Handheld robotic surgical instrument systems and methods

Abstract

The present teachings provide a guide instrument including a handheld body (14) adapted to be freely grasped by a user's hand and a track assembly operably coupled to the handheld body, the track assembly including a shaft (76) extending from the handheld body and a pivot frame (26) connected to the shaft. The track assembly includes a guide member (20) pivotally coupled to the pivot frame, a support member extending outward from the guide member and coupled to the guide member, and two actuators coextensive with and substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft, each actuator pivotally coupled to the support member. The track assembly converts linear motion of the actuators into pivotal motion of the guide member to adjust the track axis. The guide member is adjustable to a target trajectory by adjusting the track axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This patent application claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 110,685, filed November 6, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to handheld surgical robotic instrument systems and methods of use. [Background technology]

[0003] Physical guides are often used to constrain surgical tools when drilling holes or placing screws. In some cases, physical guides constrain such surgical tools for the purpose of preparing a joint to receive a replacement implant. The time required to position and secure a physical guide to a patient can account for a large portion of the overall time required to perform a surgical procedure.

[0004] A navigation system (also referred to as a tracking system) can be used to properly align and secure the jig and to track the position and / or orientation of the surgical tool used to drill the hole. Tracking systems typically use one or more trackers associated with the tool and the tissue being drilled. A user can then view a display to determine the current position of the tool relative to the desired trajectory. The display may be positioned such that the user must look away from the surgical site to view the progress of the tool, which can distract the user from the surgical site and can make it difficult for the user to place the tool as desired.

[0005] Robotic-assisted surgery typically relies on large robots with robotic arms capable of moving in six degrees of freedom (DOF), which can be cumbersome to maneuver and manipulate in the operating room.

[0006] What is needed are systems and methods to address one or more of these challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One general aspect includes a handheld body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand, and a track assembly operably coupled to the handheld body, the track assembly including a shaft extending from the handheld body and a pivot frame connected to the shaft. The track assembly includes a guide member pivotally coupled to the pivot frame, a support member extending outward from and coupled to the guide member, and two actuators coextensive with and substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft, each actuator pivotally coupled to the support member. The track assembly is configured to convert linear motion of the actuators into pivotal motion of the guide member to adjust the track axis, the actuators being selectively configured to push or pull the support member coupled to the guide member. The guide member is adjustable to a target trajectory by using the actuators to adjust the track axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory.

[0008] Each implementation can include one or more of the following features: The guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device during a surgical procedure. The pivot frame can include a cavity along an inner surface of the pivot frame, with a retainer disposed within the cavity to maintain coupling between the guide member and the pivot frame when the actuator adjusts the guide member to the target trajectory. The pivot frame and guide member can include a retention assembly, the retention assembly including a protrusion and a complementary pocket. The retention assembly of the pivot frame can include a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the pivot frame, and the guide member can include a groove or pocket on the outer surface of the guide member that is complementary to the protrusion. The retention assembly can limit rotation of the guide member relative to the pivot frame to maintain the target trajectory during operation of the actuator. The actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member to align the guide member with the target trajectory.

[0009] The target trajectory can be set based on a surgical plan, such as a planned implant location, or can be set by the user according to a virtual boundary or object.

[0010] Another general aspect includes a robot-assisted, handheld guide instrument. The robot-assisted, handheld guide instrument also includes a handheld body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a positioning assembly operably coupled to the handheld body, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the handheld body; and a track assembly operably coupled to the plurality of actuators of the positioning assembly, the track assembly including a shaft, a pivot frame coupled to the shaft, a guide member pivotally coupled to the pivot frame, a support member coupled to the guide member, and two track actuators pivotally coupled to the support member. The instrument also includes the plurality of positioning actuators operably coupling the positioning assembly to the track assembly, the plurality of positioning actuators being configured to adjust the attitude of the track assembly with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument also includes the track assembly adjusting the guide member to the target trajectory by using the track actuators to adjust the track axis of the guide member with at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs stored on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the operations of the method.

[0011] Any of the above aspects may be combined in whole or in part. Any of the features of the above aspects may be combined in whole or in part. Any of the above implementations of any aspect may be combined with any other aspect. Any of the above implementations may be combined with any other implementation, whether for the same aspect or for a different aspect.

[0012] The advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic surgical system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic device adjusting a trajectory. [Figure 4A-4B] FIG. 1 illustrates the robotic device in a neutral position. [Figure 5A-5B] FIG. 13 illustrates the robotic device in a tilted right position. [Figures 6A-6B] FIG. 13 shows the robotic device in a tilted left position. [Figures 7A-7B] FIG. 1 illustrates the robotic device in a tilted forward position. [Figure 8A-8B] FIG. 1 illustrates the robotic device in a tilted backward position. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the control system, also showing various software modules. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a track assembly. [Figure 10B] FIG. [Figure 10C] FIG. [Figure 10D] FIG. [Figure 10E] This is a partial cross section of the ball-and-socket connector on the handle. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the track actuator. [Figures 12A-12B] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the track assembly. [Figures 13A-13C] 10A-10C are various views of a guide member and a pivot frame. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device. FIG. [Figures 15A-15B] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 14. [Figures 16A-16C]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 14 in neutral orbit and right-hand alignment. [Figures 17A-17C] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 14 in neutral orbit and left-hand alignment. [Figures 18A-18C] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 14 in neutral trajectory and forward alignment. [Figures 19A-19C] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 14 in neutral trajectory and rearward alignment. [Figures 20A-20B] 1A-1C are partial anatomical views of a patient before and after treatment with an implant in the shoulder. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an instrument for aligning a desired trajectory for implant installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [overview] Referring to FIG. 1 , a surgical system 10 is shown. The surgical system 10 is shown performing a shoulder procedure on a patient 12 to remove a portion of the patient 12 so that the patient 12 can receive a shoulder implant IM. The surgical system 10 can be used to perform other types of surgical procedures, including procedures involving drills, screws, pin guides, or other forms of treatment. As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the surgical system 10 is shown performing a shoulder procedure. In some examples, the surgical procedure includes knee surgery, hip surgery, spine surgery, and / or ankle surgery and can include removing tissue to be replaced by a surgical implant, such as a knee implant, hip implant, shoulder implant, spinal implant, and / or ankle implant. The robotic system 10 and the techniques disclosed herein can be used to perform other procedures, surgical or non-surgical, and can be used in industrial or other applications where robotic systems are utilized.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, a surgical system 10 includes a robotic guide instrument 14. In some examples, the guide instrument 14 (as shown in Figure 1) is grasped and supported by the user's hand. As best shown in Figure 2, the instrument 14 includes a handheld portion 16 that is grasped and / or supported by the user's hand.

[0016] The instrument 14 can be freely moved and supported by a user without the use of a guide arm, for example, configured to be grasped by a human user while guiding the placement of pins, screws, and / or drills so that the weight of the tools is supported solely by the user's hand during the procedure. In other words, the instrument 14 can be configured to be grasped so that the user's hand supports the instrument 14 against gravity. The instrument 14 can weigh 8 pounds or less, 6 pounds or less, 5 pounds or less, or even 3 pounds or less. The instrument 14 can have a weight that complies with ANSI / AAMI HE75:2009. The instrument 14 also includes a track assembly 18 that guides the trajectory of a tool, such as a screwdriver. The method of operating the instrument 14 can include the user suspending the weight of the instrument 14 without the assistance of a passive or robotic arm.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2 , during certain operations of the surgical system 10, as described further below, a guide member 20 connects to the handpiece 16 via a track assembly 18 to align the track of a surgical tool (e.g., a drill, a screw, a pin, a driver, etc.) with an anatomical structure. The guide member 20 is sometimes referred to as an end effector. The guide member 20 can be configured as a conduit having an open passageway disposed therethrough. In some examples, the guide member 20 can be configured as a tube with a constant inner diameter. In other examples, the guide member can have a larger inner diameter at a first end of the conduit and a second, smaller diameter at a second end. The opening can be of any suitable size or shape to accommodate a surgical instrument, such as a drill, a screw, a pin, a needle, etc., or a combination thereof. In other examples, the guide member 20 can have any shape that can allow a surgical instrument, such as a pin or a screw, and / or a surgical retainer to pass therethrough. In other examples, the guide member 20 can have a shape such as a “U” shape or a “C” shape. The guide member 20 is connected to a pivot frame 26. The pivot frame 26 holds the guide member 20 while it is being adjusted by restraining the guide member 20 from rotating about the track axis. In one example, the guide member 20 may be removable from the track assembly 18 and pivot frame 26 so that a new / different guide member 20 can be installed as needed. The guide member 20 may be designed to guide the trajectory of a driver or other surgical instrument into contact with tissue of the patient 12. In some examples, the surgical instrument may be a drill, or a driver as shown in FIG. 1, or another type of accessory, such as a biopsy needle. In other cases, a surgical tool may be used in place of the guide member. The surgical tool may be a drill, driver, tap, ultrasonic instrument, digging tool, saw, or other cutting tool. In such an example, the robotic instrument would include a drive motor for the surgical tool.

