System for remote guidance by expert for imaging device
First Claim
1. An imaging system, comprising:
- a local assembly proximal to a target object to be imaged, comprising;
an image capture device for capturing an image of the internal structure of the target object;
a first display for displaying a captured image from the image capture device;
a partially reflective surface oriented to reflect the captured image to an operator of the imaging device, such that the reflected captured image is merged with a direct view of the target object independent of the viewing location of the operator when the angle between the surface and the display is equal to angle between the surface and the image plane; and
a first transmitter-receiver adapted to transmit said captured image to a second transmitter-receiver; and
a remote assembly distal from said target object, comprising;
said second transmitter-receiver adapted to receive said captured image;
a second display for displaying the captured image;
wherein said first transmitter-receiver and said second transmitter-receiver comprise a communication channel adapted to transmit information from a user at said remote assembly to said local assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for combining tomographic images with human vision. The systems preferably include a first assembly located proximal to an object to be imaged and a second assembly remote from the target. The first assembly is preferably able to collect a tomographic image from a target object and superimpose that tomographic image onto a direct view of the target object. The first assembly also includes components that allow the transmission of the tomographic image to the remote assembly. At the remote location, a highly trained expert may interact with the captured image by placing electronic markers on the image via an electronic interface. The captured image plus electronic marker are then preferably transmitted back to the local site via a second transmitter-receiver. The local user may use the electronic marker to guide his actions during the appropriate task. The systems have particular utility in the medical field where a trained clinician at a remote location may provide guidance to an untrained individual in performing a medical procedure on a patient.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An imaging system, comprising:
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a local assembly proximal to a target object to be imaged, comprising; an image capture device for capturing an image of the internal structure of the target object; a first display for displaying a captured image from the image capture device; a partially reflective surface oriented to reflect the captured image to an operator of the imaging device, such that the reflected captured image is merged with a direct view of the target object independent of the viewing location of the operator when the angle between the surface and the display is equal to angle between the surface and the image plane; and a first transmitter-receiver adapted to transmit said captured image to a second transmitter-receiver; and a remote assembly distal from said target object, comprising; said second transmitter-receiver adapted to receive said captured image; a second display for displaying the captured image;
wherein said first transmitter-receiver and said second transmitter-receiver comprise a communication channel adapted to transmit information from a user at said remote assembly to said local assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of imaging a target object, comprising the steps of:
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at a first location, capturing an image from said target object using an image capture device; transmitting the captured image to a second location via a first transmitter/receiver; at said second location, receiving said transmitted captured image; displaying said captured image; providing an individual at the second location with an interface, wherein said interface allows said individual to communicate information about said captured image to said first location; at said first location, receiving said information about said captured image; displaying said captured image on a electronic display; and reflecting said captured image to an operator, such that the reflected captured image is merged with a direct view of the target object independent of the viewing location of the operator when the angle between the surface and the display is equal to angle between the surface and the image plane. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification