Surgical head camera

An optical system (10) comprises a camera (11) having an imaging means that in use faces downwardly, and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a support (14) that extends outwardly from the camera (11) and which has a lumen therethrough to allow transmission of light through the support (14) to the imaging means of the camera (11). The assembly further includes an optical unit (16) mountable to the support (14) and movable relative thereto towards and away from the imaging means of the camera (11). The optical unit (16) includes at least one lens (17) and a mirror assembly ( 22, 23) adapted to reflect at least some light entering the unit (16) that is at approximately a right angle to the orientation of the camera (11), through the lens (17) and into the lumen of the support (14) to the imaging means. The system (10) can be mounted to a headpiece worn by a user, such as a surgeon.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical system for use in applications, such as surgery, and a device that allows ready and precise adjustment of an optical system when mounted on the head of a user, such as a surgeon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During surgery, it is now common for surgeons to wear a head-mounted video camera positioned in front of the forehead of the surgeon. Such a camera is preferably positioned to image the surgical field. The provision of the camera has a number of advantages. Firstly, it allows others in the surgical team to follow the progress of the surgery on a video screen rather than having to crowd closely about the surgeon to obtain a clear view of the surgical site. This can be particularly advantageous where the surgery is being performed on the small body of a child. By being able to follow the surgery on a video screen, surgical assistants and theatre staff can also be aware of when they are required to take action without crowding the surgeon or blocking the illuminated surgical area.

Recordal of the surgery is also useful if the surgeon wishes to retain a record of the surgical procedure. Video records of such surgery can be particularly useful as an educational tool and for providing an unambiguous record of the actions taken by the surgeon.

One disadvantage of video recordal is the weight and bulkiness of the camera that must be worn by the surgeon. Given that many surgical procedures can last many hours, the necessity of carrying a relatively heavy camera on the forehead can lead to fatigue and neck and back strain for the surgeon. The position of the camera on the forehead also serves to provide a video image that is offset from the actual field of view of the surgeon. This can occasionally result in the camera not being able to image the actual surgical site being operated upon by the surgeon. This is typically compensated by use of a camera with a wide field of view. This in turn, however, has the disadvantage that fine detail in the imaged view of the surgery is lost.

The present invention is directed to an optical system adapted to address some of the problems of existing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention is an optical system including a camera having an imaging means, and an optical assembly, the optical assembly including a support means extending outwardly from the camera, the support means defining a lumen therethrough to allow transmission of light through the support means to the imaging means, and an optical unit mounted to the support means and movable relative thereto towards and away from the imaging means, the optical unit including at least one lens and a mirror assembly adapted to reflect at least some light entering the unit through the at least one lens of the unit and the lumen of the support means to the imaging means.

According to a second aspect, the present invention is an optical assembly for a camera, the assembly including a support means mountable forwardly of an imaging means of a camera and defining a lumen therethrough and an optical unit mounted to the support means and movable relative thereto, the optical unit including at least one lens and a mirror assembly adapted to reflect light entering the unit through the at least one lens of the unit and into the lumen of the support means.

In a preferred embodiment, the camera is a compact camera. The camera is preferably a video camera, however, it is envisaged that the invention could be utilised with other camera types. The imaging means can comprise a charge coupled device (CCD). The camera is preferably mounted in a cylindrical tube. The camera preferably has a signal output that allows transmission of the video image to a video screen and/or a video recordal device, such as a video cassette recorder or DVD. The tube in turn can be supported in a bracket. The bracket can be mounted to a headpiece to allow the camera to be worn on the head of a user. In a preferred embodiment, the headpiece, bracket and camera are mounted such that the camera can be positioned between the eyes of a user over the bridge of the nose. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the camera can be used to image an operation area being operated upon by a surgeon or other theatre staff.

The support means preferably comprises a tube mountable on the camera and extending outwardly to an outer edge. The tube preferably has a longitudinal axis and can comprise a relatively thin-walled cylinder. The lumen of the tube is preferably centrally positioned within the tube. The support means can be integrally mounted to the camera or can be removably mounted thereto. The support means preferably incorporates an engagement means adapted to engage with a complementary engagement means on the optical unit. The engagement means of the support means can comprise a screw thread adapted to engage with a complementary screw thread on the optical unit. In one embodiment, the screw thread is on the outer surface of the support means.

