Stereoscopic camera adapter for enabling down-hole data capture and transmission
Inventors
Aferzon, Joshua • Nicholson, Lee
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12231612-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-18
Expiration Date
2043-03-31
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Abstract
A stereoscopic adapter for enabling down-hole data capture and transmission, the stereoscopic adapter including, stereo camera module including at least two cameras, at least two camera lenses, a prism, and a tubular retractor.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a stereoscopic camera adapter designed for enabling down-hole data capture and transmission during minimally invasive surgical procedures. The adapter includes a stereo camera module with at least two cameras and camera lenses, a prism, and a tubular retractor, where the adapter is designed to be attached to the retractor in a way that does not obstruct the central surgical channel, thus providing unobstructed access to the surgical field.
The stereoscopic camera adapter enables a stereoscopic field of view by capturing three-dimensional images through techniques such as stereopsis, binocular vision, and parallax. The adapter's stereo camera module uses two lenses and cameras aligned either in parallel or at an angle to enhance depth perception by capturing stereo images. A mirrored prism is incorporated to deflect light into the cameras placed outside the tubular retractor, minimizing obstruction in the surgical field.
The device addresses the problem that minimally invasive surgical techniques reduce the opening into a patient and thus limit the surgeon's visibility through the portal. There is a need for improved visualization during surgery that maintains unobstructed access and increases the surgeon's field of view into the surgical field. This invention solves that problem by integrating the stereoscopic camera module and prism within or adjacent to the tubular retractor in a compact arrangement.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims include two independent claims focusing on the structure and configuration of a stereoscopic adapter comprising a stereo camera module integrated with a tubular retractor designed for stereoscopic video data capture and transmission.
Stereo camera module integrated with tubular retractor
The stereoscopic adapter includes a stereo camera module with at least two cameras configured to collect stereoscopic video data enabling binocular vision, combined with a tubular retractor featuring an extended back wall cavity. This cavity extends outwardly from the tubular retractor forming a separate space from the central channel, with a sloped inward bottom portion configured to receive and engage the stereo camera module such that the cameras are aimed into the central channel towards the bottom end.
Electronics module for image data processing and transmission
The system further comprises an electronics module configured to receive image data captured by the stereo camera module and transmit it to one or more head-worn visualization systems, enabling enhanced visualization during surgery.
Stereo camera module features and alignments
The stereo camera module may include an image signal processor board, and the at least two cameras can be arranged at an angle relative to one another to increase parallax and stereopsis when capturing visible light. The cameras may include lenses selected from parfocal, varifocal, telescopic, superzoom, or wide-angle types, and may include a 3D camera.
Light guide integration within tubular retractor
The tubular retractor may comprise a light guide, such as a fiber optic cable inserted via a light guide channel, allowing the introduction of supplementary instruments without obstructing the cameras' field of view.
Attachability and structural features
The stereo camera module is configured to be removably affixed to the tubular retractor’s extended back wall cavity. The tubular retractor may include a surgical retractor with a rotational stabilizing locking apparatus. The adapter can also be attached to blade surgical retractors featuring blade mechanisms of conical or flat shape with camera cut-outs and stoppers to hold the stereo camera module securely while maintaining unobstructed vision.
The independent claims define a stereoscopic adapter system comprising a stereo camera module integrated with a tubular retractor having an extended back wall cavity designed for precise positioning and aiming of the cameras into the surgical field. They further cover configurations of the cameras, electronics for data transmission, optional light guides, and adaptability to different surgical retractor types, all aimed at improving stereoscopic down-hole data capture and transmission.
Stated Advantages
Enables surgeons to increase visibility through a small surgical portal, overcoming limited visibility in minimally invasive surgeries.
Provides unobstructed access by ensuring the stereoscopic camera adapter occupies minimal space and does not block the central channel of the tubular retractor.
Enables stereoscopic three-dimensional visualization through binocular vision and enhanced depth perception by camera configurations and prism integration.
Allows removable insertion and secure attachment of the camera module for flexibility and adaptability to various surgical scenarios.
Supports transmission of stereoscopic video data to head-worn visualization systems for enhanced surgical visualization.
Documented Applications
Use in minimally invasive surgical procedures employing tubular retractors.
Integration with surgical retractors having rotational stabilizing locking apparatus to enable stereoscopic down-hole data capture and transmission.
Use with blade surgical retractors to provide enhanced visualization while retracting muscles or other anatomy.
Incorporation into systems for maneuverable stereoscopic field of view capturing visible, infrared, UV, or other electromagnetic spectrum light.
Connection to head-worn visualization systems to create a live stereoscopic video feed for surgeons during operations.
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