Wireless Laparoscopic Camera Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laparoscopic surgery interfaces, including automated and human-assisted systems, face challenges in providing clear feedback and efficient control, diverting the surgeon's focus from the primary task and failing to indicate which instrument attention is focused on, leading to difficulties in maintaining a stable endoscope view and instrument alignment.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising wireless transmitters and receivers integrated with a conventional laparoscopy computerized system, allowing the surgeon to select and confirm the focus on specific surgical instruments using key depression, which communicates signals to an automated assistant to adjust the endoscope view, enhancing the interface between the surgeon and both automated and human assistants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automated assistants are used to control the endoscope, then the surgeon's hands are freed for surgical manipulation, but the interface complexity increases and requires constant surgeon attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon's ability to manipulate instrumentsVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically tracks the surgeon's focal point using image processing and magnetometer data to determine which instrument the surgeon is looking at, eliminating the need for manual interface interaction. The automated assistant independently adjusts the endoscope based on this detected focal point, making the system self-regulating rather than requiring constant surgeon input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the endoscope with an automated electromagnetic tracking system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of instruments, and image processing algorithms determine the surgeon's focal point, substituting mechanical interface manipulation with automated electronic control based on optical and magnetic field data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If conventional automated assistants are used, then mechanical movement of the endoscope is achieved, but feedback to the surgeon is limited and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated endoscope controlVSAvoidfeedback to surgeon

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the surgeon's focal point through image processing and magnetic tracking, providing real-time feedback by automatically adjusting the endoscope to maintain the selected instrument in the optimal position. This closed-loop feedback ensures the surgeon's attention remains on the surgical field without requiring manual repositioning or interface interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the surgeon must manually control the endoscope position, then direct control is maintained, but the surgeon cannot focus on both the instruments and the camera view simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect endoscope controlVSAvoidsurgeon's attention division

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated assistant independently manages endoscope positioning by detecting the surgeon's focal point through image processing and magnetic tracking. The system self-adjusts to keep the instrument of interest centered in the view, freeing the surgeon to concentrate solely on surgical manipulation without needing to divide attention between camera control and instrument handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing interface systems are used, then basic control functions are provided, but the system cannot identify which instrument the surgeon is focusing on

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument identification capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual interface systems with automated optical and magnetic sensing. Image processing algorithms analyze the visual field to detect which instrument is in focus, while magnetic sensors track instrument positions. This substitution of mechanical interface manipulation with electronic sensing provides sophisticated instrument identification without requiring complex user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10456010B2Device and methods of improving laparoscopic surgery

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 ASENSUS SURGICAL EUROPE S.À.R L

AI summary

An improved interface between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery, holding a laparoscopic camera and/or controlling an automated endoscope assistant includes at least one wireless transmitter with at least one operating key, at least one wireless receiver, at least one conventional laparoscopy computerized system loaded with conventional surgical instrument spatial location software, and conventional automated assistant maneuvering software, software loaded onto the conventional laparoscopy system that enables a visual response to the depression of at least one key on the wireless transmitter as well as an interface with the conventional automated assistant maneuvering software so as to achieve movement of the endoscope, and at least one video screen.