Dental Mirror Augmented Imaging for Real-Time Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical navigation systems require the treating physician to alternate their visual field between a monitor displaying preoperative data and the operating site, which is cumbersome, especially when using a loupe, and do not provide real-time visualization of the operating site.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating an augmented image of a partial section of a row of teeth by detecting a mirror image using an image capturing device, determining the pose of the mirror element, and superimposing preoperative information onto the mirror image, allowing for real-time visualization through a surgical microscope or head-mounted display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If preoperative data are displayed on a monitor for medical navigation, then the treating physician can obtain information about the operating site, but the physician must alternate visual field between the monitor and the operating region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surgical microscope as an intermediary device that captures real-time images of the operating region and overlays preoperative navigation data directly onto these images. This mediator integrates both the real-time visual information and preoperative data into a single composite view, eliminating the need for the physician to switch between separate monitors and the operating site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges real-time optical images from the surgical microscope with preoperative CT or MRI data into a single augmented visualization. By combining these previously separate information sources into one integrated display, the system allows physicians to simultaneously view both the current operating field and preoperative anatomical information without dividing their attention.
2Illumination intensity
If a loupe is used to observe the operating region, then magnification is achieved, but the loupe has significant weight and does not allow good visual detection in the event of head tremor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system of a loupe with a digital imaging system based on a surgical microscope and computer processing. Instead of relying on optical magnification through a heavy mechanical device, the system uses digital capture and display technologies to achieve magnification, thereby eliminating the weight and stability issues associated with traditional loupes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct optical magnification through a loupe to a multi-dimensional digital visualization system. The surgical microscope captures images that are then processed and displayed on a screen or headset, adding the dimension of digital processing and display. This allows the physician to view magnified images without the physical constraints of wearing heavy optical equipment.
3Loss of information
If medical navigation systems are used to display preoperative data, then planning information is available, but the system does not depict the operating site in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous real-time imaging through the surgical microscope while simultaneously maintaining the display of preoperative navigation data. Both information streams are updated and integrated continuously during the procedure, ensuring that the physician always has access to both current and planning information without interruption or time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary registration and alignment of the preoperative navigation data with the real-time surgical field before the actual surgical procedure begins. This preliminary setup ensures that when the surgery starts, both real-time and planning information are already synchronized and can be displayed together without requiring additional time during the procedure.
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
Enables accurate and real-time augmentation of the surgical field with preoperative information, eliminating the need to switch visual focus between monitors and the operating site, and providing enhanced visualization with depth information.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror image is detected in an image generated by an image capturing device, the mirror image being provided by a mirror element
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for generating an augmented image of at least a partial section of a row of teeth, wherein a) an imaged mirror image is detected in an image generated by an image capturing device, the mirror image being provided by a mirror element that is arranged in such a way in a capture region of the image capturing device that a mirror image of the at least one partial section of the row of teeth can be imaged by the image capturing device, b) a pose of the mirror element is determined, c) a section corresponding to the partial section of the row of teeth is determined in preoperatively generated information, at least depending on the pose of the mirror element, and, d) the augmented image is generated by virtue of the corresponding section being at least reflected and superimposed on the imaged mirror image.