Handheld Imaging Unit for Knee Resection Plane Spatial Relationship
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the spatial relationship between a marker device and a resection plane associated with anatomical structures like the tibia or femur in medical procedures are hindered by the need for the marker and bone reference to be visible, which is not always feasible due to camera placement and operating room conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a video-detectable marker device and a handheld imaging unit, such as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, to determine the spatial relationship between the marker device and the resection plane by analyzing image data, allowing for the determination of position and orientation without requiring the marker device to have a fixed position relative to the anatomical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stationary camera is used to detect the marker device and bone reference, then the spatial relationship can be determined, but the camera must be placed within visible range which limits flexibility in operating room conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computing device that receives images from a handheld imaging unit and performs the computational tasks of detecting marker positions, determining bone reference frames, and calculating spatial relationships. This separates the detection function from the computational function, allowing the imaging unit to be handheld and mobile while the complex processing is handled by the computing device, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of a stationary camera system with a handheld imaging unit that can be freely positioned. The mechanical limitation of fixed camera placement is substituted by a mobile imaging device combined with computational processing, enabling the imaging unit to be brought close to the surgical site while maintaining accurate spatial relationship determination through image analysis and computation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is placed several meters away from the operating table, then it provides a stable viewing position, but the bone reference and marker device may not be simultaneously visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single distant camera viewpoint to a handheld imaging unit that can capture images from multiple positions and angles. By moving the imaging unit in three-dimensional space around the surgical site, the system can acquire images of both the marker device and bone reference from optimal viewing angles, preventing information loss while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple images at different positions and angles before processing. The handheld imaging unit takes pictures of the marker device and bone reference from various locations, ensuring that both elements are visible in at least some images. This preliminary image acquisition from multiple viewpoints ensures complete information is gathered before spatial relationship calculation begins.
3Measurement precision
If a tracked pointer device and stationary camera system are used, then landmark positions can be detected, but the system complexity increases and requires multiple components to be visible simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computational processing function from the imaging device itself and places it in a separate computing device. The handheld imaging unit is simplified to only capture images, while the complex tasks of detecting marker positions, establishing bone reference frames, and calculating spatial relationships are performed by the computing device. This extraction reduces the complexity of the imaging unit while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of the marker device and bone reference captured in images, rather than requiring physical tracking of multiple components. By capturing visual copies in photographs and analyzing these images computationally, the system determines landmark positions without needing multiple physical tracking devices or components to remain visible simultaneously, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical data processing method of determining a spatial relationship between a marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20) and a resection plane (50, 120) associated with an anatomical structure (5, 12) of a patient's body, the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20) being video-detectable by an imaging unit (6), the method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring imaging unit position data describing a predetermined spatial relationship between the imaging unit (6) and the resection plane; b) acquiring marker device position data describing a spatial relationship between the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20) and the imaging unit (6) based on imaging the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20) with the imaging unit (6) in order to generate an orientation-dependent image appearance of the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20); c) determining, based on the imaging unit position data acquired in step a) and the marker device position data acquired in step b) and based on the orientation-dependent image appearance of the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20), resection plane (50, 120) data describing the spatial relationship between the resection plane (50, 120) and the marker device (1, 1′, 1″, 20).