[0018] While a user manually grasps the handpiece 16, an actuator assembly 400, including one or more actuators 21, 22, moves the track assembly 18 with two or more degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16 to provide robotic motion that assists in placing a surgical tool in a desired position and / or orientation (e.g., a desired posture relative to the shoulder and / or spine during a surgical procedure). The actuator assembly 400 can include actuators 21, 22 arranged in parallel, in series, or both. In one example shown in FIG. 2, the actuators 21, 22 are arranged in parallel. In some examples, the actuators 21, 22 move the track assembly 18 with two or more degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16. In some examples, the actuator assembly 400 is configured to move the track assembly 18 with at least two degrees of freedom, such as pitch and roll, relative to the handpiece 16. In some examples, as shown herein, the actuators 21, 22 move the track assembly 18 and its associated track assembly coordinate system (TCS) with only two degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16 and its associated base coordinate system (BCS). For example, the track assembly 18 and its track assembly coordinate system (TCS) can rotate about its y-axis to provide pitch motion and about its x-axis to provide roll motion. Translation along axis Z, which coincides with the z-axis of the base coordinate system (BCS), is contemplated to provide z-axis translational motion. Possible pitch, roll, and z-axis translational motions are indicated by arrows in FIG. 3 and in the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 8A-8B, respectively. In some examples, the actuators can move the track assembly 18 with four or more degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 2 , the constraint assembly 24, including the shaft 76 and pivot frame 26, can be used to constrain the movement of the track assembly 18 relative to the handpiece 16 in the remaining degrees of freedom not controlled by the actuator assembly. The pivot frame 26 can have any suitable shape or configuration to constrain movement as described herein. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the pivot frame 26 operates to limit the movement of the track assembly coordinate system TCS by constraining rotation about the z-axis of the base coordinate system BCS to constrain yaw movement, constraining translation about the x-axis of the base coordinate system BCS to constrain translation about the x-axis, and constraining translation about the y-axis of the base coordinate system BCS to constrain translation about the y-axis. The actuator assembly 400 and pivot frame 26 are controlled to effectively control the trajectory of an instrument or device, such as a drill or pin driver, inserted through the guide tube in certain circumstances, as further described below.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 9 , an equipment controller 28 or other type of control unit is provided to control the equipment 14. The equipment controller 28 may comprise one or more computers or any other suitable form of controller that directs the operation of the equipment 14 and the movement of the track assembly 18 (and guide member 20) relative to the handpiece 16. The equipment controller 28 may have a central processing unit (CPU) and / or other processor, memory, and storage (not shown). The equipment controller 28 is loaded with software, as described below. The processor may also include one or more processors to control the operation of the equipment 14. The processor may be any type of microprocessor, multiprocessor, and / or multicore processing system. The equipment controller 28 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems-on-chips, discrete circuits, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware capable of performing the functions described herein. The term processor does not limit any embodiment to a single processor. The device 14 may also include a user interface UI having one or more displays and / or input devices (e.g., triggers, push buttons, foot switches, keyboards, mice, microphones (voice activated), gesture control devices, touch screens, etc.).

[0021] An instrument controller 28 controls the movement of the guide member 20. The instrument controller 28 controls the state (e.g., position and / or orientation) of the track assembly 18 and the guide member 20 relative to the handheld portion 16. The instrument controller 28 can control the velocity (linear or angular velocity), acceleration, or other derivatives of the movement of the guide member relative to the handheld portion 16 and / or relative to the anatomical structure caused by the actuators 21, 22.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 , the equipment controller 28 can include a control housing 29 mounted on the handheld portion 16, with one or more control panels 31 (e.g., one or more printed circuit boards and associated electronic components) located inside the control housing 29. The control panel 31 can include a microcontroller, device drivers, memory, sensors, or other electronic components for controlling the actuators 21, 22 (e.g., via a motor controller). The equipment controller 28 can also include an off-board control console 33 in data and power communication with the control panel 31. The sensors S and / or actuators 21, 22 described herein can send signals to the control panel 31, which in turn can send data signals to the console 33 for processing, and the console 33 can feed power and / or position commands back to the control panel 31 to power and control the positioning of the actuators 21, 22. It is contemplated that processing can also occur on the control panel of the control housing. Of course, it is contemplated that a separate control housing is not required.

[0023] In some cases, the console 33 can include a single console for powering and controlling the actuators 21, 22 (and / or actuators 94, 96, 98, described further below). In some cases, the console 33 can include one console for powering and controlling the actuators 21, 22. One such console for powering and controlling the drive motor M can be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,582, filed September 30, 2004, entitled "Control Console to which Powered Surgical Handpieces are Connected, the Console Configured to Simultaneously Energize more than one and less than all of the Handpieces," which is incorporated herein by reference. Flexible circuits, also known as flex circuits, can interconnect the actuators 21, 22 and / or other components with the instrument controller 28. For example, a flexible circuit FC can be provided between the actuators 21, 22 and the control panel 31. Other forms of coupling, whether wired or wireless, may additionally or alternatively exist between the components.

[0024] Briefly referring back to FIG. 1 , the surgical system 10 further includes a navigation system 32. An example of a navigation system 32 is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,008,757, filed September 24, 2013, entitled “Navigation System Including Optical and Non-Optical Sensors,” which is incorporated herein by reference. The navigation system 32 tracks the movement of various objects. Such objects include, for example, the instrument 14, the guide member 20, and anatomical structures, such as the spine and shoulders. The navigation system 32 tracks these objects to collect state information for each object relative to a (navigation) localizer coordinate system LCLZ. As used herein, the state of an object includes, but is not limited to, data defining the position and / or orientation of the tracked object (e.g., its coordinate system), or an equivalent / derivative of that position and / or orientation. For example, the state may be the pose of the object and / or may include linear velocity data, angular velocity data, etc.

[0025] The navigation system 32 may include a cart assembly 34 that houses a navigation controller 36 and / or other types of control units. A navigation user interface UI is in operative communication with the navigation controller 36. The navigation user interface UI includes one or more displays 38. The navigation system 32 may display a graphical representation of the relative state of tracked objects to a user using the one or more displays 38. The navigation user interface UI further includes one or more input devices for inputting information into the navigation controller 36 or otherwise selecting / controlling certain aspects of the navigation controller 36. Such input devices include an interactive touchscreen display. However, the input devices may include any one or more of push buttons, foot switches, keyboards, mice, microphones (voice activation), gesture control devices, etc.

[0026] The navigation system 32 also includes a navigation localizer 44 connected to the navigation controller 36. In one example, the localizer 44 is an optical localizer and includes a camera unit 46. The camera unit 46 has an outer casing 48 that houses one or more optical sensors 50. The localizer 44 may include its own localizer controller 49 and may further include a video camera VC.

[0027] The navigation system 32 includes one or more trackers. In some examples, the trackers include a pointer tracker PT, a tool tracker 52, a first patient tracker 54, and a second patient tracker 56. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the tool tracker 52 is securely attached to the instrument 14, the first patient tracker 54 is securely affixed to the humerus H of the patient 12, and the second patient tracker 56 is securely affixed to the scapula SC of the patient 12. In this example, the patient trackers 54, 56 are securely affixed to respective bony portions. The pointer tracker PT is securely affixed to a pointer 57, which is used to register anatomical structures to the localizer coordinate system LCLZ and / or for other calibration and / or registration functions. It is contemplated that the patient trackers may be connected to other locations on the patient besides the shoulder components, such as one or more vertebrae, the skin, the leg bones, the hip joint, etc.

[0028] The tool tracker 52 may be affixed to any suitable component of the instrument 14, and in some cases may be attached to the handpiece 16, the track assembly 18, directly to the guide member 20, or a combination thereof. The trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT may be secured to their respective components in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners, clamps, etc. For example, the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT may be rigidly secured, flexibly coupled (fiber optics), or not physically coupled at all (ultrasound), so long as there is an appropriate (auxiliary) means for determining the relationship (measurement) of each tracker to its associated object. Any one or more of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT may include active markers. Active markers may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Alternatively, the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT may have passive markers, such as reflectors that reflect light emitted from the camera unit 46. Although not described in detail herein, printed markers or other suitable markers may also be utilized.

[0029] Various coordinate systems can be used to track the object. For example, the coordinate systems can include a localizer coordinate system (LCLZ), a trajectory assembly coordinate system (TCS), a base coordinate system (BCS), coordinate systems associated with each of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT, one or more coordinate systems associated with anatomical structures, one or more coordinate systems associated with preoperative and / or intraoperative images (e.g., CT images, MRI images, etc.) and / or models (e.g., 2D or 3D models) of the anatomical structures, and a tool center point (TCP) coordinate system. Coordinates of the various coordinate systems can be transformed to other coordinate systems using transformation formulas, for example, when establishing relationships between the coordinate systems through registration, calibration, geometric relationships, measurement, etc.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 , in some examples, the TCP is a predetermined reference point or origin of the TCP coordinate system, defined at the distal end of the guide member 20. The shape of the guide member 20 can be defined relative to the TCP coordinate system and / or relative to the track assembly coordinate system TCS. The guide member 20 can include one or more geometric characteristics, such as perimeter, circumference, radius, diameter, width, length, height, volume, area, surface / plane, range of motion envelope (along any one or more axes), etc., defined relative to the TCP coordinate system and / or relative to the track assembly coordinate system TCS and stored in the navigation system 32. In some examples, the guide member 20 has a trajectory (e.g., for placing screws), which is described for convenience and ease of illustration but is not intended to limit the guide member 20 to any particular form. The guide member 20 can be virtually represented using points, other primitives, meshes, other 3D models, etc. The TCP coordinate system, the track assembly coordinate system TCS, and the tool tracker 52 coordinate system can be defined in various ways depending on the configuration of the guide member 20. For example, the pointer 57 can be used in conjunction with calibration divots in the track assembly 18 and / or guide member 20 to determine (calibrate) the attitude of the track assembly coordinate system TCS relative to the tool tracker 52 coordinate system, to determine the attitude of the TCP coordinate system relative to the tool tracker 52 coordinate system, and / or to determine the attitude of the TCP coordinate system relative to the track assembly coordinate system TCS. Other techniques can also be used to directly measure the attitude of the TCP coordinate system, such as attaching and securing one or more additional trackers / markers directly to the guide member 20. In some cases, the trackers / markers can be attached and secured to the handpiece 16, the track assembly 18, or both.

[0031] Because the track assembly 18 can move in multiple degrees of freedom relative to the handheld portion 16 via the actuators 21, 22, the device 14 can measure the attitude of the TCP coordinate system and / or the track assembly coordinate system TCS relative to the base coordinate system BCS using encoders, Hall effect sensors (with analog or digital output), and / or any other position sensing method. The device 14 can use measurements from sensors that measure the movement of the actuators 21, 22 to determine the attitude of the TCP coordinate system and / or the track assembly coordinate system TCS relative to the base coordinate system BCS, as described further below.

[0032] The localizer 44 monitors the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT (e.g., their coordinate systems) to determine the state of each of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT. The state of the trackers corresponds to the state of the objects to which they are respectively attached. The localizer 44 may perform known triangulation techniques to determine the state of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT and the associated objects. The localizer 44 provides the state of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT to the navigation controller 36. In some examples, the navigation controller 36 determines the state of the trackers 52, 54, 56, and PT and communicates it to the equipment controller 28.