In a preferred embodiment, the optical unit preferably includes a window to allow light to enter the unit. The unit is preferably mounted such that the window faces in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support means. Light entering the window of the unit is preferably reflected by a first mirror in the mirror assembly that is positioned on a side of the unit distal the window. The first mirror is preferably positioned and aligned such that light from the first mirror is reflected towards a second mirror positioned on the inner surface of the unit adjacent its window. The second mirror in turn is positioned and aligned to reflect light received from the first mirror through the lens and into the lumen of the support means. The lens of the unit is preferably a doublet comprising a double convex lens with a convex concave lens cemented thereto. Other suitable constructions for the lens of the unit can be envisaged. It can also be envisaged that the unit may include more than one lens. The unit preferably includes a holding member extending from the base of the unit. The holding member preferably comprises an integral cylindrical tube and is adapted to be engaged with a rotatable sleeve as is defined below. The cylindrical holding member preferably also surrounds and retains the lens in position in the optical unit. A locking ring can be threadedly engaged with the cylindrical member to hold the lens in position.

When mounted on a user, such as a surgeon, the imaging means of the camera preferably faces downwardly while the window of the optical unit faces forwardly relative to the user, such as a surgeon. Indeed, it is preferred that the direction of view of the window be substantially similar to the direction of view of the user, such as a surgeon, when looking straight ahead. Light entering the window of the unit is reflected by the mirror assembly through the lumen and onto the imaging means of the video camera.

The complementary engagement means of the optical unit is preferably a screw thread formed on the inner surface of a sleeve. The sleeve is preferably adapted to relatively rotate about the support means. As the sleeve is rotated about the support means it moves relative to the support means towards or away from the imaging means of the camera. The sleeve preferably comprises a cylindrical tube having a first inner edge and a second outer edge. Such movement of the optical unit relatively towards and away from the imaging means of the camera serves to allow ready adjustment of the focus of the camera whilst still allowing the camera to be relatively lightweight and compact and so positionable between the eyes of the user, such as a surgeon, in normal use.

The holding member of the optical unit is preferably engaged with the sleeve. Preferably, a rim formed on the inner surface of the sleeve at or adjacent its outer edge is adapted to snap into a recess formed in the holding member at or adjacent its connection with the optical unit. While the holding member and sleeve can be so engaged, the sleeve can rotate relative to the holding member, and hence the optical unit, in normal use. Indeed, in normal operation, the alignment of the window of the optical unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve preferably does not change despite rotation of the sleeve causing it and the optical unit to move longitudinally relative to the support means.

A constraining device preferably extends from the optical unit to the camera or a structure associated therewith. The constraining device, when in position, serves to prevent rotation of the optical unit about the longitudinal axis of the support means on longitudinal movement of the sleeve and optical unit relative to the support means. The constraining device can comprise a wire removably slidably held at one end within a bore formed in the structure of the optical unit. The wire at its other end can be removably slidably held in a bore formed within the camera or a bracket supporting the camera. As the sleeve and optical unit are moved relative to the support means, the wire preferably slides within the bore formed in the camera or bracket. The bore in the optical unit is preferably at right angles to the bore in the bracket thereby requiring that the wire have a right angled turn adjacent its end slidably held within the optical unit. The wire can be formed from stainless steel or other suitable material. If the optical unit needs to be removed from the support means, the wire is preferably slid from the bore in the camera or bracket and then slid from the bore in the optical unit.

According to a further aspect, the present invention is a position adjustment device for an optical system, the device including a base member, an arm extending outwardly from the base member to a distal end, the arm being pivotally mounted to the base member and adapted to pivot relatively thereto in a first plane of movement, and a bracket means pivotally mounted to the distal end of the arm and adapted to pivot relative to the arm in a second plane of movement that is transverse to that of the first plane of movement.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use with an optical system comprising a camera and/or a light source. The camera and/or light source are preferably for use by surgeons or other surgical theatre staff. It will be appreciated, however, that the camera and/or light source could be used for other applications.

