AR Pre-registration for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation methods rely on displaying augmented information on computer screens, lacking direct user guidance for pre-registering anatomical body parts using augmented reality devices with distance measurement units, which can complicate the registration process in medical environments like surgery and radiotherapy.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using an augmented reality device with a distance measurement unit to pre-register anatomical body parts by determining a fine registration region and displaying augmentation information directly on the device, enhancing user guidance and alignment with medical tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If augmented information is displayed on computer screens during surgical navigation, then information can be presented to users, but direct user guidance for pre-registering anatomical body parts is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an augmented reality device as an intermediary between the navigation system and the user. This device projects augmentation information directly into the user's field of view, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between traditional screen-based information display and the need for direct anatomical guidance during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions information display from a two-dimensional computer screen to a three-dimensional augmented reality space that overlays directly onto the anatomical field of view. This dimensional change allows augmentation information to be positioned in spatial context relative to the anatomy, providing intuitive directional guidance for registration procedures
2Productivity
If traditional surgical navigation registration methods are used, then registration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-registration functionality that performs preliminary alignment of the augmented reality device with the anatomical coordinate system before the actual surgical registration. This preliminary action establishes an initial spatial relationship that accelerates the subsequent fine registration process, reducing overall registration time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the augmented reality display, showing the user how closely their current instrument position aligns with the target anatomical landmarks. This immediate feedback allows users to make rapid adjustments, significantly speeding up the registration process compared to traditional methods that lack real-time guidance
3Ease of operation
If augmented reality devices without distance measurement units are used, then the device structure remains simple, but pre-registration of anatomical body parts cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the augmented reality device, including distance measurement, anatomical scanning, and pre-registration capabilities. By making the device multi-functional, the system achieves sophisticated pre-registration operations without requiring separate specialized equipment, thus managing complexity while enhancing capability
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
This method improves user guidance and efficiency in pre-registering anatomical body parts by providing direct, on-device augmentation information, facilitating quicker and more accurate registration processes in surgical navigation and radiotherapy.
Implementation Method 1
an augmented reality device having a distance measurement unit
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method encompasses pre-registering an anatomical body part with a coordinate system used by an augmented reality device (such as augmented reality glasses) for outputting (e.g. displaying or projecting) augmentation information. An example of the augmentation information is the position (in the real image captured by the augmented reality device) of a fine registration area on the anatomical body part which a user is supposed to identify for fine registration of the anatomical body part with a tracking coordinate system used by a medical position tracking system. The disclosed method is usable in a medical environment such as for surgery or radiotherapy.