Methods, systems and controllers for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of an imaging device
US11871902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30168
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein are technological solutions that are configured to limit sub-optimal visualization of the surgical field during robotic and manual laparoscopic surgery. Such technological solutions are configured to systematically assess cleanliness of an imaging element of a laparoscope (or other type of similar imaging apparatus) and take action for enabling or causing the imaging element to be cleaned. In preferred embodiments, assessment of the cleanliness of the imaging element provides information that can be used for enabling or causing cleaning of the imaging element to be performed in-vivo in either a manual, semi-autonomous or autonomous manner. In this manner such technological solutions advantageously enable the surgical field during surgery to be more efficiently and consistently maintained in an optimal condition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.