[0033] The navigation controller 36 may comprise one or more computers or any other suitable form of controller. The navigation controller 36 has a central processing unit (CPU) and / or other processor, memory, and storage (not shown). The processor may be any type of processor, microprocessor, or multiprocessor system. The navigation controller 36 includes software. The software converts signals received from, for example, the localizer 44 into data representing the position and / or orientation of the tracked object. The navigation controller 36 may additionally or alternatively include one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems-on-chips, discrete circuits, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware capable of performing the functions described herein. The term processor does not limit any embodiment to a single processor.

[0034] Although an example of a navigation system 32 using triangulation techniques to determine the state of an object is shown, the navigation system 32 may have any other suitable configuration for tracking the instrument 14, the guide member 20, and / or the patient 12. In another example, the navigation system 32 and / or the localizer 44 are ultrasound-based. For example, the navigation system 32 may include an ultrasound imaging device connected to the navigation controller 36. The ultrasound imaging device images any of the aforementioned objects, e.g., the instrument 14, the guide member 20, and / or the patient 12, and generates a state signal to the navigation controller 36 based on the ultrasound images. The ultrasound images may be 2D, 3D, or a combination of both. The navigation controller 36 may process the images in near real time to determine the state of the object. The ultrasound imaging device may have any suitable configuration and may be different from the camera unit 46 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] In another example, the navigation system 32 and / or the localizer 44 are radio frequency (RF) based. For example, the navigation system 32 can include an RF transceiver connected to the navigation controller 36. The instrument 14, the guide member 20, and / or the patient 12 can include an RF emitter or transponder attached thereto. The RF emitter or transponder can be passively or actively powered. The RF transceiver transmits an RF tracking signal and generates a status signal to the navigation controller 36 based on the RF signal received from the RF emitter. The navigation controller 36 can analyze the received RF signal and associate a relative status therewith. The RF signal can be of any suitable frequency. The RF transceiver can be positioned at any suitable location to efficiently track an object using the RF signal. Furthermore, the RF emitter or transponder can have any suitable structural configuration, which may differ significantly from the trackers 52, 54, 56, PT shown in FIG. 1 .

[0036] In yet another example, the navigation system 32 and / or the localizer 44 are electromagnetic-based. For example, the navigation system 32 may include an EM transceiver connected to the navigation controller 36. The instrument 14, the guide member 20, and / or the patient 12 may include any suitable EM component, such as a magnetic tracker, an electromagnetic tracker, or an inductive tracker, attached thereto. The tracker may be passively or actively energized. The EM transceiver generates an EM field and generates a status signal to the navigation controller 36 based on the EM signal received from the tracker. The navigation controller 36 may analyze the received EM signal and associate a relative status therewith. Again, such an example navigation system 32 may have a structural configuration different from the configuration of the navigation system 32 shown in FIG. 1 .

[0037] The navigation system 32 may have any other suitable components or structures not specifically listed here. Additionally, any of the techniques, methods, and / or components described above with respect to the illustrated navigation system 32 may be implemented in or provided in any of the other examples of the navigation system 32 described herein. For example, the navigation system 32 may utilize inertial tracking alone or any combination of tracking technologies, and may additionally or alternatively include fiber optic-based tracking, machine vision tracking, etc.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 9 , the surgical system 10 includes a control system 60, which includes, among other things, an equipment controller 28 and a navigation controller 36. The control system 60 further includes one or more software programs and modules. The software modules may be part of one or more programs running on the equipment controller 28, the navigation controller 36, or a combination thereof to process data to facilitate control of the robotic system 10. The software programs and / or modules include computer-readable instructions stored in memory 64 of the equipment controller 28, the navigation controller 36, or a combination thereof, for execution by one or more processors 70 of the controllers 28, 36. The memory 64 may be any suitable configuration of memory, such as non-transitory memory, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc., and may be implemented locally or from a remote database. Additionally, software modules for displaying prompts and / or communicating with a user may form part of one or more programs and may include instructions stored in memory 64 of the equipment controller 28, the navigation controller 36, or a combination thereof. A user may communicate with the software modules by interacting with an input device of either the navigation user interface (UI) or another user interface (UI). The user interface software may run on a device separate from the equipment controller 28 and / or the navigation controller 36. The equipment 14 may communicate with the equipment controller 28 via a power / data connection. The power / data connection may provide a path for inputs and outputs used to control the equipment 14 based on position and orientation data generated by the navigation system 32 and transmitted to the equipment controller 28.

[0039] The control system 60 can include any suitable configuration of input devices, output devices, and processing devices suitable for performing the functions and methods described herein. The control system 60 can include the equipment controller 28, the navigation controller 36, or a combination thereof, and / or can include only one of these controllers or additional controllers. The controllers can communicate via a wired bus or communication network as shown in FIG. 9, via wireless communication, or otherwise. The control system 60 may also be referred to as a controller. The control system 60 can include one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems-on-chips, discrete circuits, sensors, displays, user interfaces, indicators, and / or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware capable of performing the functions described herein.

[0040] [device] In one exemplary configuration, device 14 is best shown in Figures 10-13C. Device 14 includes a hand-held portion 16 to be grasped by a user, a track assembly 18 movably connected to hand-held portion 16 to support guide member 20, an actuator assembly 400 having a plurality of actuators 21, 22 operably interconnecting track assembly 18 and hand-held portion 16 to move track assembly 18 in two degrees of freedom relative to hand-held portion 16, and a constraint assembly 24 having a pivot frame 26 operably interconnecting track assembly 18 and hand-held portion 16.

[0041] The hand-held portion 16 includes a grip 72 that can be grasped by a user to support the device 14 in their hand. The hand-held portion 16 can be configured with ergonomic features, such as a grip for the user's hand to grasp and a textured or mixed-material coating to prevent slippage when wet and / or bloody. The hand-held portion 16 can include a tapered portion to accommodate users with various hand sizes and can be contoured to fit the contours of the user's hand and / or fingers. The hand-held portion 16 also includes a base 74 to which the grip 72 is attached by one or more fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. The actuators 21, 22 can be movably connected to the base 74 at joint supports 77, 78 via joints, which are described further below.

[0042] As best shown in Figures 2, 10, and 11, the track assembly 18, and in particular the guide member 20, includes control arms 80. Each control arm 80 includes an actuator mount 86, 88 at which the actuators 21, 22 are movably connected to the control arm 80 of the guide member 20 via joints, as described further below. The actuator mounts 86, 88 may include brackets or the like suitable for mounting the actuators 21, 22 such that the track assembly 18 can move with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16.

[0043] The actuators 21, 22, in the illustrated case, comprise electric linear actuators extending between the base 74 and the control arm 80 of the guide member 20. When actuated, the effective lengths of the actuators 21, 22 change, altering the distance between the guide member 20 and the base 74 of the hand-held portion 16 along the corresponding axes of the actuators 21, 22. The actuators 21, 22 therefore cooperate to change their effective lengths and move the track assembly 18 relative to the hand-held portion 16 in at least two degrees of freedom. In the illustrated case, two actuators 21, 22 are provided, which may be referred to as first and second actuators 21, 22 or track assembly actuators 21, 22. The first and second actuators 21, 22 are adjustable in effective length along a first active axis AA1 and a second active axis AA2 (see FIG. 11 ). The first and second actuators 21, 22 have independently adjustable effective lengths to adjust one or more of the pitch orientation, roll orientation, or both of the guide member 20 relative to the hand-hold portion 16, as previously described. In some examples, as described further below, more actuators may be provided. In some examples, the actuators 21, 22 may comprise rotary actuators. The actuators 21, 22 may comprise a linkage having one or more links of any suitable size or shape. The actuators 21, 22 may have any suitable configuration to enable movement of the guide member 20 relative to the hand-hold portion 16 in at least two degrees of freedom.

[0044] In this example, the actuators 21, 22 are connected to the base 74 and the control arm 80 of the guide member 20 via a plurality of active joints. The active joints include a pair of first active joints 92 that connect the actuators 21, 22 to the base 74 at the actuator mounts 77, 78. In one example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the first active joints 92 include an active ball joint 81. The ball joint 81 includes a socket connector 82. The first socket connector 82 pivotally connects the actuator mounts 77, 78 to ball studs 84 of the actuators 21, 22. As a result, the actuators 21, 22 can move with at least two degrees of freedom relative to the base 74 of the handpiece 16. Other types of active joints are also contemplated, such as active joint blocks with U-joints that receive pins.

[0045] 10 , the active joint also includes a pair of second active joints 108 connecting the track actuators 21, 22 to the control arms 80 of the guide member 20. In the illustrated example, the second active joints 108 are supported on the joint supports 86, 88. In one example, the second active joints 108 each include a ball joint 110 arranged to pivot relative to the control arms 80 of the guide member 20. Each ball joint 110 has a ball stud 112 extending from the actuator 21, 22 that pivotally engages a socket mount 114 on a respective control arm 80 on one of the joint supports 86, 88, thereby allowing each actuator 21, 22 to pivot within its respective joint support 77, 78 to move the guide member 20 relative to the handpiece 16.

[0046] 10 , the actuators 21, 22 each include a housing 134. The housing 134 includes a canister 136 and a cap 138 that is threadably connected to the canister 136. The ball stud 84, which forms part of the first active joint 92, is fixed to the housing 134 such that the housing 134 and the ball stud 84 can move together relative to the handpiece 16 via the first active joint 92.

[0047] Each actuator 21, 22 also includes a motor 142 disposed within its respective housing 134. The motor 142 has a casing 144 disposed within the housing 134 and a motor winding assembly 146 disposed within the casing 144. Each motor 142 also has a rotor 148 secured to a lead screw 150. The lead screw 150 is supported for rotation within the housing 134 by one or more bushings and / or bearings 151. The rotor 148 and associated lead screw 150 are configured to rotate relative to the housing 134 upon selective energization of the motor 142. The lead screws 150 have fine pitch and lead angles to prevent back-actuation (i.e., are self-locking). As a result, loads applied to the track assembly 18 do not easily back-actuate the motor 142. In some examples, the lead screws 150 have a class 3 8-36 thread with a lead of 0.02 to 0.03 inches per turn. Other thread types / sizes may be used.

[0048] Each of the actuators 21, 22 can be controlled by a separate motor controller. The motor controllers can be separately connected to each of the actuators 21, 22 to individually direct each actuator 21, 22 to a given target position. In some examples, the motor controllers are proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers. In some examples, the motor controllers can be integrated with or form part of the equipment controller 28. For ease of illustration, the motor controllers will be described herein as being part of the equipment controller 28.

