Automated EM Field Mapping Carriage for Navigation Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic navigation (EMN) systems face challenges in obtaining accurate mapping data and ensuring the accuracy of this data due to manual measurement methods and potential interference from external ferrous materials, which can lead to inaccurate depiction of internal organs and targets during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes a sensor to measure electromagnetic field vectors, a carriage to move the sensor along defined directions, and a controller to map the EM field at predetermined positions, using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for signal generation and detection, and motors to minimize interference, allowing for both mapping data generation and accuracy testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to obtain mapping data, then the process is simple to implement, but the accuracy and reliability of the mapping data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-testing and self-validation through automated measurement and comparison processes. The controller automatically compares measured EM field strengths with stored mapping data to detect deviations, enabling the system to self-verify accuracy without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously comparing measured EM field strengths with stored mapping data and generating alerts when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds. This feedback loop enables real-time accuracy verification and automatic notification of mapping data degradation.
2Reliability
If external ferrous materials are present near the EMN system, then the system structure remains unchanged, but the accuracy of EM field measurement and internal organ depiction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary accuracy testing by comparing measured EM field strengths with stored mapping data before clinical use. This preliminary detection of deviations caused by ferrous materials or system changes enables preventive identification of reliability issues before they affect patient procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of ferrous material interference into a detectable signal by using the deviation between measured and expected EM field strengths as an indicator of environmental changes or system degradation, thereby transforming a harmful factor into a useful diagnostic tool.
3Extent of automation
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then the accuracy testing capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining mapping data generation, accuracy testing, deviation detection, and alert generation within a single integrated platform. The controller performs both initial mapping and subsequent accuracy verification, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-testing and self-validation through automated measurement and comparison processes. The controller automatically compares measured EM field strengths with stored mapping data to detect deviations, enabling the system to self-verify accuracy without external intervention.
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
The system enables the generation of accurate mapping data and real-time accuracy testing, ensuring the precision of EMN systems by automatically measuring EM field strengths and detecting deviations, thus enhancing the reliability of internal organ visualization and disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor sensing EM vectors of an EM field generated by the EMN system
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of signal generators are light emitting diodes (LEDs) where the first position detector detects a strength of light emitted by the LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mapping and accuracy-testing an electromagnetic navigation system includes a sensor sensing electromagnetic vectors of an electromagnetic field, a carriage moving the sensor along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, a first position detector operatively associated with the sensor and detecting a first position of the sensor along the first direction, a second position detector operatively associated with the sensor and detecting a second position of the sensor along the second direction, and a controller operatively associated with the sensor and controlling movements of the carriage along the first and second directions and mapping the electromagnetic field based on the sensed electromagnetic vectors at predetermined positions in a coordinate system defined by the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second directions.