Hybrid IR RF Surgical Tracker for Low Latency Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems face challenges in providing robust, high-speed, low latency, and deterministic wireless communication for tracking objects in surgical environments, particularly due to limitations in infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) communication methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a surgical tracker system that combines IR and RF communication methods, utilizing a tracker controller to manage operating parameters and facilitate high-bandwidth data transmission without the need for physical cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared (IR) communication is used for tracking and control, then accuracy and robustness are improved, but communication speed and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct channels: IR communication for tracking and control commands, and RF communication for high-bandwidth sensor data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to operate at its optimal performance level without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF communication as an intermediary solution to bridge the bandwidth gap. Rather than attempting to improve IR communication speed, the system uses RF as a complementary channel specifically for high-speed data transfer from sensors to the localization camera.
2Productivity
If radio frequency (RF) communication is used for data transmission, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but robustness and determinism deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication functions by protocol strength: IR handles critical control and tracking due to its robustness, while RF handles bulk sensor data transmission where speed is prioritized. This functional segmentation optimizes overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of RF communication by using it specifically for sensor data transmission rather than bidirectional control. This unidirectional data-focused usage maximizes RF bandwidth while minimizing its reliability weaknesses.
3Reliability
If cable connections are used between trackers and localization camera, then communication reliability and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to physical clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system using both IR and RF channels. This substitution eliminates physical clutter while maintaining communication reliability through the hybrid approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker device is made multi-functional by integrating both IR and RF communication capabilities, allowing it to operate wirelessly while maintaining high reliability and bandwidth through dual-channel communication.
4Device complexity
If IR and RF communication operate on the same spectrum, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves spectral interference by moving RF communication to a different frequency dimension (radio frequency spectrum) rather than using the same infrared spectrum for both tracking and data transmission. This dimensional separation eliminates interference while maintaining system simplicity.
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 hybrid communication approach enhances system accuracy and stability by providing high-speed, low latency, and deterministic communication between the localization device and the tracker, reducing clutter in the surgical workspace.
Implementation Method 1
operate the IR receiver to wirelessly receive a command
Implementation Method 2
operate the RF transmitter to wirelessly transmit the sensor data using RF communication
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tracker and method of operating the same involve the surgical tracking including one or more tracking markers, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, an infrared (IR) receiver, and a tracker controller coupled to the RF transmitter and the IR receiver. The tracker controller obtains sensor data and operates the IR receiver to wirelessly receive a command to manage an operating parameter of the surgical tracker with respect to RF communication. The tracker controller operates the RF transmitter to wirelessly transmit the sensor data using RF communication managed in accordance with the operating parameter.