[0049] The power supply provides, for example, a 32 VDC power signal to the motors 142 via the console 33. The 32 VDC signal is applied to the motors 142 through the instrument controller 28. The instrument controller 28 selectively provides a power signal to each motor 142 to selectively activate the motors 142. Such selective activation of the motors 142 positions the guide member 20. The motors 142 may be any suitable type of motor, including brushless DC servo motors, other forms of DC motors, etc. The power supply also powers the instrument controller 28 to energize components within the instrument controller 28. It should be understood that the power supply can provide other types of power signals, such as, for example, 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 40 VDC, etc. Alternatively, the instrument may include a battery pack.

[0050] One or more sensors S (again see FIG. 10 ) transmit signals back to the equipment controller 28, allowing the equipment controller 28 to determine the current position (i.e., measured position) of the associated actuators 21, 22. The levels of those signals may vary depending on the rotational position of the associated rotor 148. In one implementation, the sensors S can resolve the rotational position of the rotor 148 within a given revolution with high precision. The sensors S may be Hall-effect sensors that output analog and / or digital signals based on the sensed magnetic field from the rotor 148 or from another magnet mounted on the lead screw 150 (see, e.g., two-pole magnet MG in FIG. 10 ). A low-voltage signal, e.g., 5 VDC, for energizing the Hall-effect sensors may be provided by a motor controller associated with the motor 142 with which the Hall-effect sensors are associated. In some examples, two Hall effect sensors are disposed in the housing 134 and are spaced 90 degrees apart around the rotor 148 to sense the rotor position, allowing the equipment controller 28 to determine the position of the rotor 148 and count its incremental rotations (one such sensor S and magnet MG is shown in FIG. 10 ). In some cases, the Hall effect sensor outputs a digital signal representing the incremental count. Various types of motor and sensor configurations are possible. In some examples, the motor 142 is a brushless DC servo motor, and two or more internal Hall effect sensors may be spaced 90 degrees, 120 degrees, or any other suitable distance from each other around the rotor 148. The sensor S may also include an absolute or incremental encoder, which can be used to detect the rotational position of the rotor 148 and count its rotations. Other types of encoders may also be used as the sensor or sensors. The sensors can be mounted in any suitable location on the actuators and on peripheral components suitable for determining the position of each actuator being adjusted, such as housings, nuts, screws, etc. In yet another configuration, sensorless motor control can be utilized.In such implementations, the position of each rotor can be determined by measuring the back-EMF and / or inductance of the motor. One suitable example can be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,422,582, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] In some examples, output signals from the Hall effect sensors are sent to the equipment controller 28. The equipment controller 28 monitors the received signals for changes in their levels. Based on these signals, the equipment controller 28 determines the rotor position. The rotor position can be considered the degree to which the rotor 148 has rotated from an initial or home position. The rotor 148 can rotate 360° multiple times. Therefore, the rotor position can exceed 360°. A scalar value, called a count, represents the rotor position from the home position. The rotor 148 rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise. Each time the signal levels of several signals (analog or digital) undergo a defined state change, the equipment controller 28 increments or decrements the count to indicate a change in rotor position. Each time the rotor 148 rotates completely 360°, the equipment controller 28 increments or decrements the count value by a fixed number of counts. In some examples, the count is incremented or decremented between 100 and 3,000 per 360-degree rotation of the rotor 148. In some examples, such as when an incremental encoder is used to monitor the rotor position, there are 1,024 positions (counts) per 360-degree rotation of the rotor 148. Internal to the equipment controller 28, there is a counter associated with each actuator 21, 22. The counter stores a value equal to the cumulative number of incremented or decremented counts. The count value can be positive, zero, or negative. In some cases, the count value defines the incremental movement of the rotor 148. Therefore, the rotor 148 of the actuators 21, 22 is first moved to a known position, referred to as the home position (described further below), after which the count value can be used to define the current position of the rotor 148.

[0052] Each lead screw 150 is threadedly coupled to a carrier 116. The carriers 116 have an internally threaded bore 117 for receiving the lead screw 150, which in turn translates a corresponding one of the carriers 116 to adjust the effective length of a corresponding one of the actuators 21, 22, thereby changing the count measured by the instrument controller 28. Rotation of the lead screw 150 allows the carrier 116 to extend and retract relative to the handpiece 16 and actuator motor 142. The carriers 116 are integral with a ball stud 112 extending from each of the actuators 21, 22. The housing 134 and the corresponding carrier 116 are each constrained from relative movement in at least one degree of freedom, allowing the lead screw 150 to rotate relative to the carrier 116. 10A-10D, the carrier includes one or more rails 180 that are received in complementary slots 178 in the actuator motor housing 134. The rails 180 and complementary slots 178 allow the lead screw 150 to raise and lower the carriers 116 coupled with the ball studs 112, effectively translating each carrier 116 longitudinally upon actuation (i.e., see the directional arrows in FIG. 10B). More specifically, the lead screw 150 can rotate relative to the carrier 116 due to the inability of the ball stud 84 to rotate about its associated active axis AA1, AA2 (i.e., the ball stud 84 is limited from such rotational movement by the configuration of the retainer 176 in the first active joint 92, particularly the socket mount 82, and the complementary groove 174 on the ball stud 84—see FIGS. 10A, 10C, and 10E ) and the inability of the carrier 116 to rotate about its associated active axis AA1, AA2 (i.e., the carrier 116 is limited from such rotational movement by the configuration of the rail 180 and the complementary slot 178 ). In other examples, other methods of constraining rotational movement of the first active joint 92 and carrier 116 relative to the actuator motor 142 are contemplated.

[0053] As previously described, the actuators 21, 22 have actively adjustable effective lengths to enable movement of the track assembly 18 relative to the handpiece 16. An example of such an effective length is shown in FIG. 11 , where the actuator 21 is labeled "EL." Here, the effective length EL is measured from the center of the associated carrier 116 to the center of the associated first active joint 92. When each actuator 21, 22 is adjusted, the effective length EL is changed by changing the distance the lead screw 150 is threaded into or out of the associated carrier 116, which in turn changes the distance from the center of the associated carrier 116 to the center of the associated first active joint 92. The actuators 21, 22 are adjustable between minimum and maximum effective lengths EL. The effective length EL of each actuator 21, 22 can be expressed / measured in any suitable manner to indicate the distance between the guide member 20 and the handpiece 16 along the active axes AA1, AA2 that is changed to cause various movements of the track assembly 18 relative to the handpiece 16.

[0054] The restraint assembly 24 cooperates with the actuators 21, 22 to restrain the movement provided by the actuators 21, 22. The actuators 21, 22 provide two degrees of freedom of movement, while the restraint assembly 24 restrains three degrees of freedom of movement. In the illustrated example, the restraint assembly 24 comprises a pivot frame 26 and a shaft 76 connecting the pivot frame 26 to a base 74 of the hand-held portion 16. The shaft 76 operably interconnects the pivot frame 26 and the hand-held portion 16 independent of the actuators 21, 22.

[0055] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12A-12B, the actuators 21, 22 are shown in different positions, resulting in guide member 20 with different trajectories. In FIG. 11, the actuators 21, 22 are shown in a centered position, resulting in guide member 20 being centered within pivot frame 26 and with its trajectory perpendicular to the bottom surface of pivot frame 26. FIGS. 12A and 12B show actuators 21, 22 moved to different positions to adjust the trajectory of guide member 20. When each actuator is energized, the actuator motor 142 rotates the lead screw 150 within carrier 116, pushing or pulling ball stud 112, and subsequently, control arm 80, to change the trajectory of guide member 20. The pivot frame 26 allows guide member 20 to pivot while preventing rotation of guide member 20. As a result, guide member 20 can move with two degrees of freedom relative to base 74 of handpiece 16.

[0056] When the actuators 21, 22 are actuated, the guide member 20 pivots within the pivot frame 26. The guide member 20 is held within the pivot frame 26 to prevent rotation about the track axis TA while adjusting its track. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, the guide member 20 is held in a bore in the pivot frame 26 by a deformable seal and anti-rotation assembly. The anti-rotation assembly is sometimes referred to as a retention assembly. In one example, the deformable seal may be an O-ring, and the anti-rotation assembly may be a protrusion extending into the bore of the pivot frame 26 with a complementary receiving portion on the outer surface of the guide member (i.e., a finger-and-groove mechanism). The outer surface of the guide member may be shaped to contact and receive the deformable seal and anti-rotation assembly. However, any suitable feature for holding the guide member within the pivot frame and preventing unconstrained rotation about the track axis is contemplated.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the actuators 21, 22 are arranged such that the active axes AA1, AA2 are in a parallel configuration no matter where the actuators 21, 22 are in, including when in the center position. Maintaining the axes AA1, AA2 generally parallel maintains the actuator configuration to allow for a thinner base 74 and associated grip 72. Other configurations are contemplated, including having the active axes AA1, AA2 in an angled configuration.

[0058] Additional configurations of actuators, active joints, and constraint assemblies are possible. In some cases, a constraint assembly may not be present, and the track assembly 18 of the instrument 14 may be movable with additional degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16. Additionally, as previously mentioned, actuator assemblies described below may be used.

[0059] [Alternative configuration] 14-19C, an alternative configuration of the device 14' is shown, including a positioning assembly 100 including a plurality of positioning actuators 94, 96, 98 operably coupled to a handheld portion 16', a track assembly 18' including track actuators 21', 22', a constraint assembly 24' having a pivot frame 26', and a guide member 20'. The positioning assembly 100 is configured to adjust the attitude of the track assembly 18' in at least three degrees of freedom, and the track assembly 18' is configured to adjust the guide member 20' to a desired trajectory using the track actuators 21', 22' by adjusting the guide member's track axis in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis TA with the desired trajectory.

