Image-Guided Surgery Mirroring with Asymmetric Marker Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image guided surgery systems struggle with accurately aligning the operator's perspective with the actual instrument perspective and correctly orienting images of patient anatomy and surgical tools for precise surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising a head-mounted display, a marker with asymmetrical optically reflective elements, and a processor that analyzes input images to identify the operator's position relative to the patient, allowing for correct superimposition of anatomical images and tool representations based on the identified side of the plane defined by the marker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a symmetrical marker arrangement is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the operator's position and orientation cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging optically reflective elements in a non-symmetrical pattern on the marker. This asymmetric arrangement creates unique reflection patterns that allow the processor to distinguish the operator's position and orientation relative to the patient, solving the problem of accurate position identification without requiring complex additional sensors or markers
2Measurement precision
If the system automatically determines operator position, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by using the marker's inherent asymmetric reflective properties to automatically determine operator position and orientation. The processor analyzes the reflection patterns generated by the asymmetric marker arrangement to autonomously calculate the correct viewing angle and align anatomical images without requiring manual intervention or complex external positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously analyzing the reflection patterns from the asymmetric marker and using this information to adjust and maintain accurate alignment of anatomical images. The processor uses the optical feedback from the marker's reflective elements to dynamically determine the operator's position and ensure proper image orientation throughout the surgical procedure
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 automatically determines the operator's position and orientation relative to the patient, ensuring accurate and aligned projection of patient anatomy and surgical tools, enhancing precision in image guided surgery.
Implementation Method 1
the marker having optically reflective elements disposed on the marker and on opposing sides of the plane in a non-symmetrical arrangement with respect to the plane
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system, including a head-mounted display worn by a system operator. A marker defines a plane when attached to a human subject. Optically reflective elements are disposed on the marker and on opposing sides of the plane in a non-symmetrical arrangement with respect to the plane. A memory stores a graphical representation of a tool used in a procedure performed on the human subject, and an image of anatomy of the human subject. A camera attached to the display acquires an image of the marker and the tool. A processor analyzes the image to identify the plane and to identify a side of the plane wherein the camera is located, and to render to the display the image of the anatomy of the human subject with the graphical representation of the tool superimposed thereon from a point of view in the identified side of the plane.