Voice-Controlled Surgical Microscope Coupling for Hands-Free Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical microscopes require manual configuration through mechanical or electromechanical means, necessitating surgeons to use their hands or feet, which interrupts critical surgical tasks.
Innovation Solution
An integrated mechatronic system with voice command functionality, magnetic quick couplers, and image processing capabilities that allows hands-free operation of surgical microscopes, including autofocus and field adjustments, reducing the need for manual interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration methods (keyboard, touch screens, switches, knobs, pedals) are used to control surgical microscope functions, then the surgeon can adjust visualization and equipment settings, but the surgeon's hands and feet must be taken away from critical surgical tasks causing interruptions and distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (foot pedals, hand switches, touch screens) with a voice recognition system that converts spoken commands into electronic signals to control surgical microscope functions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with control devices, allowing the surgeon to maintain continuous focus on surgical tasks without manual or foot-based interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the surgeon to self-configure microscope settings, autofocus adjustments, and field of view modifications through voice commands without requiring assistance from the auxiliary team. This self-service capability reduces personnel requirements and allows the surgeon to independently manage equipment configuration while maintaining surgical task continuity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple personnel are present to manually configure equipment during surgery, then equipment adjustment tasks can be performed, but time is lost and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voice recognition system replaces manual equipment configuration performed by auxiliary personnel with automated voice-activated control. The surgeon can issue commands for autofocus, field adjustment, lighting control, and other microscope functions without requiring others to physically adjust equipment, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with personnel interventions during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the surgeon to independently configure and adjust equipment settings during surgery through voice commands, eliminating the need for auxiliary team members to perform these tasks. This self-service capability reduces both time loss and personnel requirements by consolidating equipment control functions with the surgeon's voice-based interface.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are made during surgery to maintain focus and field of view, then proper visualization is achieved, but the surgeon experiences distractions from critical surgical manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments of microscope focus and field of view with voice-activated electronic control. The surgeon can command autofocus and autofield adjustments without physically touching microscope controls, maintaining precise visualization accuracy while eliminating distractions from critical surgical manipulations. The voice recognition system translates spoken commands into precise mechanical adjustments of optical components.
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
Facilitates surgeon focus on critical tasks by enabling hands-free operation, reducing time and personnel requirements, and minimizing distractions during surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated mechatronic system, which is quickly coupled to a surgical microscope using magnets
Implementation Method 2
The quick coupling system based on the concept of magnets has the feature of a gold plating process, which makes it optimal for surgical areas. The gold is deposited on the magnets in the form of a thin layer about 5 nanometers thick
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated system, attachable to a surgical microscope using magnets, capable of interpreting voice commands and processing images and videos in real time, to then execute functions on surgical instruments, such as optical and peripheral equipment usable in general surgery or, in particular, in ophthalmological surgeries, such as anterior and posterior segment, ocular plastics, orbit, oncological and other surgeries is provided. The system automates the task of the surgeon and assistants when variations are needed during surgery, such as: visualization variations in focus (autofocus) or field adjustment systems (autofield), or performance of the surgical equipment, such as digital interventions in the foot and/or touch controls, interventions in existing knobs and/or levers for lighting control, and the like. The system includes magnetic quick couplings, sensor parts such as microphone, microprocessing center for image and video processing, and actuating parts such as stepper motors, direct current motors with gearboxes, servomotors.