[0060] 14 and 15A-15B, the device 14' includes a hand-held portion 16' to be grasped by a user. The hand-held portion 16' is the portion of the device 14' that the user grasps and supports manually by gripping the hand-held body 16'. The hand-held portion 16' allows the user to move and manipulate the device 14' without restraint. A positioning assembly 100 is movably connected to the hand-held body 16'. A first positioning actuator 96 and a second positioning actuator 98 are located between the hand-held portion 16' and an adjustment base 103 along a pivot member 102 such that the hand-held portion 16' and the positioning assembly 100 are operatively interconnected. The positioning actuators 96, 98 may be substantially similar in assembly and function to the track actuators 21, 22 described above with reference to FIGS. 10-12B. The positioning actuators 96, 98 may be configured to adjust the pitch and roll of the track assembly 18'. Positioning actuators 96, 98 are coupled to hand-held portion 16' at active joint 104 and to adjustment base 103 at active joint 106. Pivot member 102 is fixed to hand-held portion 16' and does not move relative to hand-held portion 16'. Rather, pivot member 102 is coupled to adjustment base 103 at active joint 107 configured as a ball-and-socket linkage, with the linkage end of pivot member 102 having a ball and adjustment plate 103 having a receiving socket.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the positioning actuators 96, 98 comprise electric linear actuators extending between the hand-held portion 16' and the adjustment plate. When actuated, the effective lengths of the actuators 96, 98 change, altering the distance between the hand-held portion 16' and the adjustment plate 103 along the corresponding axes of the positioning actuators 96, 98 (FIGS. 15A-15B). Thus, the actuators 96, 98 cooperate to change their effective lengths and move the positioning assembly 100 relative to the hand-held portion 16' in at least three degrees of freedom. The positioning actuators 96, 98 are adjustable in effective length along a first active axis AA1' and a second active axis AA2' (see FIG. 15B). The first and second positioning actuators 96, 98 are independently adjustable in effective length to adjust one or more of the pitch and roll orientations. In some examples, the actuators 96, 98 may comprise rotary actuators. The actuators 96, 98 may comprise linkages having one or more links of any suitable size or shape. The positioning actuators 96, 98 may have any suitable configuration to enable movement of the positioning assembly 100 to move the track assembly 18' relative to the handpiece 16' in at least three degrees of freedom.

[0062] In this example, the positioning actuators 96, 98 are connected to the adjustment base 103 and the handpiece 16' via a plurality of active joints 104, 106. The active joints include a set of first active joints 104 that connect the actuators 96, 98 to the handpiece 16' at actuator mounts 115. In one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first active joints 104 comprise active ball joints. The ball joints comprise socket connectors 118. The socket connectors 118 pivotally connect the actuator mounts 115 to ball studs 120 of the actuators 96, 98. As a result, the actuators 96, 98 can move the positioning assembly 100 (and subsequently the track assembly 18') relative to the handpiece 16' in at least three degrees of freedom. Other types of active joints are also contemplated, such as active joint blocks with U-joints that receive pins.

[0063] 14, the active joint also includes a pair of second active joints 106 connecting the positioning actuators 96, 98 to the adjustment base 103. In the illustrated example, the second active joints 106 are supported on joint supports 130. Each second active joint 106 includes a ball joint arranged to pivot relative to the adjustment base 103. Each ball joint has a ball stud 158 extending from the actuator 96, 98 that pivotally engages a socket mount 160 in the adjustment base 103, allowing the respective actuator 96, 98 to pivot within the active joint 106 and move the positioning assembly 100 relative to the handpiece 16′ to change the position of the track assembly 18′.

[0064] As shown in Figures 15A-15B, the positioning actuators 96, 98 and pivot member 102 are arranged in a side-by-side configuration that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the handpiece 16' and the instrument 14'. The positioning actuators 96, 98 and pivot member 102 are arranged in a generally triangular configuration, with the pivot member 102 in a forward position and the positioning actuators 96, 98 in a rearward position. The positioning assembly further includes a translation actuator 94 that is disposed along the longitudinal axis of the instrument 14'. The translation actuator 94 is coupled to an adjustment base 103 opposite the positioning actuators 96, 98 and pivot member 102. The translation actuator 94 can be configured to control the longitudinal translation of the track assembly 18'.

[0065] The positioning assembly 100 is configured to move the track assembly 18' in three degrees of freedom to vary z-axis translation (longitudinal translation relative to the handheld portion 16'), pitch, and roll relative to the handheld portion 16'. The positioning assembly is coupled to the track assembly 18' through a translation actuator 94. The translation actuator is substantially similar to and operates in a substantially similar manner to the positioning actuators 96, 98 and the track actuators 21', 22'. The translation actuator 94 varies the effective length EL along the active axis AA3 (FIGS. 15A-15B). The translation actuator 94 is not coupled to an active joint, but rather is fixed between the positioning assembly and the track assembly 18' to translate the track assembly 18' relative to the positioning assembly 100 and the handheld portion 16'.

[0066] As best shown in Figures 14-19C, the track assembly 18' comprises a track base 172, and the track base 133 is operably coupled to the translation actuator 94 of the positioning assembly 100 as well as to the constraint assembly 24' and track actuators 21', 22'.

[0067] As described above, the track actuators 21', 22' comprise electric linear actuators extending between the track base and the control arm 80' of the guide member 20' in the illustrated example. When actuated, the effective lengths of the actuators 21', 22' change, altering the distance between the guide member 20' and the track base 172 along the corresponding axes of the track actuators 21', 22'. Thus, the actuators 21', 22' cooperate to change their effective lengths and move the track assembly 18' with respect to the handpiece 16' and the positioning assembly in at least two degrees of freedom. In the illustrated example, two track actuators 21', 22' are provided, which may be referred to as first and second track actuators 21', 22' or track assembly actuators 21', 22'. The track actuators 21', 22' are adjustable in effective length along active axis AA4 and active axis AA5 (see Figures 15A-15B). The first and second actuators 21', 22' have independently adjustable effective lengths to adjust one or more of the pitch and roll orientations of the guide member 20' relative to the hand-hold portion 16', as previously described. The actuators 21', 22' can, in some examples, comprise rotary actuators. The actuators 21', 22' can comprise a linkage having one or more links of any suitable size or shape. The actuators 21', 22' can have any suitable configuration to enable movement of the guide member 20' in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-hold portion 16' and the positioning assembly 100.

[0068] In this example, the track actuators 21', 22' are connected to the track base 172 and the control arm 80' of the guide member 20' via multiple active joints. The active joints include a pair of first active track joints 92' that connect the actuators 21', 22' to the track base 172 at the actuator mounts 77', 78'. In one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first active joints 92' comprise an active ball joint 81'. The ball joint 81' comprises a socket connector 82'. The first socket connector 82' pivotally connects the actuator mounts 77', 78' to the ball studs 84' of the actuators 21', 22'. As a result, the actuators 21', 22' can move the guide member 20' in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the translation actuator 94 and the positioning assembly 100. Other types of active joints, such as active joint blocks with U-joints that receive pins, are also contemplated.

[0069] 14, the active joint also includes a pair of second active joints 108' connecting the track actuators 21', 22' to the control arms 80' of the guide member 20'. In the illustrated example, the second active joints 108' are supported on the joint supports 86', 88'. Each second active joint 108' includes a ball joint 110' arranged to pivot relative to the control arms 80' of the guide member 20'. Each ball joint 110' has a ball stud 112' extending from the actuator 21', 22', which pivotally engages a respective socket mount 114' of the control arm 80' on one of the joint supports 86', 88', thereby allowing each actuator 21', 22' to pivot within its respective joint support 77', 78' to move the guide member 20' relative to the handpiece 16' and positioning assembly 100.

[0070] The restraint assembly 24' cooperates with the track actuators 21', 22' to restrain the movement of the guide member 20' provided by the actuators 21', 22'. The actuators 21', 22' provide two degrees of freedom of movement, while the restraint assembly 24' restrains three degrees of freedom of movement. In the illustrated example, the restraint assembly 24' includes a pivot frame 26' and a shaft 76' connecting the pivot frame 26' to the base 74' of the hand-held portion 16'. The guide member 20' includes a control arm 80'. Each control arm 80' includes an actuator mount 86', 88' at which the actuators 21', 22' are movably connected to the control arm 80' of the guide member 20' via a joint. The actuator mounts 86', 88' may comprise brackets or the like suitable for mounting the actuators 21', 22' such that the track assembly 18' can move relative to the positioning assembly 100 in at least two degrees of freedom.

[0071] As shown in Figures 15A-19C, actuators 21', 22', 94, 96, and 98 are shown in different positions, illustrating different positions of positioning assembly 100 and track assembly 18'. In Figures 15A-16B, actuators 21', 22', 94, 96, and 98 are shown in a centered position, thus representing the neutral position of instrument 14'. Guide member 20' is centered within pivot frame 26', with the track perpendicular to the bottom surface of pivot frame 26'.

[0072] When the actuators 21', 22' are actuated, the guide member 20' pivots within the pivot frame 26'. The guide member 20' is held within the pivot frame 26' against rotation about the track axis TA during adjustment of its track.

[0073] 13A-13C, guide member 20 is retained in the bore of pivot frame 26 by a deformable seal 162 and an anti-rotation assembly 164. In one example, deformable seal 162 may be an O-ring, and anti-rotation assembly 164 may include a protrusion 166 extending into bore 170 of pivot frame 26 with a complementary receiving portion 168 on the outer surface of guide member 20. The outer surface of guide member 20 may be shaped to contact and receive deformable seal 162 and anti-rotation assembly 164. However, any suitable feature for retaining guide member 20 within pivot frame 26 and preventing rotation about its orbital axis is contemplated.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the positioning actuators 96, 98 and track actuators 21', 22' are arranged so that the active axes AA1', AA2' and AA4, AA5, respectively, are in a parallel configuration at all positions of the actuators, including when the actuators are in the center position. Maintaining the axes AA1', AA2' and AA4, AA5 generally parallel maintains the actuator configuration in series and allows for a thinner base 74'. Additionally, the configuration of the actuators 21', 22', 96, 98 allows for greater adjustment of the track assembly 18' and guide member 20'.

[0075] FIGS. 16A-16C show actuators 96, 98 adjusting the position of instrument 14' to a right-side orientation. When actuator 96 is extended and actuator 98 is retracted, positioning assembly 100 is moved to the right. Positioning assembly 100 moves adjustment base 103 to change the position of track assembly 18'. Track actuators 21', 22' compensate for the right-side orientation by adjusting the track of guide member 20' by extending actuator 22' and retracting actuator 21', which in turn causes guide arm 80' to adjust guide member 20' to a track that substantially matches the angle at which handpiece 16' is positioned. Similarly, FIGS. 17A-17C show instrument 14' in a left-side orientation. Positioning assembly 100 positions adjustment base 103 to the left by extending actuator 98 and retracting actuator 96. The track assembly 18' is adjusted by retracting the actuator 22' to raise one of the guide arms 80' and extending the actuator 21' to depress the other guide arm 80'. The guide member 20' is then moved to the desired track relative to the position of the handpiece 16'.

