Voice-Nudge Control for Robotic Surgical Microscope

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic surgical microscopes require manual adjustment of zoom and focus levels, which can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially during surgical procedures, and lack the ability for hands-free movement in a sterile field.

Innovation Solution

A voice-nudge system that enables hands-free movement of a robotic surgical microscope's end effector through voice control, allowing incremental movements in multiple directions without the need for physical inputs like foot pedals, while maintaining the field of view and magnification level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of zoom and focus is used, then the microscope can be controlled with physical inputs, but the operation becomes time-consuming and frustrating during surgical procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated robotic system controlled by voice commands. The robotic arm receives voice instructions and automatically adjusts the microscope's zoom and focus levels, eliminating the need for surgeons to manually manipulate controls during procedures, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a voice recognition system as an intermediary between the surgeon and the microscope controls. The voice command system translates spoken instructions into automated control signals for the robotic arm, allowing the surgeon to adjust parameters hands-free without direct physical interaction with the microscope mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hands-free movement is implemented, then the surgeon can maintain sterile field, but the system lacks precise control for small adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidprecision of movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with a voice-activated robotic system that provides hands-free operation. The robotic arm, controlled by voice commands, achieves both hands-free operation and precise control through automated positioning mechanisms that can execute small adjustments accurately without requiring physical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the robotic control system to ensure precise movement execution. The system receives voice commands, executes the corresponding movements through the robotic arm, and provides feedback to verify the adjustments were made accurately, maintaining both hands-free operation and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If voice control is used, then hands-free movement is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single robotic arm system that can perform various operations including zoom adjustment, focus adjustment, and positioning. The voice-controlled robotic arm serves multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and minimizing overall system complexity despite the added automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a voice recognition system as an intermediary layer that simplifies the interaction between the surgeon and the complex robotic system. The voice command interface acts as a user-friendly mediator that translates natural speech into precise robotic commands, making the complex automated system easier to operate without increasing the perceived complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250169914A1Voice-nudge system and method for hands-free movement of a robotic surgical microscope

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

System and method of using voice nudge for hands free translation of robotic surgical microscope or exoscope. The system and method involve the use of voice control with no other physical inputs, e.g., foot pedal, to control movement of the arm of a robotic surgical microscope or exoscope. The voice control enables the robotic microscope to transition the field of view of the surgical microscope with incremental movements in multiple directions, e.g., left, right, up, and down, while maintaining the same field of view and the same magnification level.