3D Medical Imaging Marker Repositioning for Unobstructed Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical navigation systems face limitations in tracking markers due to blocked optical tracking system views by patients or surgical instruments, especially in varying postures, leading to difficulties in photographing markers.
Innovation Solution
A medical three-dimensional image measuring device with a marker that can change its location and posture to maintain a clear field of view for tracking, using a light source, camera, and a housing with an opening for reflected light, along with an external imaging device for marker tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical tracking system uses a fixed marker position on the medical three-dimensional image measuring device, then the tracking system is simple and stable, but the field of view is blocked by patient posture or surgical instruments, making it difficult to photograph the marker
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is designed to be movable relative to the opening of the housing, allowing it to change its position dynamically. This enables the marker to be repositioned to avoid obstruction from patient posture or surgical instruments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure without requiring complex mechanical systems
2Device complexity
If the marker position is fixed on the housing, then the device structure is simple, but the operator must manually adjust the device to avoid blocking the field of view, increasing operational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The marker's movable design allows automatic or semi-automatic repositioning to maintain visibility, reducing the need for manual intervention by the operator. The marker can be adjusted to optimal positions that avoid obstruction without requiring continuous operator attention
Solution Approach 2:
The marker positioning system can automatically adjust or maintain optimal tracking positions without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system self-regulates to ensure the marker remains visible to the optical tracking system, freeing the operator to focus on surgical tasks
3Measurement precision
If the marker is positioned to be imaged by the external imaging device, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the marker may be blocked by the device housing or surgical instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The marker can dynamically change its position relative to the housing opening to maintain optimal imaging conditions. This allows the marker to be repositioned to avoid blockage by the device housing or surgical instruments while maintaining accurate tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is positioned in a location that can be imaged through the opening in the housing, utilizing the spatial dimension created by the opening. This allows the marker to be imaged from a different spatial perspective that avoids obstruction by the housing or instruments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless marker tracking by adjusting the marker's position and orientation to avoid obstruction, reducing operator burden and improving surgical site visibility, even in challenging patient postures.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to generate three-dimensional image information by receiving reflected light generated by reflecting the light from an object
Implementation Method 2
an external electronic device including an imaging device for forming a tracking image by imaging at least a portion of the tracking surface of the marker
Data Source
AI summary
A medical three-dimensional image measuring device includes a light source configured to output light, a camera configured to generate three-dimensional image information by receiving reflected light generated by reflecting the light from an object, a housing including the camera disposed therein and forming an opening through which the reflected light enters into the housing, and a marker disposed on the housing to be capable of changing at least one of a relative location or a relative posture to the opening and including a tracking surface configured to be imaged by an external imaging device for tracking a location and a posture.