[0076] 18A-18C and 19A-19C, positioning actuators 96, 98 are in a centered position. FIGS. 18A-18C show translation actuator 94 in an extended position, tilting the track assembly forward. To compensate for the forward tilt, track assembly actuators 21', 22' are retracted, adjusting guide member 20' toward track assembly 18' to maintain a vertical track. Similarly, FIGS. 19A-19C show translation actuator 94 in a fully retracted position, tilting track assembly 18' backward. To compensate for the movement, track actuators 21', 22' are extended, pushing control arm 80' down and adjusting guide member 20' for a vertical track.

[0077] Additional configurations of positioning assemblies, track assemblies, actuators, active joints, and constraint assemblies are possible. In some cases, the constraint assembly may be absent, and the track assembly 18' of the instrument 14' may be movable with additional degrees of freedom relative to the handpiece 16'.

[0078] [Operation] The software used by the control system 60 to control the operation of the instrument 14 includes a boundary generator 182 (see FIG. 9 ). The boundary generator 182 can be implemented in other components, such as the instrument controller 28, the navigation controller 36, and / or a separate controller. The boundary generator 182 may also be part of a separate system operating remotely from the instrument 14. With reference to FIG. 21 , the boundary generator 182 is a software program or module that generates one or more virtual boundaries 184 for constraining the movement and / or operation of the instrument 14. The virtual boundaries 184 can be provided to delineate various areas of operation / control, as described below. The virtual boundaries 184 can be one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), or three-dimensional (3D) and can comprise a point, line, axis, trajectory, plane (an infinite plane or plane segment bounded by an anatomical or other boundary), volume, or other shape, including complex geometric shapes. The virtual boundary 184 may be represented by pixels, point clouds, voxels, triangular meshes, other 2D or 3D models, combinations thereof, etc. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0333207 and U.S. Patent No. 8,898,043 are incorporated by reference, and any of their features may be used to facilitate the planning or execution of a surgical procedure.

[0079] The virtual boundary 184 can be used in a variety of ways. For example, the control system 60 can control certain movements of the guide member 20 to stay inside the boundary, control certain movements of the guide member 20 to stay outside the boundary, control certain movements of the guide member 20 to stay on the boundary (e.g., stay on a point and / or trajectory), control certain movements of the guide member 20 to approach the boundary (attractive boundary) or be repelled from the boundary (repulsive boundary), and / or control certain operations / functions of the instrument 14 based on the relationship (e.g., space, velocity, etc.) of the instrument 14 to the boundary. Other uses of the boundary 184 are also contemplated.

[0080] In some examples, one of the virtual boundaries 184 is a desired trajectory, as shown in FIG. 3 . The control system 60, in some instances, functions to ultimately maintain the guide member 20 on the desired trajectory. The virtual boundary 184 that controls the positioning of the guide member 20 may be a volume boundary, such as one having an area slightly larger than a drill, pedicle screw, and / or pin, to constrain the guide instrument to remain within the boundary and on the desired trajectory, as shown in FIG. 3 . Thus, the desired trajectory may be defined by a virtual line segment boundary, a virtual volume boundary, or other form of virtual boundary. The virtual boundary 184 may also be referred to as a virtual object. The virtual boundary 184 may be defined relative to an anatomical model AM, such as a 3D bone model (see FIG. 3 , which shows the anatomical model AM virtually overlaid on the actual humerus H through their registration). In other words, points, lines, axes, trajectories, planes, volumes, etc. associated with the virtual boundary 184 can be defined in a coordinate system that is fixed relative to the coordinate system of the anatomical model AM, such that tracking of the anatomical model AM (e.g., by tracking the associated anatomical structure to which it is registered) also enables tracking of the virtual boundary 184.

[0081] The anatomical model AM is registered to the first patient tracker 54 such that a virtual boundary 184 is associated with the anatomical model AM and an associated coordinate system. The virtual boundary 184 may be implant-specific, defined based on, for example, the size, shape, volume, etc. of the implant, and / or patient-specific, defined based on, for example, the patient's anatomy. The virtual boundary 184 may be a boundary created pre-operatively, intra-operatively, or a combination thereof. In other words, the virtual boundary 184 may be defined before the start of the surgical procedure, during the surgical procedure (including during tissue removal), or a combination thereof. The virtual boundary 184 may be provided in a number of ways, such as created by the control system 60 or received from another source / system. The virtual boundary 184 may be stored in memory for retrieval and / or updating.

[0082] In some cases, such as when preparing the humerus H to receive a shoulder implant IM as in Figures 20A-20B, the virtual boundary 184 comprises multiple planar boundaries that can be used to plot multiple trajectories for the shoulder implant IM (e.g., four trajectories for securing the implant to the scapula SC) and is associated with a 3D model of the distal end of the scapula SC. In one example, such as Figure 21, the multiple virtual boundaries 184 can be activated one at a time by the control system 60 to constrain the cut to one plane at a time.

[0083] The equipment controller 28 and / or navigation controller 36 track the state of the guide member 20 relative to the virtual boundary 184. In one example, the state of the TCP coordinate system (e.g., the pose of the guide member) is measured relative to the virtual boundary 184 for the purpose of determining target positions for the actuators 21, 22 such that the guide member 20 remains in the desired state.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 9 , two additional software programs or modules operate on the equipment controller 28 and / or navigation controller 36. One software module performs behavior control 186. Behavior control 186 is a process that calculates data indicative of the next commanded / desired position and / or orientation (e.g., desired pose) for the guide member 20. In some cases, only the desired position of the TCP is output from the behavior control 186, and in other cases, the output is a commanded pose for the guide member 20. The output from the boundary generator 182 (e.g., the current position and / or orientation of the virtual boundary 184 in one or more of the coordinate systems) can be provided as an input to the behavior control 186 to determine the next commanded position and / or orientation of the actuators 21, 22 with respect to the guide member 20. The behavior control 186 can process that input along with one or more other inputs to determine the commanded pose, as described further below.

[0085] The machine controller 28 can control one or more of the actuators 21, 22 by sending command signals to each actuator 21, 22 to adjust the guide member 20 toward a desired orientation. The machine controller 28 can know the total length the actuators 21, 22 can adjust the track assembly 18 relative to the handpiece 16. In some examples, the machine controller 28 knows the total length the actuators 21, 22 can adjust and can send command signals to the actuators 21, 22 to move measured distances between positions. The measured positions can be known positions or the distance between the current position of the actuators 21, 22 and the limits of the actuators. Each position reached by the actuators 21, 22 can be a measured distance from the positive and negative limits of the actuator's travel (i.e., the position between the ends of the lead screw). The machine controller 28 can command the actuators 21, 22 to move to and from the measured positions, as described below.

[0086] The equipment controller 28 can send command signals to each actuator 21, 22 to move the actuators 21, 22 from an initial position to a commanded position that positions the guide member 20 at a desired orientation. In some examples, the commanded position is determined by the equipment controller 28 in conjunction with the navigation system 32 to determine the position of the guide member 20 and track assembly 18 relative to a virtual object such as the hand-held portion 16, the patient trackers PT, 54, 56, a desired trajectory, or a combination thereof, and send signals to the actuators 21, 22 to adjust a certain distance to position the guide member 20 at the desired orientation. The equipment controller can command the actuators 21, 22 to move to a certain position to achieve the desired adjustment of the guide member 20. The equipment controller 28 can control the actuators 21, 22 to move linearly a calculated distance to adjust the guide member 20 toward the desired orientation to achieve the desired trajectory. In other examples, such as when absolute encoders are used, the equipment controller can send signals to the actuators 21, 22 to place each actuator 21, 22 in a desired position based on the known position of the track assembly 18 relative to the handheld portion 16 as determined by the absolute encoder.

[0087] In some examples, when one or more of the actuators 21, 22 reach their limits, the machine controller 28 can request that the hand-held portion 16 be adjusted to return the guide member 20 to a range where the actuators can adjust the guide member 20 toward the desired attitude and trajectory. The machine can include a user interface UI on the display 38, optional guidance array, or both, to inform the user that the hand-held portion 16 needs to be moved in a particular manner to place the guide member 20 in the desired attitude. In some examples, the user interface UI on the display 38, optional guidance array, or both, informs the user to move the hand-held portion 16 in the same manner as if the actuators 21, 22 were adjusting the guide member 20, but relies on the user to correct the position of the guide member 20 by manipulating the hand-held portion 16 while the actuators remain at the target orientation maintaining the desired trajectory.

[0088] A second software module performs motion control 188. One aspect of motion control 188 is control of the equipment 14. Motion control 188 receives data from behavior control 186 defining the target pose. Based on that data, motion control 188 determines (e.g., by inverse kinematics) the next rotor position of the rotor 148 of each actuator 21, 22 so that the equipment 14 can position the guide member 20 as commanded by behavior control 186. In one example, motion control 188 adjusts the rotor position of each motor 142, frequently adjusting the torque output by each motor 142 to ensure that the motor 142 drives the associated actuator 21, 22 as closely as possible to the target rotor position.

[0089] In some cases, the machine controller 28 determines the difference between the measured position of the rotor 148 and the target position for each actuator 21, 22. The machine controller 28 outputs a target current (proportional to the torque of the rotor) and varies the voltage to adjust the actuator current from an initial current to the target current. The target current effects the movement of the actuators 21, 22 to move the guide member 20 from the measured position to the target position. This may be done after the target position is converted to a joint position. In one example, the measured position of each rotor 148 can be derived from a sensor S, such as an encoder, as described above.

[0090] The boundary generator 182, behavior control 186, and motion control 188 may be subsets of a software program. Alternatively, each may be a software program that operates any combination thereof separately and / or independently. The term "software program" is used herein to describe computer-executable instructions configured to perform various functions of the described technical solutions. For simplicity, the term "software program" encompasses at least any one or more of the boundary generator 182, behavior control 186, and / or motion control 188. The software program may be implemented in the equipment controller 28, the navigation controller 36, or any combination thereof, or may be implemented in any suitable manner by the control system 60.