When used by a surgeon, the base member of the device is preferably mounted to a head support member worn by the surgeon. The head support member can comprise a cap-like member having a strap extending about the head proximate the forehead of the surgeon. The base member is preferably mounted to the strap such that the adjustment device is normally mounted forwardly of the forehead and over the bridge of the nose of the surgeon.

The pivotal movement of the arm relative to the base member is preferably provided by a pivot mounting. The pivot mounting can comprise a pivot pin mounted in the arm and rotatable relative to the base member. When the device is in use, the pivot pin is preferably substantially vertical. This substantially vertical orientation allows the arm to pivot from side to side relative to the base member.

Control of the pivotal movement is preferably provided by a control means. The control means preferably comprises a shaft member having an external thread formed thereon. The thread preferably extends from a first end to a second end distal the first end. The second end is preferably mounted to the arm adjacent its pivotal connection with the base member. The second end while connected to the arm can still rotate relative thereto. Extending outwardly from the base member is a first extension member having a threaded ring extending upwardly therefrom. The thread of the threaded ring is complementary to the thread of the control means such that on rotation of the control means, the shaft moves forwardly and backwardly relative to the position of the threaded ring. This movement in turn causes the arm to move relative to the base member. The provision of a knurled knob, having a diameter larger than that of the threaded shaft, at the first end of the threaded shaft serves to allow relatively fine control of the pivotal movement of the arm. The threaded shaft of the control means has the advantage of providing relatively fine control of the pivotal movement while also not allowing movement of the arm unless the shaft is turned.

The arm preferably has a first portion that extends outwardly and downwardly from the base member of the device. The arm further preferably has a second integral portion that extends generally outwardly to the distal end. The second portion preferably has a shorter length than the first portion.

The bracket means is preferably adapted to support an optical system including both a camera and a light source. In one embodiment, the optical system can include the features of the optical system defined above as the first and second aspects of the invention.

The bracket means is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the arm. This pivotal mounting is provided by a pivot pin extending through the distal end of the arm and a support member of the bracket means. When the device is in use, this pivot pin is preferably substantially horizontal. This substantially horizontal orientation allows the bracket means to pivot upwardly and downwardly relative to the distal end of the arm.

Control of the pivotal movement of the bracket means relative to the distal end of the arm is also preferably provided by a control means. The control means again preferably comprises a shaft member having an external thread formed thereon as defined above. The second end of the shaft member is preferably mounted to a second extension member extending downwardly from the bracket means. The second end while connected to the second extension member can still rotate relative thereto. Extending sidewardly from the arm at or adjacent the connection between the first and second portions is a threaded ring. The thread of the threaded ring is complementary to the thread of the control means such that on rotation of the control means, the shaft moves forwardly and backwardly relative to the position of the threaded ring. This movement, in turn, causes the bracket means to move relative to the distal end of the arm. Again, the provision of a larger diameter knurled knob at the first end of the threaded shaft serves to allow relatively fine control of the pivotal movement of the bracket means. The threaded shaft of the control means has the advantage of providing relatively fine control of the pivotal movement while also not allowing movement of the bracket means unless the shaft is turned.

In a preferred embodiment, the pivotal movement of the pivoting mounting between the base member and the arm is at a right angle to the pivotal movement of the bracket means to the distal end of the arm.

The combination of the side to side movement and the up and down movement provided by the respective pivotal mountings serve to allow a surgeon, or more likely a surgical assistant, to readily and precisely adjust the orientation of a camera and light source held in the bracket means during a surgical procedure. This is particularly advantageous as it serves to help to ensure that the camera is always imaging the operation area. It is also important when the camera has a relatively small field of view. This is important where others in the surgical team are relying upon such images so that they can appropriately assist the surgeon during the operation. It also ensures that a good quality video record of the surgery can be more readily made which is useful if the video record is to be later used for educational or other purposes.

PREFERRED MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An optical system according to one aspect of the present invention is generally depicted as10inFIGS. 1 and 2.

The optical system10is adapted to be mounted to a head support worn by a user, such as a surgeon whilst performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the optical system10can be mounted to a position adjustment device30as is depicted inFIGS. 4aand4band which is described in more detail below.

