Dual Mode Structured Light Camera for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical navigation systems lack dual mode camera systems with sufficient positional and orientation accuracy for hybrid navigation in surgical procedures, necessitating the integration of depth sensing technology and hybrid navigation synchronized to a common reference frame to enhance anatomical reconstruction and reduce registration time.
Innovation Solution
A dual mode imaging system comprising a housing with a visual light camera, an IR camera, and a structured light generator, coordinated to a single reference frame, allowing switching between modes for tracking and depth image generation, and a computer system to manage these functions, including a head-mounted display for calibration and position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth sensing technology and hybrid navigation are integrated and synchronized to a common reference frame, then anatomical reconstruction accuracy and surgical precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depth sensing technology (structured light camera) and hybrid navigation technology into a single integrated system with a common reference frame. The structured light generator, IR camera, and visual camera are merged into one device that simultaneously performs depth mapping and navigation tracking, eliminating the need for separate systems and manual registration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in depth sensing mode for anatomical reconstruction, in navigation mode for tracking surgical instruments, or in dual mode to perform both functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining the precision of each function.
2Loss of time
If dual mode camera system is used for simultaneous tracking and depth image generation, then registration time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation in dual mode where tracking and depth image generation occur simultaneously without interruption. The structured light projector continuously projects patterns while the IR and visual cameras continuously capture images, allowing real-time anatomical reconstruction and navigation without the need to switch between different operational modes or perform sequential registration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the depth sensing camera and navigation camera into a single integrated imaging system with a common reference frame. This consolidation allows both depth mapping and tracking operations to occur simultaneously from the same physical platform, eliminating the time required to manually register separate systems and reducing registration time to under one second.
3Productivity
If structured light and hybrid navigation are synched to common reference frame, then workflow efficiency is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-registration by using the structured light patterns and camera images to automatically establish the common reference frame between depth sensing and navigation components. The processor automatically calculates the transformation matrices and aligns the coordinate systems without requiring manual intervention from the surgeon or surgical staff, thereby improving workflow efficiency while minimizing the impact on ease of operation.
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 configuration enables simultaneous or interleaved tracking and depth image generation, reducing registration time and improving anatomical reconstruction accuracy, thereby enhancing surgical precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a structured light generator configured to generate depth images of a target site
Implementation Method 2
a second mono or stereo camera configured for IR
Data Source
AI summary
A dual mode surgical imaging system for hybrid navigation. The imaging system can include a housing, a first camera configured for visual light, a second mono or stereo camera configured for IR, and a structured light generator configured to identify depth information. The first camera, the second camera, and the structured light generator are contained within the same housing and are coordinated to a single reference frame. The imaging system is configured to switch between use of the first camera or the second camera for markerless or marker-based navigation.