Virtual Image Module for Depth-Aligned Retinal Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical practitioners face challenges in overlaying additional visual information, such as processed images, onto real-time images during medical procedures, as existing systems can only provide 2D images and require practitioners to switch between monitors and microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for superimposing a virtual image with depth onto a real-time image by projecting right and left collimated light signals to the viewer's eyes, allowing for the overlay of processed images onto real-time images with precise depth alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional visual information is displayed on a separate monitor, then the information is provided to the medical practitioner, but the practitioner cannot observe it overlapped with the real-time image and must switch between monitors and microscopes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separate monitor display with the microscope real-time image by projecting the processed image (additional visual information) directly onto the real-time image plane. This combining allows the medical practitioner to view both the real-time optical image and the processed image (such as OCT or fluorescein angiography images) simultaneously in an overlapped manner through the microscope eyepieces, eliminating the need to switch between separate monitors and the microscope.
2Loss of information
If conventional visualization assistance systems are used, then additional visual information is provided, but only in 2D image format without depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D image display to 3D volumetric visualization by implementing a light field display system. The projected image is rendered with depth information, allowing different focal planes within the processed image to be clearly focused at different depths. This enables the medical practitioner to observe three-dimensional structures (such as retinal layers) with proper depth perception, rather than flat two-dimensional representations.
3Measurement precision
If the virtual image is projected to superimpose on the real-time image, then accurate depth alignment is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to collimated light signal projection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that combines the real-time optical path from the microscope with the projected light field from the display system. The beam splitter allows the real-time image light to pass through while reflecting or combining the projected collimated light signals, enabling the superimposition of the virtual 3D image onto the real-time image plane without requiring direct modification of the microscope's complex optical train.
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 medical practitioners to view additional visual information, such as processed retinal images, overlaid on real-time images with accurate depth alignment, improving surgical precision and reducing the need to switch between monitors and microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
The virtual image module generates a virtual image by respectively projecting a right collimated light signal to a viewer's right eye and a corresponding left collimated light signal to a viewer's left eye
Implementation Method 2
The real-time image module comprises a magnification assembly to generate a real-time image of an object at a first location and a first depth, with a predetermined magnification
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for superimposing a virtual image on a real-time image or real object. The system comprises a right collimated light signal generator for generating a right collimated light signal and a left collimated light signal generator for generating a left collimated light signal corresponding to the right collimated light signal which is directed towards the other retina of the viewer; wherein the right collimated light signal and the left collimated light signal form a binocular pixel of a virtual image with a first depth, the first depth which the viewer perceives is modified by changing a convergence angle between light path extensions of the right collimated light signal and the corresponding left collimated light signal projected into the viewer's eyes based on an interpupillary distance, the first depth corresponds to a depth location of a converging point of light path extensions of the right collimated light signal and the corresponding left collimated light signal.