AR Surgical Depth Sensing for Precise Anatomy and Tool Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems for image-guided surgery face challenges in accurately aligning computer-generated images with the patient's anatomy and tracking surgical tools due to misalignment and lack of precise depth sensing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a depth sensor and a processor in a head-mounted unit generates depth data to create accurate depth maps, registers tomographic images with the patient's anatomy, and tracks surgical tools in real-time, enabling precise alignment and updating of images in response to anatomical changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional augmented reality systems are used without depth sensing, then the system complexity is reduced, but the alignment accuracy between computer-generated images and patient anatomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth sensors as an intermediary component that captures depth information about the patient's anatomy and the surgical environment. This depth data serves as a mediator that enables accurate registration between the real-world surgical field and the virtual anatomical models displayed through the augmented reality headset, resolving the alignment accuracy issue without requiring complex manual calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods (manual positioning and visual estimation) with optical and computational approaches. Depth sensors capture spatial information, and computer vision algorithms automatically register the virtual anatomical models with the real patient anatomy, substituting mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated optical-digital alignment systems
2Manufacturing precision
If depth sensing is integrated into the augmented reality system, then the surgical navigation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality headset is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying virtual anatomical models, tracking surgical tool positions, capturing depth information of the surgical environment, and providing real-time surgical navigation guidance. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent improves surgical navigation precision while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines depth sensing capabilities, optical tracking systems, and augmented reality display functions into an integrated head-mounted device. The depth sensor, optical trackers, and display components are merged into a unified system that shares common processing resources and coordinate systems, enabling precise surgical navigation while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate systems
3Measurement precision
If real-time tracking of surgical tools is implemented, then the surgical precision is improved, but the processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous real-time tracking of surgical tools throughout the procedure. Optical trackers mounted on surgical tools continuously emit and reflect light, and the head-mounted device continuously captures and processes this information to maintain updated positions of all surgical instruments. This continuous tracking provides persistent surgical precision without requiring intermittent recalibration, as the system maintains uninterrupted monitoring of tool positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the position of surgical tools is continuously measured by optical trackers, this information is processed to determine tool locations relative to the patient anatomy, and the results are immediately fed back to update the augmented reality display. This closed-loop feedback system maintains accurate tool tracking precision by continuously correcting for any drift or positional changes
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 enhances the accuracy of augmented reality images, allowing for precise surgical navigation and tool tracking, reducing misalignment errors to less than 5 mm, and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensor, which is configured to generate depth data with respect to a region of interest (ROI) of a body of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
A system for image-guided surgery, the system comprising: a head-mounted unit comprising: a see-through augmented reality display; a depth sensor configured to generate depth data with respect to a region of interest (ROI) on a body of a patient viewed through the display by a user wearing the head-mounted unit and with respect to a surgical item when the item is placed within a field of view of the depth sensor, wherein the item comprises a first marker containing a predefined pattern disposed on the item; and a processor configured to: process the depth data to identify a shape of the item; compute, a first spatial transformation between a position of the first marker and a location and orientation of the item; track the position of the first marker as the user manipulates item; and generate an image of the item on the display in registration with the ROI.