Fiducial Marker Mapping for Wearable Sensors and Anatomical Landmarks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion sensor data is difficult to associate with specific anatomical structures due to imprecise estimation of sensor position relative to musculoskeletal anatomy, making it challenging to identify the actual moving body parts and correlate with suspected pain generators.
Innovation Solution
A wearable sensor device with a coordinate locating device that includes fiducial markers and an ionizing radiation sensor to synchronize inertial measurement unit data, allowing precise mapping of sensor coordinates to anatomical landmarks using ionizing radiation imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are attached to a patient to collect motion data, then gait and posture assessment is enabled, but the position of sensors relative to musculoskeletal anatomy becomes imprecise when estimated using anthropometric relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate locating device with fiducial markers as an intermediary between the motion sensor and the patient's anatomy. The fiducial markers are imaged using ionizing radiation to establish a coordinate reference frame that maps sensor positions to anatomical landmarks, thereby achieving precise positioning without complex direct measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an imaging-based coordinate mapping approach. Instead of using complex mechanical devices to directly measure and mark anatomical positions, the system uses ionizing radiation imaging of fiducial markers to establish coordinate transformations, simplifying the physical apparatus while maintaining precision
2Loss of information
If motion sensors are placed outside the body for easy data collection, then motion data is easy to collect and analyze, but the data does not indicate which specific anatomical part is actually moving
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinate locating device with fiducial markers serves as an intermediary that links external sensor data to internal anatomical structures. By imaging the fiducial markers and establishing coordinate transformations, the system preserves anatomical location information while keeping the sensors externally mounted for ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a coordinate reference frame copy of the anatomical structure through imaging the fiducial markers. This virtual copy allows the external sensor data to be accurately mapped to specific anatomical parts without requiring physical contact or internal sensors
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 mapping of sensor data to anatomical landmarks, providing crucial context for interpreting patient posture and pain generators, enhancing the interpretation of imaging data and surgical planning.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizing radiation sensor to synchronize inertial measurement unit data
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of different fiducial marker components that is radiopaque to the ionizing radiation in a captured image
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinate locating device comprising a support structure removably connectable to a wearable sensor device being worn by an individual. The support structure comprising a planar surface. The device includes a plurality of different fiducial marker components connected to the planar surface. The plurality of different fiducial marker components includes a set of fiducial markers connected to the planar surface in a non-collinear configuration relative to each other to define a three-dimensional (3D) space of pixels in an image. The plurality of different fiducial marker components includes a distance calibration fiducial marker connected to the planar surface and being configured to define a distance calibration length of pixels in the image, the distance calibration fiducial marker being perpendicular to the planar surface and defining a calibration length to locate a point of origin of motion sensing by the wearable sensor device. A system and method are also provided.