The optical system10comprises a compact “lipstick” style of camera11positioned within a cylindrical tube12. An example of one suitable type of compact camera is the Sony™ DXC-LS1P video camera. The camera has a signal output that allows transmission of the video image to a video screen an/or a video recordal device, such as a video cassette recorder or DVD (not depicted). The cylindrical tube12is in turn supported in a bracket20. The bracket20can be mounted to a headpiece to allow the camera to be worn on the head of a user, such as a surgeon.

Extending forwardly from the front edge13of the camera11is a cylindrical support14having a longitudinal axis and a central lumen extending therethrough. In the depicted embodiment, the support14is integrally formed with the front edge13of the camera11. Light entering the support14can travel through the lumen to the charge coupled device (CCD) within the camera11. The outer surface of the support14has a screw thread15, the purpose of which is described below.

Mounted to the support14is an optical unit16. The optical unit16includes a lens17, a mirror assembly18and a sleeve19. The sleeve19comprises a substantially cylindrical tube having a screw thread on its inner surface that is complementary to the screw thread15on the support14.

The optical unit16includes a window21to allow light to enter the unit. The optical unit16is mounted such that the window21faces in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support14. Light entering the window21of the optical unit16is reflected by a first mirror22in the unit16that is positioned on a side of the unit16distal the window21. The first mirror22is positioned and aligned such that light from the first mirror22is reflected towards a second mirror23positioned on the inner surface of the unit16adjacent the window21. The second mirror23in turn is positioned and aligned to reflect light received from the first mirror22through the lens17and into the lumen of the support14. The lens17of the unit16is a doublet comprising a double convex lens with a convex concave lens cemented thereto (Edmund Industrial Optics, Barrington, N.J., USA). Other suitable constructions for the lens of the unit16can be envisaged. It can also be envisaged that the unit16may include more than one lens.

The unit16further includes an integral cylindrical holding member24extending from the base25of the unit16. The holding member24is adapted to engage with the sleeve19. The cylindrical holding member24also surrounds and retains the lens17in position in the optical unit16. A locking ring that is threadedly engaged with the cylindrical member24is used to hold the lens17in position.

When mounted on a user, such as a surgeon, the camera preferably faces downwardly while the window21of the unit16faces forwardly relative to the surgeon. Indeed, it is preferred that the direction of view of the window21be substantially similar to the direction of view of the surgeon when looking straight ahead. Light entering the window21of the unit16is reflected by the combination of the first mirror22and the second mirror23through the lumen and into the camera11.

The sleeve19is adapted to relatively rotate about the support14. As the sleeve19is rotated about the support14it moves relative to the support14towards or away from the camera11. Movement of the unit16relatively towards and away from the camera11serves to allow ready adjustment of the focus of the camera11whilst still allowing the camera11to be relatively lightweight and compact and so positionable between the eyes of the surgeon in normal use.

The holding member24of the unit16is engaged with the sleeve19. A rim26formed on the inner surface of the sleeve19at or adjacent its outer edge27is adapted to snap into a recess28formed in the holding member24at or adjacent its connection with the unit16. While the holding member24and sleeve19can be so engaged, the sleeve19can still rotate relative to the holding member24, and hence the unit16, in normal use. Indeed, in normal operation, the alignment of the window21of the unit16relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve19does not change despite rotation of the sleeve19causing it and the unit16to move longitudinally relative to the support14.

A constraining device, comprising a stainless steel wire29, extends from the unit16to the bracket20. The wire29, when in position, serves to prevent rotation of the unit16about the longitudinal axis of the support14on longitudinal movement of the sleeve19and unit16relative to the support14. The wire29is removably slidably held at one end within a bore29aformed in the structure of the unit16. The wire29at its other end can be removably slidably held in a bore formed within the bracket20. As the sleeve19and unit16are moved relative to the support14, the wire29slides within the bore formed in the bracket20. The alignment of the bore29ain the unit16is preferably at right angles to the bore in the bracket20thereby requiring that the wire have a right angled turn adjacent its end slidably held within the unit16. If the optical unit16needs to be removed from the support14, the wire29is slid from the bore in the bracket20and then slid from the bore29ain the unit16.

In use, the camera11is mounted within the bracket20before being positioned on the head of a user, such as a surgeon. The mounting of the camera is such that the window21of the unit16faces forwardly from approximately between the eyes of the user wearing the camera11. The sleeve19can then be rotated relative to the support14to adjust the focus of the camera.

