Surgical Tooling as Optical Pointer for Sterile GUI Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for interacting with computer interfaces during surgeries are error-prone and distracting, as surgeons must physically move their hands or heads to input data, potentially leading to negative surgical outcomes due to the need for non-sterile device interaction in a sterile environment.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses surgical tooling equipment as a pointer to control a graphical user interface via image sensors, allowing for motion-based object tracking and recognition, enabling surgeons to interact with the interface without leaving their field of view, by registering and tracking the equipment's movements to simulate mouse clicks and other interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surgeons use traditional input devices (foot pedals, touch screens, keyboards) to interact with computer systems during surgery, then the computer system can receive user input, but the surgeon must physically move their hand and/or head from the patient to the interface, causing distraction and potential surgical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical input devices (foot pedals, touch screens, keyboards) with an optical recognition system that detects the position and orientation of surgical tools through image processing. The system uses cameras and computer vision algorithms to track surgical tools and translate their spatial coordinates into interface interactions, eliminating the need for surgeons to physically move to input devices while maintaining accurate control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surgeons use non-sterile devices (touch screens, keyboards) to input data during surgery, then the computer system can be controlled, but the surgeon leaves the sterile field, creating potential contamination risks and distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of image sensors, processing units, and software algorithms that mediate between the surgical tool and the computer interface. This intermediary translates the physical position and movements of sterile surgical tools into digital commands, allowing surgeons to control the interface without direct contact with non-sterile devices, thereby maintaining sterile field integrity.
3Measurement precision
If surgeons physically move to computer interfaces to ensure correct input, then input accuracy can be verified, but this movement causes distraction and can lead to unforeseen surgical results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous verification of input accuracy by maintaining real-time tracking of surgical tool position and orientation throughout the surgical procedure. The system continuously monitors tool coordinates, maps them to interface elements, and provides immediate feedback, eliminating the need for intermittent movements to verify input while maintaining constant surgical focus and precision.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system that may display a graphical user interface (GUI) via a display; may receive first user input that indicates that surgical tooling equipment is to be utilized as a pointer associated with the GUI; may receive first multiple images from an image sensor; and may determine a digital model of the surgical tooling equipment, from the first multiple images, that includes a pattern of the surgical tooling equipment. The system may further train the digital model based at least on the first multiple images. The system may further receive second multiple images via the image sensor. The system may further determine, from the second multiple images and the digital model, a pattern of movement of the surgical tooling equipment that is utilizable to select of an icon of the GUI. The system may include a microscope integrated display that includes the display.