Augmented Reality Headset for Surgical Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture technologies, such as cameras, often skew or alter image details based on the capture angle, which can lead to inaccuracies in medical procedures, construction, and other applications where precise alignment is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A method using a smart headset to orient a surgical tool at a desired three-dimensional insertion angle within an environment by displaying graphical elements with visual indicia, such as virtual tools and concentric circles, to guide the tool's alignment accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional image capture devices (cameras) are used to capture surgical images, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the capture angle skews or alters image details leading to inaccuracies in determining alignment angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an augmented reality headset as an intermediary device between the surgical tool and the image capture system. The headset displays virtual visual indicia (concentric circles, alignment markers) that overlay the real surgical field, providing a reference framework for accurate angle determination without requiring complex image processing of captured images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical image capture and analysis system with an augmented reality-based visual guidance system. Instead of capturing images and computationally determining alignment angles, the system uses real-time overlay of virtual alignment indicators in the surgeon's field of view, substituting computational image analysis with direct visual feedback
2Manufacturing precision
If visual indicia are displayed through a smart headset to guide surgical tool alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality headset serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays virtual visual indicia for alignment guidance, tracks the position and orientation of surgical tools, provides real-time feedback on alignment status, and potentially integrates with other surgical navigation systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the surgeon to perform alignment verification independently through the visual feedback provided by the headset. The virtual indicia automatically adjust and update based on the surgical tool's position, allowing the surgeon to self-correct alignment without requiring constant assistance from imaging technicians or complex post-capture image analysis
3Reliability
If traditional image capture methods are used, then the equipment is simple and accessible, but the captured images may be skewed leading to potential injury to surrounding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality headset provides continuous real-time feedback to the surgeon about the alignment status of the surgical tool. Virtual visual indicia such as concentric circles and alignment markers dynamically update to show whether the tool is properly aligned, allowing immediate correction before proceeding with the surgical procedure, thereby enhancing safety
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for orienting a surgical tool (or medical device) at a desired insertion angle and location within an environment using a smart headset for use in installing the medical device. In certain implementations, a method may include initiating a smart headset to be calibrated to the environment so that the position of the smart headset is known relative to the environment when the smart headset moves in the environment; receiving, by the smart headset from an electronic device, environmental data indicating the position of the surgical tool within the environment; receiving, by the smart headset from the electronic device, the desired insertion angle; generating, by the smart headset or otherwise, at least one graphical element for orienting the surgical tool at the desired insertion angle (such as a three-dimensional insertion angle) and location; and displaying the at least one graphical element superimposed within the environment.