Wearable AR Optical Assembly for 3D Surgical Instrument Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical assemblies for surgical instrument management in sterilization units are cumbersome, requiring manual handling and multiple workstations, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination risks, while lacking effective traceability and recomposition support.

Innovation Solution

A wearable augmented reality optical assembly using computer vision and Deep Learning techniques for object recognition, allowing hands-free operation and providing real-time visual guidance for kit recomposition and sterilization process management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras and light sources are used to achieve 3D imaging and object inspection, then measurement precision and inspection capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D measurement precisionVSAvoidoptical assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cameras (first and second cameras) and multiple light sources (first and second light sources) into a single integrated optical assembly. This merging approach maintains the 3D imaging and inspection capabilities while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating components into one unified structure rather than separate units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs multiple functions simultaneously: 3D imaging, object inspection, and illumination. The first and second cameras work together to capture depth and texture information, while the light sources provide structured illumination for enhanced inspection capabilities, all within a single versatile assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the object handling station is designed for high flexibility to handle various objects, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject handling flexibilityVSAvoidstation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The object handling station is designed as a universal system capable of handling multiple types of objects (pallets, totes, trays, individual items) using the same infrastructure. The optical assembly and robotic end effectors can be configured for different object types without requiring completely separate handling systems, maintaining flexibility while avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The station incorporates dynamically adjustable components including reconfigurable optical assemblies and programmable robotic end effectors that can adapt their configuration based on the specific object being handled. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the efficiency and safety of surgical instrument handling by reducing errors, improving cleanliness, and automating the sterilization process through hands-free operation and real-time visual feedback.

Implementation Method 1

a first camera configured to receive reflected light from the object and to generate image data representing two-dimensional (2D) intensity information and depth information of the object based on time of flight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a second camera configured to receive reflected light from the object and to generate image data representing a three-dimensional (3D) shape of the object based on phase shifting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Data Source

PatentEP4256421B1Optical assembly for use in an object handling station
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 STEELCO
  • EP4256421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1a
  • EP4256421B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wearable augmented reality optical assembly (10) for use in a center for treating objects (200), in particular in a surgical instrument (200) sterilization unit, to an optical apparatus 8100) comprising an optical assembly (10) according to the invention, as well as a control unit (101), a method for the management of objects, in particular surgical instruments (200), a management and tracking program that implements said method, and a method for the management of a treatment cycle of an object (200) to be sanitized.