EM Tracking Error Detection via Virtual Point Field Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic tracking systems for medical instruments suffer from inaccurate error detection due to high rates of false occurrences, which can lead to invasive procedures and undermine user trust, especially in environments with metallic or ferromagnetic distortions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a field sensing unit with multiple sensors creating virtual points, including non-fixed virtual points, to determine the location of the medical instrument tip and process field integrity detection values, allowing for more accurate error detection by adjusting vector values and communicating error signals based on threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current error detection mechanisms are used to detect EM distortion, then error detection is provided, but false occurrences happen at high rates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the error detection function into multiple independent components: a field sensing unit with multiple sensors, a processor for analyzing sensor data, and a warning generator. Each sensor independently monitors electromagnetic field characteristics, and the processor segments the analysis by evaluating multiple criteria (field strength, orientation, temporal patterns) to distinguish true distortions from false indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual points as intermediary computational constructs that mediate between raw sensor data and error detection decisions. These virtual points represent theoretical sensor positions in the electromagnetic field, allowing the system to compute expected field characteristics and compare them with actual measurements, thereby improving the accuracy of distortion detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to create virtual points for improved error detection, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of sensors through computational modeling. Instead of physically placing sensors at multiple locations, the system uses mathematical models to create virtual sensor points that simulate what measurements would be at those positions. This allows the system to achieve the measurement precision of multiple physical sensors while avoiding the complexity and cost of deploying actual additional hardware.
3Measurement precision
If non-fixed virtual points are used to track instrument tip location, then tracking precision improves, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic virtual points that automatically adjust their positions based on the current state of the medical instrument. As the instrument moves or changes orientation, the virtual points corresponding to the instrument tip are dynamically repositioned and recalculated. This dynamic adaptation maintains high tracking precision throughout the procedure without requiring manual intervention or excessive computational overhead, as the updates occur only when instrument state 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 approach enhances the accuracy of error detection in electromagnetic tracking systems, reducing false occurrences and providing a more reliable navigation system for medical procedures, even in challenging EM environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter for transmitting a signal, the signal to identify transmitter coordinates
Implementation Method 2
a field sensing unit for determining the location of the field sensing unit within the transmitter coordinates
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of sensors may create a plurality of virtual points
Implementation Method 4
a processor for processing field integrity detection values for the virtual points
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying errors while tracking instrument navigations is enclosed. The method may include assigning a plurality of virtual points to a plurality of sensors. At least one of the virtual points may be a non-fixed virtual point. The assignment of virtual points to sensors may be determined based on the medical instrument, or the medical instrument attachment, being used. Virtual point locations may be determined for the non-fixed virtual point. The locations of the non-fixed virtual point may be determined based on the medical instrument, or the medical instrument attachment, being used. The vector values for vectors terminating at the non-fixed virtual point may be adjusted. The field integrity values for the virtual points may be computed. If a field integrity value is greater than a threshold value, an error signal may be communicated.