AR Anatomy Registration With 2D Target Plate Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available computer-assisted surgery systems for orthopedic implant procedures face challenges such as high costs, limited operating range, and magnetic interferences, making it difficult to accurately track patient coordinate systems during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An Augmented Reality (AR) device worn by surgeons uses a registration instrument with an integrated two-dimensional (2D) code on a target plate, which is formed from black anodized aluminum and laser-etched to create a coordinate system, allowing for precise tracking and presentation of holograms relative to the patient's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical or magnetic tracking systems are used to track patient coordinate system, then tracking accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical or magnetic tracking systems with a simpler camera-based detection system that uses 2D codes displayed on a surgical console. The camera captures images of the 2D code on the surgical instrument, and software decodes the position and orientation information, substituting sophisticated hardware tracking with a more straightforward optical detection approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a 2D code that encodes coordinate system information as a visual representation that can be captured by a camera. Instead of using complex electromagnetic fields or optical markers, the system creates a simplified visual copy of the coordinate system data in the form of a 2D barcode-like pattern that can be easily detected and decoded.
2Measurement precision
If optical tracking systems are used, then tracking precision is improved, but operating range is limited due to line of sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays the 2D code on a surgical console screen rather than directly on the surgical instrument. This allows the code to be viewed from multiple angles and positions, and the camera can capture it from various orientations. The coordinate information is encoded in a way that allows detection even when the instrument is at different positions and orientations in the surgical field, effectively removing line-of-sight constraints.
3Reliability
If magnetic tracking systems are used, then tracking capability is improved, but magnetic interferences affect reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates magnetic tracking components by using a camera-based optical detection system. The 2D code on the surgical instrument is captured by a camera and decoded by software to determine position and orientation, replacing magnetic field-based tracking with an optical-electronic approach that is immune to magnetic interference from surgical equipment.
4Measurement precision
If high-cost tracking systems are used, then tracking accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 2D code that can be generated and displayed on existing surgical console screens without requiring expensive specialized hardware. The code can be printed or displayed on standard displays, and the detection system uses a regular camera rather than sophisticated tracking sensors. This approach uses inexpensive, readily available components to achieve accurate tracking.
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 AR device enables accurate registration and tracking of patient anatomy, facilitating precise implant placement by aligning surgical instruments with holograms, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of orthopedic procedures like total hip replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The front and back faces may then be laser etched to create the 2D code. For example, block-shaped portions of the black anodized front and back faces may be laser etched to reveal the underlying aluminum.
Implementation Method 2
The AR device may utilize the coordinate system for the detected 2D code and a transformation matrix to present one or more holograms in predetermined positions relative to the patient's anatomy.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument registers and tracks a portion of a patient's anatomy by an Augmented Reality (AR) device worn by a surgeon during a surgical procedure. The instrument may be attached to the patient's anatomy. The instrument may be a tripod with a platform. A target plate having front and back faces may be securely attached to the platform. A two-dimensional (2D) code detectable by the AR device may be presented on the front and back faces of the target plate. The 2D code may define a coordinate system having a known relationship to a coordinate system for the patient's anatomy, e.g., through a transformation matrix. The AR device may utilize the coordinate system for the detected 2D code and the transformation matrix to present holograms in predetermined positions relative to the patient's anatomy.