Self-Illuminating Optical Tracking Targets for Soiled Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking targets in surgical and other applications are susceptible to tracking difficulties due to reliance on external light sources and soiling, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The development of optical tracking targets comprising a plurality of light dispersers optically coupled to a light source, with light directors to direct light to the dispersers, allowing for accurate pose determination even in soiled conditions, and including a power source for illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external light sources are used to illuminate tracking targets, then the tracking system can operate without internal power sources, but the targets become susceptible to tracking difficulties when soiled or in environments with inconsistent external lighting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidsoiling susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking target incorporates an internal light source that illuminates the dispersers without requiring external lighting. This self-illuminating capability ensures consistent visibility and tracking reliability regardless of environmental lighting conditions or soiling on the target surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The target is divided into separate functional components: light sources, light directors, and light dispersers. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the light directors efficiently channeling light to specific dispersers to enhance visibility while reducing the impact of soiling on overall tracking performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple components (light sources, light directors, dispersers) are integrated into the target, then tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepose determination accuracyVSAvoidtarget structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components (light sources, light directors, and dispersers) are integrated into a single unified target structure. This merging of functions into one device provides complete self-illumination and enhanced tracking accuracy without requiring multiple separate systems, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The target structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the light sources provide illumination, the light directors channel and direct the light, and the dispersers create visible patterns for tracking. This multi-functionality within a single integrated device achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If light sources are positioned close to the dispersers, then the illumination efficiency is improved, but the spatial arrangement becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight illumination efficiencyVSAvoidspatial arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Light directors serve as intermediary elements between the light sources and dispersers. These intermediaries efficiently channel and direct light from the sources to the dispersers, maintaining high illumination efficiency while providing the spatial flexibility needed to position components in optimal configurations for different tracking scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides robust and reliable tracking capabilities by ensuring consistent light dispersion and visibility of targets, even in challenging environments, enhancing surgical precision and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light directors, each light director to direct light from the at least one light source to a respective one of the light dispersers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight direction: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of light dispersers optically coupled to at least one light source. The light dispersers are illuminated for detection and tracking by a tracking system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight dispersion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20250347780A1Active targets for tracking, and methods for assembling and using the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 INTELLIJOINT SURGICAL

AI summary

Described are targets for use in optical tracking, as well as related methods. A target comprises a plurality of light dispersers, optically coupled to at least one light source. The light dispersers are illuminated for detection and tracking by a tracking system. In some implementations, the at least one light source is optically coupled to the plurality of light dispersers by a plurality of light directors. In other implementations, the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources positioned within or proximate to the plurality of dispersers. In some implementations, dispersers are lenses; in some implementations, dispersers are light scattering elements. Targets include or are coupled to a power source. In some implementations, targets include additional electrical components which utilize power from the power source.