Final answer:
The infrared sensors on the surgeon console detect when a surgeon's head is in position, allowing the surgeon to take control of the surgical instruments and the endoscope. These sensors facilitate the transition from observing to active manipulation during robotic-assisted surgeries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The infrared sensor on either side of the view ports of the surgeon console has a specific purpose in the context of robotic surgery systems. These sensors are designed to read when a surgeon places their head into the view ports. Doing so typically initiates a series of events that allow the surgeon to take active control of the surgical instruments and the endoscope, merging the role of these intelligent sensors with human expertise to perform delicate and complex surgeries. Once the surgeon's presence is detected, the console's responsive interface may enable the instruments and endoscope to be manipulated, allowing for precision-guided movements that are translated from the surgeon's hand movements to the robotic equipment. This integration of technology does not control the instruments directly nor does it provide a 3D view for the surgeon; however, endoscopes, as mentioned, do transmit high-resolution, three-dimensional holographic images of internal organs and tissues which can be displayed on a screen for the surgeon to view.