Telescopic camera mount with remotely controlled positioning

Abstract

A motorized mount for a laparoscopic camera, with the mount being remotely controlled based upon movements of the user's head. The camera mount is connected to the operating table and to the laparoscopic camera. Control means may cause motion of the mount to pan horizontally, tilt vertically, and zoom the camera. The control means receives input signals from a tracking device which determines the three-dimensional position of a special headset mounted on the user. A foot pedal is operatively connected to the control means. In a first setting of the foot pedal the user may move freely without causing camera movement. Upon moving the foot pedal to the second condition, the control means sets the position of the user's head as a null position. Thereafter, pivotal movement of the head to the left, right, up, or down, or translational movement of the head forward or rear, will result in similar movements of the camera. Only actual movement in a defined 'positive' direction will cause movement, such as tilting the head upward from the null position. Movement back towards the null position is considered a 'negative' direction, resulting in no camera movement. In this manner, the standard head movements to look in a particular direction will cause appropriate camera movements to simulate these movements with the camera.