One embodiment of a position adjustment device according to the present invention is depicted as30inFIGS. 4aand4b.

This device30is adapted to be mounted to a headpiece worn by a user, such as a surgeon performing a surgical procedure. The headpiece can comprise a cap-like member having a strap extending about the head proximate the forehead of the user. The base member is preferably mounted to the strap such that the adjustment device is normally mounted forwardly of the forehead and over the bridge of the nose of the user. The device30can be used to support an optical system10, as described above, and/or a light source.

The device30includes a base member31, an arm32extending outwardly from the base member31to a distal end33. The arm32is pivotally mounted to the base member31and is adapted to pivot relatively thereto in a first plane of movement. A bracket34is also pivotally mounted to the distal end33of the arm32and is adapted to pivot relative to the arm32in a second plane of movement that is transverse to that of the first plane of movement.

The pivotal movement of the arm32relative to the base member31is provided by a pivot pin35mounted through the arm32and the base member31. When the device30is in use, the pivot pin35is preferably substantially vertical. This substantially vertical orientation allows the arm32to pivot from side to side relative to the base member31.

Control of the pivotal movement is provided by a shaft36having an external thread37formed thereon. The thread37extends from a first end38to a second end39distal the first end38. The second end39is mounted to the arm32adjacent the pivot pin35. The second end39while connected to the arm32can still rotate relative thereto, Extending outwardly from the base member31is an extension member40having a threaded ring41extending upwardly therefrom. The thread of the threaded ring41is complementary to the thread37such that on rotation of the shaft36, the shaft36moves forwardly and backwardly relative to the position of the threaded ring41. This movement in turn causes the arm32to move relative to the base member31. The provision of a knurled knob42, having a diameter larger than that of the threaded shaft36, at the first end38of the threaded shaft serves to allow relatively fine control of the pivotal movement of the arm32. Use of the threaded shaft36has the advantage of providing relatively fine control of the pivotal movement while also not allowing movement of the arm32unless the shaft36is turned.

The arm32has a first portion43that, in normal use, extends outwardly and downwardly from the base member31and a second integral portion44that extends generally outwardly to the distal end33. The second portion44has a shorter length than the first portion43.

The bracket34is pivotally mounted to the distal end33of the arm32. This pivotal mounting is provided by a pivot pin45extending through the distal end33of the arm32and a support member46of the bracket34. When the device30is in use, this pivot pin45is normally substantially horizontal. This substantially horizontal orientation allows the bracket34to pivot upwardly and downwardly relative to the distal end33of the arm32.

Control of the pivotal movement of the bracket34relative to the distal end33of the arm32is also provided by a control shaft47having an external thread48formed thereon. The second end49of the shaft47is mounted to an extension member50extending downwardly from the bracket34. The second end49while connected to the extension member50can still rotate relative thereto. Extending sidewardly from the arm32at or adjacent the connection between the first and second portions43,44is a threaded ring51. The thread of the threaded ring51is complementary to the thread48, such that rotation of the shaft47forwardly and backwardly relative to the position of the threaded ring51, in turn causes the bracket34to move relative to the distal end33of the arm32. Again, the provision of a larger diameter knurled knob52at the first end of the threaded shaft47serves to allow relatively fine control of the pivotal movement of the bracket34. The threaded shaft47has the advantage of providing relatively fine control of the pivotal movement while also not allowing movement of the bracket34unless the shaft47is turned by a user.

In the depicted embodiment, the pivotal movement of the arm32relative to base member31is at a right angle to the pivotal movement of the bracket34to the distal end33of the arm32.

The combination of the side to side movement and the up and down movement provided by the respective pivotal mountings serve to allow the wearer, such as a surgeon, or more likely, a surgical assistant, to readily and precisely adjust the orientation of a camera and light source held in the bracket34during a surgical procedure. This is particularly advantageous as it serves to help to ensure that the camera is always imaging the operation area. This is important where others in the surgical team are relying upon such images so that they can appropriately assist the surgeon during the operation. It also ensures that a good quality video record of the surgery can be more readily made which is useful if the video record is to be later used for educational or other purposes.