See-Through AR Head-Mounted Display for Surgical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer-assisted surgery, the challenge lies in accurately registering pre-operative imaging studies with the actual surgical site, as the surgical field has a different view coordinate system than the external monitor, leading to hand-eye coordination issues for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a see-through optical head-mounted display (HMD) and computer processors to generate a stereoscopic display with virtual 3D objects and boundary indicators. These indicators provide a visual representation of the accuracy of the augmented reality display, helping to improve the alignment of virtual surgical guides with physical instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If pre-operative imaging studies are displayed on an external computer monitor, then the imaging information is visible to the surgeon, but hand-eye coordination becomes challenging due to the different view coordinate system between the monitor and surgical field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a see-through optical head-mounted display as an intermediary device that merges the external monitor's imaging information with the surgeon's direct view of the surgical field. This mediator presents both the surgical field and pre-operative imaging studies in a single unified view, eliminating the need for the surgeon to switch between separate viewing locations and thereby resolving the hand-eye coordination challenge while preserving full visibility of imaging information
2Ease of operation
If the surgical field is viewed from a different location than the external monitor, then the surgeon can observe the surgical site, but the view coordinate system mismatch causes alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the surgeon's direct observation of the surgical site with the pre-operative imaging studies by projecting the imaging information directly into the surgeon's field of view through the head-mounted display. This combining of previously separate visual inputs into a single integrated view eliminates the coordinate system mismatch and achieves precise alignment between the surgical field and imaging data
3Measurement precision
If a see-through optical head mounted display is used to improve alignment, then the coordinate system mismatch is reduced, but distortion errors in the augmented reality display may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information about the accuracy of the augmented reality display alignment. The system monitors and communicates distortion errors to the surgeon, enabling awareness and adjustment of display accuracy issues while maintaining the alignment benefits of the head-mounted display
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using a head mounted display with systems, techniques and methods for improving the accuracy of an augmented reality display and/or for enhancing the 3D visualization of an augmented reality display.