[0091] A clinical application 190 can be provided to handle user interactions. The clinical application 190 handles many aspects of user interaction and coordinates surgical workflow, including pre-operative planning, implant placement and retention, registration, bone preparation visualization, and post-operative assessment of implant fit. The clinical application 190 is configured to output to the display 38. The clinical application 190 may run on its own separate processor or may run in parallel with the device controller 28 and / or navigation controller 36. In one example, the clinical application 190 interfaces with the boundary generator 182 after implant placement is configured by the user and then transmits the virtual boundary 184 returned by the boundary generator 182 to the device. It should be understood that other types of feedback, such as audible, tactile (e.g., vibration), etc., can also be used to help guide the user. Other types of visual feedback, such as using augmented reality technology or light projection onto anatomical structures, can also be used.

[0092] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "controller" may be interchangeable with the term "circuitry." The term "controller" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code to be executed by the processor circuit, other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality, or a system-on-chip, or any combination of some or all of the above.

[0093] The controller may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuit may implement a wired or wireless interface that connects to a local area network (LAN) or a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Examples of LANs include the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 802.11-2016 (also known as the WIFI wireless networking standard) and IEEE Standard 802.3-2015 (also known as the ETHERNET wired networking standard). Examples of WPANs include the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's BLUETOOTH wireless networking standard and IEEE Standard 802.15.4.

[0094] Controllers can communicate with other controllers using interface circuits. While this disclosure may depict controllers logically communicating directly with other controllers, in various configurations, the controllers may actually communicate via a communication system. The communication system includes physical and / or virtual networking equipment such as hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. In some configurations, the communication system connects to or traverses a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. For example, the communication system may include multiple LANs connected to each other via the Internet or point-to-point leased lines using technologies including multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and virtual private networks (VPNs).

[0095] In various configurations, the functionality of a controller may be distributed among multiple controllers connected via a communication system. For example, multiple controllers may implement the same functionality distributed by a load balancing system. In a further example, the functionality of a controller may be split between a server (also known as a remote or cloud) controller and a client (or user) controller.

[0096] Some or all of the hardware features of the controller may be defined using a hardware description language, such as IEEE Standard 1364-2005 (commonly referred to as "Verilog") and IEEE Standard 10182-2008 (commonly referred to as "VHDL"). The hardware description language may be used to fabricate and / or program the hardware circuitry. In some configurations, some or all of the hardware features of the controller may be defined by a language such as IEEE 1666-2005 (commonly referred to as "SystemC"), which includes both code descriptions and hardware descriptions, as described below.

[0097] The various controller programs can be stored in a memory circuit. The term memory circuit is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray® discs).

[0098] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The functional blocks and flowchart elements described above serve as software specifications and can be converted into a computer program by the routine work of a skilled engineer or programmer.

[0099] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. A computer program may include or rely on stored data. A computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with hardware in a special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices in a special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0100] A computer program can include (i) written text to be parsed, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler; etc. By way of example only, the source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, JavaScript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language Fifth Revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, MATLAB®, SENSORLINK, and Python®.

[0101] I. A surgical robotic instrument, the instrument comprising: a hand-held body; and a track assembly operatively coupled to the hand-held body, the track assembly including: a shaft extending from the hand-held body; a pivot frame coupled to a distal end of the shaft; a tool pivotally coupled to the pivot frame; a retainer connecting the pivot frame to a guide member; a support member extending outwardly from and coupled to the tool; and two actuators pivotally connected to the support member, the tool being adjusted to a target trajectory by using the actuators to adjust a track axis of the tool in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory, and the retainer maintaining the coupling of the tool to the pivot frame as the actuators adjust the tool to the target trajectory.

[0102] II. A robotic-assisted handheld instrument, the instrument comprising: a handheld body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a positioning assembly operably coupled to the handheld body, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the handheld body; and a second actuator assembly operably coupled to the plurality of actuators of the positioning assembly, the second actuator assembly including a shaft, a pivot frame coupled to the shaft, an end effector pivotally coupled to the pivot frame, a support member coupled to the end effector, and two actuators pivotally coupled to the support member, the plurality of positioning actuators operably coupling the positioning assembly to the second actuator assembly.

[0103] III. A computer-implemented method or software product for using a robotic device, the robotic device including a hand-held body coupled to a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, an end effector, and a plurality of actuators, each actuator pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and the end effector, the method or product including: moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body by actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of actuators; and constraining movement of the end effector relative to the hand-held body to three degrees of freedom.

[0104] IV. A computer-implemented method or software product for using a robotic guided device, the robotic guided device including a hand-held body coupled to a positioning assembly, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, a guide member or end effector, and a plurality of track actuators, each track actuator pivotally coupled to a guide member or end effector, the method or product comprising: adjusting the positioning assembly in three degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body; actively adjusting one or more effective lengths of the plurality of positioning actuators to move the track assembly in three degrees of freedom; moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body and positioning assembly by actively adjusting the effective lengths of one or more of the plurality of track actuators; and constraining movement of the guide member or end effector relative to the hand-held body and positioning assembly to three degrees of freedom, or a program including software for performing those steps.

[0105] It should be understood that the combination of position and orientation of an object is referred to as the pose of the object. Throughout this disclosure, it is contemplated that the term pose may be replaced with position and / or orientation in one or more degrees of freedom, and vice versa, to achieve suitable alternatives to the concepts described herein. In other words, any use of the term pose may be replaced with position, and any use of the term position may be replaced with pose.

[0106] The method according to the present teachings may be, for example, a computer-implemented method. For example, all steps or only some of the steps (i.e., fewer than the total number of steps) of the method according to the present teachings may be performed by a computer (e.g., at least one computer). A configuration of a computer-implemented method is the use of a computer to perform a data processing method. Furthermore, in the present teachings, the method disclosed herein includes performing the following exemplary steps, which are performed by at least one processor, on at least one processor of at least one computer (e.g., at least one computer that is part of a navigation system):

[0107] For processing data (technically), for example, electronically and / or optically, a computer comprises, for example, at least one processor and, for example, at least one memory. The processor is, for example, made of a substance or composition, such as a semiconductor, for example, at least partially n- and / or p-doped semiconductor, for example, at least one of group II, III, IV, V, and VI semiconductor materials, for example (doped) silicon and / or gallium arsenide. The described calculation or determination step is, for example, performed by a computer. The determination or calculation step is, for example, a step of determining data within the framework of a technical method, for example, within the framework of a program. The computer is, for example, any kind of data processing device, for example, an electronic data processing device. The computer can be a device generally considered to be, for example, a desktop PC, a notebook, a netbook, etc., but can also be any programmable device, for example, a mobile phone or an embedded processor. A computer can, for example, comprise a system (network) of "sub-computers," each of which represents a computer in itself. The term "computer" includes cloud computers, for example, cloud servers. The term computer includes server resources. The term "cloud computer" includes, for example, at least one cloud computer system and a cloud computer system comprising a plurality of operatively interconnected cloud computers, such as, for example, a server farm. Such cloud computers are preferably connected to a wide area network, such as the World Wide Web (WWW), and are located in a so-called cloud of computers all connected to the World Wide Web. Such infrastructure is used for "cloud computing," which describes computation, software, data access, and storage services without the end user needing to know the physical location and / or configuration of the computers implementing a particular service.For example, the term "cloud" is used in this regard as a metaphor for the Internet (World Wide Web). For example, the cloud provides computing infrastructure as a service (IaaS). A cloud computer can serve as a virtual host for operating systems and / or data processing applications used to implement the methods of the present teachings. An example of a cloud computer is the Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) provided by Amazon Web Services™. The computer includes, for example, an interface that receives or outputs data and / or performs analog-to-digital conversion. For example, the present teachings may not involve, or specifically may not include or encompass, invasive steps that represent substantial physical interventions in the body that require specialized medical knowledge to be performed, which pose substantial health risks even when performed with the required specialized care and knowledge. The data may, for example, represent physical properties and / or be generated from technical signals. The technical signal is, for example, generated by a (technical) detection device (such as, for example, a device for detecting a marker device) and / or a (technical) analysis device (such as, for example, a device for performing a (medical) imaging method), and the technical signal is, for example, an electrical signal or an optical signal. The technical signal represents, for example, data received or output by a computer. The computer is preferably operatively connected to a display device, which allows the information output by the computer to be displayed, for example, to a user. One example of a display device is a virtual reality device or an augmented reality device (also called virtual reality glasses or augmented reality glasses). Another example of a display device is, for example, a standard computer monitor with a liquid crystal display operatively connected to the computer to receive display control data from the computer for generating signals used to display image information content on the display device.

[0108] The present teachings also relate to a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer on the program, cause the computer to perform one or more methods, e.g., one or more method steps described herein; and / or a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) on which the program is stored; and / or a computer comprising the program storage medium; and / or a (physical, e.g., electrical, e.g., technologically generated) signal wave, e.g., a digital signal wave, e.g., an electromagnetic carrier wave, carrying information representing a program, e.g., a program, comprising code means adapted to perform any or all of the method steps described herein. The signal wave, in one example, is a data carrier signal carrying the computer program. The present teachings also relate to a computer comprising at least one processor and / or the computer-readable storage medium, e.g., a memory, wherein the program is executed by the processor.

[0109] Within the framework of the present teachings, computer program elements can be embodied by hardware and / or software (which includes firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.). Within the framework of the present teachings, computer program elements can take the form of a computer program product embodied by a computer-usable, e.g., computer-readable, data storage medium comprising computer-usable, e.g., computer-readable, program instructions, "code," or "computer program" embodied in said data storage medium for use on or in connection with an instruction execution system. Such a system can be a computer, which can be a data processing device comprising means for executing computer program elements and / or programs in accordance with the present teachings; for example, a data processing device comprising a digital processor (central processing unit or CPU) for executing computer program elements and, optionally, a volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or RAM) for storing data used for and / or generated by executing the computer program elements. Within the framework of the present teachings, a computer usable, e.g., computer readable, data storage medium can be any data storage medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use on or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer usable, e.g., computer readable, data storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or a propagation medium such as the Internet.

[0110] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "controller" may be interchangeable with the term "circuitry." The term "controller" may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory circuit (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code to be executed by the processor circuit, other suitable hardware component that provides the described functionality, or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip.

