements and instrument functions, allowing hands-free operation and enhanced safety through gaze-based command inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the surgeon manually controls multiple robot arms and instruments using traditional manipulators, then the system provides precise control capability, but the surgeon's attention is distracted from the operating field and the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical manipulators with an eye-tracking system that uses optical detection of eye movements to control robot arms and surgical instruments. The eye-tracking console detects gaze direction and converts it into control signals, substituting manual hand manipulation with automated eye-movement-based control. This reduces the physical and cognitive burden on the surgeon while maintaining precise control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the surgeon uses pedals or additional control devices to activate functions, then the surgeon can operate system functions without removing hands from manipulators, but the system becomes less intuitive and distracts the surgeon's attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The eye-tracking system serves multiple functions: it controls robot arm movements, adjusts instrument operations, and manages console functions all through a single interface (eye movements). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate pedals or control devices for different operations, reducing overall control system complexity while maintaining hands-free operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the surgeon removes hands from manipulators to use other system functions or view operating parameters, then the surgeon can access additional controls, but the risk of unsafe or incorrect movements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem function accessibilityVSAvoidoperating safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The eye-tracking system allows the surgeon to control all system functions including viewing operating parameters and adjusting settings without removing hands from the surgical field. The system responds to eye movements and gaze direction, enabling the surgeon to self-manage all controls while maintaining continuous visual monitoring of the operating field, thus eliminating safety risks associated with hand removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Force

If the surgeon uses traditional manipulators to control robot arms, then the surgeon can feel forces exerted by instruments on tissues, but the number of controls and operating parameters increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetactile feedbackVSAvoidnumber of controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical manipulators that provide tactile feedback with an eye-tracking control system. While this substitution eliminates direct tactile feedback through hand manipulation, it significantly reduces the number of physical controls and operating parameters the surgeon must manage. The eye-tracking system consolidates multiple control functions into a single intuitive interface, trading tactile feedback for reduced complexity and improved ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 safer and more intuitive control of robot arms and instruments, reducing the risk of distraction and ensuring timely attention to the operating field by allowing surgeons to use their eyes to manage system functions without removing hands from manipulators.

Implementation Method 1

the console comprises an eye tracking system for detecting the direction of the surgeon's gaze

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEye tracking:

Data Source

PatentUS12544163B2Roboticized surgery system with improved control

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 TRANSENTERIX ITAL

AI summary

A robotized surgery system comprises at least one robot arm which acts under the control of a control console intended for the surgeon. The console comprises an eye tracking system for detecting the direction of the surgeon's gaze and for entering commands depending on the directions of the gaze detected. The console comprises advantageously a screen with at least one zone for viewing the operating field and, among the commands which can be performed depending on the gaze directions.