AR Anatomical Overlay Using Reference Markers for Procedure Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality technologies do not effectively assist healthcare professionals in accurately assessing and treating patients by providing detailed anatomical data and simulations of medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses augmented reality devices to detect and track individuals, identify reference markers on their bodies, determine anatomical profiles, and overlay graphical representations of anatomical features, including organs, bones, and muscles, to assist in medical procedures and simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If augmented reality technology is used to overlay digital content on the user's view of the environment, then the user's perception of their environment is enhanced, but the system fails to provide accurate anatomical data for healthcare professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital twin or virtual replica of the patient's anatomical structures by mapping and tracking reference markers on the patient's body. This virtual model is then overlaid through augmented reality to display accurate anatomical data including organs, bones, and muscles in their precise spatial relationships, allowing healthcare professionals to assess anatomy without physical dissection or invasive imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes real-time camera feeds, identifies reference markers on the patient's body, and generates three-dimensional anatomical models. This intermediary system acts as a bridge between the physical patient and the augmented reality display, ensuring anatomical accuracy by mathematically mapping virtual structures to actual body positions and orientations.
2Productivity
If traditional medical imaging methods are used to obtain anatomical data, then accurate anatomical information is provided, but the process is time-consuming and requires separate imaging equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality system integrates multiple functions into a single device: it performs real-time body tracking, three-dimensional modeling, anatomical visualization, and procedural simulation all through one augmented reality headset. This eliminates the need for separate imaging equipment like X-ray machines or MRI scanners, allowing healthcare professionals to obtain and visualize anatomical data directly at the patient's side without additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical imaging systems (X-ray, MRI, CT scanners) with a software-based augmented reality system that uses computer vision and three-dimensional modeling algorithms. Instead of using heavy mechanical equipment to capture anatomical data, the system uses lightweight cameras and processors to generate real-time anatomical visualizations, dramatically reducing equipment complexity and assessment time.
3Measurement precision
If detailed anatomical visualizations are overlaid on the patient's body, then treatment planning accuracy is improved, but the computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the anatomical visualization into discrete segments or layers corresponding to different anatomical structures (skin, muscles, bones, organs). Each layer is processed and rendered independently based on its spatial relationship to reference markers, allowing the processor to handle complex visualizations in manageable chunks rather than as a single monolithic model, thereby reducing overall computational energy requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, user device, and system for displaying augmented anatomical features is disclosed. The method includes detecting a target individual, displaying a visual representation of the body, and determining an anatomical profile of the target individual based on a plurality of reference markers. The method further includes displaying, on the display, a graphical representation of the inner anatomical features onto the visual representation of the body so as to assist in the identification of the inner anatomical features. In another aspect, an initial three-dimensional representation of the body is mapped and a preferred anatomical profile is determined based upon the reference markers. The initial three-dimensional representation of the body is modified to be the shape of the preferred anatomical profile and displayed.