[0111] Several examples have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not exhaustive and do not limit the disclosure to any particular form. Various modifications of those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be utilized in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many variations and modifications are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. The technical concepts that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below. [Aspect 1] 1. A robotically assisted, handheld guide instrument for aligning the trajectory of a surgical device, comprising: a handheld main body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a track assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body; the track assembly comprising: a shaft extending from the hand-held body; a pivot frame connected to the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a support member extending outward from and coupled to the guide member; two actuators extending coextensively with and substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft, each actuator pivotally coupled to the support member; Including, the track assembly converts linear motion of the actuator into pivotal motion of the guide member to adjust a track axis, the actuator being configured to selectively push or pull the support member coupled to the guide member; the guide member is adjustable to the target trajectory by using the actuator to adjust the trajectory axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the trajectory axis with the target trajectory; Guide equipment. [Aspect 2] The guide instrument of aspect 1, wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure. [Aspect 3] The guide device of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the pivot frame includes a cavity along an inner surface of the pivot frame, and a retainer is disposed within the cavity, thereby maintaining the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame when the actuator adjusts the guide member to align with the target trajectory. [Aspect 4] 4. The guide instrument of embodiment 3, wherein the pivot frame and the guide member include a retention assembly, the retention assembly including a protrusion and a complementary pocket. [Aspect 5] 5. The guide instrument of claim 4, wherein the retention assembly limits rotation of the guide member relative to the pivot frame to maintain the target trajectory during movement of the actuator. [Aspect 6] Aspect 6. The guide device of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member to align the guide member with the target trajectory. [Aspect 7] 1. A surgical guide instrument adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand to place pins into bone, comprising: A handheld device and a track assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body; the track assembly comprising: a shaft extending from the hand-held body; a pivot frame coupled to a distal end of the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a retainer connecting the pivot frame to the guide member; a support member extending outward from and coupled to the guide member; two actuators pivotally connected to the support member; Including, the guide member is adjusted to the target trajectory by adjusting an orbital axis of the guide member with at least two degrees of freedom to align the orbital axis with the target trajectory, using the actuator; the retainer maintains the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame when the actuator adjusts the guide member to align with the target trajectory. Surgical guide equipment. [Aspect 8] 8. The surgical guide instrument of claim 7, wherein the pivot frame includes a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the pivot frame, and the guide member includes a groove in an outer surface of the guide member that is complementary to the protrusion. [Aspect 9] The surgical guide instrument of embodiment 7 or embodiment 8, wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure. [Aspect 10] 10. The surgical guide instrument of any one of Aspects 7-9, wherein the pivot frame includes a cavity along an inner surface of the pivot frame, and a retainer disposed within the cavity, such that the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame is maintained when the actuator adjusts the guide member to align with the target trajectory. [Aspect 11] 11. The surgical guide instrument of claim 10, wherein the pivot frame and the guide member include a retention assembly, the retention assembly including a protrusion and a complementary pocket. [Aspect 12] 12. The surgical guide instrument of claim 11, wherein the retention assembly limits rotation of the guide member relative to the pivot frame to maintain the target trajectory during movement of the actuator. [Aspect 13] 13. The surgical guide instrument according to any one of aspects 7 to 12, wherein the actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member so as to align the guide member with the target trajectory. [Aspect 14] 1. A robot-assisted, handheld guide device comprising: a hand-held main body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a positioning assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the hand-held body; a track assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of actuators of the positioning assembly; the track assembly comprising: A shaft and a pivot frame connected to the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a support member connected to the guide member; two orbital actuators pivotally coupled to the support member; Including, the plurality of positioning actuators operatively couple the positioning assembly to the track assembly, the plurality of positioning actuators configured to adjust the attitude of the track assembly in at least three degrees of freedom; a track assembly using the track actuator to adjust the guide member to the target trajectory by adjusting the track axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory; Guide equipment. [Aspect 15] 15. The guide instrument of claim 14, wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure. [Aspect 16] The guide instrument of embodiment 14 or embodiment 15, wherein the positioning assembly adjusts the track assembly to a target position. [Aspect 17] 17. The guide instrument of any one of aspects 14-16, wherein the positioning actuator controls pitch, roll, and translation of the track assembly relative to the hand-held body. [Aspect 18] 18. The guide instrument of claim 17, wherein the trajectory actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member relative to the positioning assembly to align the guide member with the target trajectory. [Aspect 19] 1. A method of using a robotic guide device, comprising: the robotic guided instrument includes a hand-held body coupled to a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, a guide member, and a plurality of actuators, each actuator pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and the guide member; The method comprises: moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body by actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of actuators; constraining movement of the guide member relative to the hand-holdable body to three degrees of freedom; A method comprising: [Aspect 20] 1. A method of using a robotic guide device, comprising: the robotic guide instrument includes a hand-held body coupled to a positioning assembly, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, a guide member, and a plurality of track actuators, each track actuator pivotally coupled to the guide member; The method comprises: adjusting the positioning assembly in three degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body; actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of positioning actuators to move the track assembly in three degrees of freedom; moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body and the positioning assembly by actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of track actuators; constraining movement of the guide member relative to the hand-holdable body and the positioning assembly to three degrees of freedom; A method comprising:

Claims

1. 1. A robotically assisted, handheld guide instrument for aligning the trajectory of a surgical device, comprising: a handheld main body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a track assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body; the track assembly comprising: a shaft extending from the hand-held body; a pivot frame connected to the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a support member extending outward from and coupled to the guide member; two actuators extending coextensively with and parallel to the axis of the shaft, each actuator pivotally coupled to the support member; Including, the track assembly converts linear motion of the actuator into pivotal motion of the guide member to adjust a track axis, the actuator being configured to selectively push or pull the support member coupled to the guide member; the guide member is adjustable to the target trajectory by using the actuator to adjust the trajectory axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the trajectory axis with the target trajectory; Guide equipment.

2. The guide instrument of claim 1 , wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure.

3. 3. The guide instrument of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pivot frame includes a cavity along an inner surface of the pivot frame, and a retainer is disposed within the cavity, thereby maintaining the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame as the actuator adjusts the guide member to the target trajectory.

4. the pivot frame and the guide member include a retention assembly, the retention assembly including a protrusion and a complementary pocket; The guide instrument of claim 3 , wherein the retention assembly limits rotation of the guide member relative to the pivot frame to maintain the target trajectory during movement of the actuator.

5. The guide instrument of claim 1 , wherein the actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member to align the guide member with the target trajectory.

6. 1. A surgical guide instrument adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand to place pins into bone, comprising: A handheld device and a track assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body; the track assembly comprising: a shaft extending from the hand-held body; a pivot frame coupled to a distal end of the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a retainer connecting the pivot frame to the guide member; a support member extending outward from and coupled to the guide member; two actuators pivotally connected to the support member; Including, the guide member is adjusted to the target trajectory by adjusting an orbital axis of the guide member with at least two degrees of freedom to align the orbital axis with the target trajectory, using the actuator; the retainer maintains the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame when the actuator adjusts the guide member to align with the target trajectory. Surgical guide equipment.

7. The surgical guide instrument of claim 6 , wherein the pivot frame includes a protrusion extending from an inner surface thereof, and the guide member includes a groove in an outer surface thereof that is complementary to the protrusion.

8. The surgical guide instrument of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure.

9. 9. The surgical guide instrument of claim 6, wherein the pivot frame includes a cavity along an inner surface of the pivot frame, and a retainer disposed within the cavity, such that the connection between the guide member and the pivot frame is maintained when the actuator adjusts the guide member to the target trajectory.

10. the pivot frame and the guide member include a retention assembly, the retention assembly including a protrusion and a complementary pocket; The surgical guide instrument of claim 9 , wherein the retention assembly limits rotation of the guide member relative to the pivot frame to maintain the target trajectory during movement of the actuator.

11. The surgical guide instrument of claim 6 , wherein the actuator controls the pitch and roll of the guide member to align the guide member with the target trajectory.

12. 1. A robot-assisted, handheld guide device comprising: a hand-held main body adapted to be freely grasped and moved by a user's hand; a positioning assembly operably coupled to the hand-held body, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the hand-held body; a track assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of positioning actuators of the positioning assembly; the track assembly comprising: A shaft and a pivot frame connected to the shaft; a guide member pivotally connected to the pivot frame; a support member connected to the guide member; two orbital actuators pivotally coupled to the support member; Including, the plurality of positioning actuators operatively couple the positioning assembly to the track assembly, the plurality of positioning actuators configured to adjust the attitude of the track assembly in at least three degrees of freedom; a track assembly using the track actuator to adjust the guide member to the target trajectory by adjusting the track axis of the guide member in at least two degrees of freedom to align the track axis with the target trajectory; Guide equipment.

13. The guide instrument of claim 12 , wherein the guide member is configured to allow passage of a surgical device therethrough during a surgical procedure.

14. The guide instrument of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the positioning assembly adjusts the track assembly to a target position.

15. the positioning actuator controls pitch, roll, and translation of the track assembly relative to the hand-held body; The guide instrument of claim 12 , wherein the trajectory actuator controls pitch and roll of the guide member relative to the positioning assembly to align the guide member with the target trajectory.

16. 1. A method of using a robotic guide device, comprising: the robotic guided instrument includes a hand-held body coupled to a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, a guide member, and a plurality of actuators, each actuator pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and the guide member; The method comprises: moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body by actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of actuators; constraining movement of the guide member relative to the hand-holdable body to three degrees of freedom; A method comprising:

17. 1. A method of using a robotic guide device, comprising: the robotic guide instrument includes a hand-held body coupled to a positioning assembly, the positioning assembly including a plurality of positioning actuators pivotally coupled to the hand-held body and a track assembly, the track assembly including a pivot frame, a guide member, and a plurality of track actuators, each track actuator pivotally coupled to the guide member; The method comprises: adjusting the positioning assembly in three degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body; actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of positioning actuators to move the track assembly in three degrees of freedom; moving the track assembly in two degrees of freedom relative to the hand-held body and the positioning assembly by actively adjusting an effective length of one or more of the plurality of track actuators; constraining movement of the guide member relative to the hand-holdable body and the positioning assembly to three degrees of freedom; A method comprising:

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