Surgical Visualization System 3D Positioning via Light Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical visualization systems require additional devices and incur high costs and operational footprints to determine three-dimensional positions of points on a patient, which complicates intraoperative navigation and increases the distance from the target region, reducing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a surgical visualization system's light source to generate light markings on a patient, captured by an imaging unit, where the poses of the light source and imaging unit are known, allowing for the determination of three-dimensional positions within the reference coordinate system, eliminating the need for external navigation systems and improving spatial resolution by capturing high-resolution images directly at the target region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external navigation systems with cameras are used to determine three-dimensional positions, then positioning functionality is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and imaging unit into the surgical visualization system itself, merging previously separate navigation functions with the existing surgical microscope. This integration eliminates the need for external navigation systems while maintaining three-dimensional position determination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical visualization system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary surgical observation tool and the navigation system for three-dimensional position determination. The light source and imaging unit of the microscope are utilized for dual purposes - surgical illumination/imaging and navigation marker generation/detection
2Measurement precision
If external navigation systems are positioned away from the target region, then operational footprint is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the imaging unit directly into the surgical visualization system positioned at the target region, the patent eliminates the distance between the measurement device and the surgical site. This close proximity enables high-resolution capture of light markings while the system occupies the same operational space already required for surgery
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional navigation devices are procured, then three-dimensional positioning capability is achieved, but costs and operational footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the surgical visualization system multi-functional by enabling it to generate light markings and capture images for three-dimensional position determination. This eliminates the need for separate navigation devices while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical visualization system performs its own navigation function by using its built-in light source to generate markers and its imaging unit to capture them. The system serves itself for position determination without requiring external navigation equipment
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
This approach reduces costs and operational footprint, enhances accuracy by capturing high-resolution images close to the target region, and automates the determination of three-dimensional positions, improving spatial resolution and reducing the need for external navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
generating at least one light marking by means of at least one light source of the surgical visualization system in the target region
Implementation Method 2
using at least one imaging unit of the surgical visualization system to capture at least one image representation containing the at least one light marking generated in the target region
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for determining the three-dimensional positions of points in a target region on a patient in a reference coordinate system of a surgical visualization system. The method includes generating at least one light marking in the target region. Using at least one imaging unit to capture at least one image representation containing the at least one light marking. Determining a three-dimensional position of the at least one light marking in the reference coordinate system proceeding from image coordinates of the light marking in the captured image representation, with the known pose of the at least one light source and/or the light path and the known pose of the at least one imaging unit being taken into account. Repeating measures multiple times, with a position of the at least one light marking within the target region being changed each time, and providing the determined three-dimensional positions.