Marker-Based Navigation Flow Control in Image-Guided Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow control methods in image-guided surgery are unreliable and distracting for users, as they often require manual interaction with non-sterilizable touch screens, diverting attention from the patient and operation field.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method that utilizes marker data and condition data to intelligently control the flow of navigation systems in image-guided surgery, allowing for situation-dependent and reliable control flow management by detecting the spatial arrangement and movement of marker devices, thereby reducing user distraction and improving surgical focus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual interaction with touch screen is used for flow control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to surgeon distraction and inability to sterilize the interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system automatically controls its own flow based on detected marker positions and predefined conditions, eliminating the need for manual surgeon interaction. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when to perform actions such as zooming, panning, or switching views based on the spatial arrangement of markers and their movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch screen interface with an automated detection and control system that uses optical or electromagnetic marker detection. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between the surgeon and control interface, thereby preventing distraction and allowing for sterilization of the surgical field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If touch screen interface is provided for flow control, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time occurs due to surgeon attention being diverted from patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system autonomously manages its own operation flow by continuously monitoring marker positions and automatically executing appropriate actions based on predefined conditions, eliminating the need for surgeon intervention and associated time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous monitoring of marker positions and continuously adjusts the navigation display according to detected conditions, ensuring that the useful action of providing surgical guidance occurs without interruption or loss of time due to manual interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If automated control based on marker positions is implemented, then reliability is improved by reducing distraction, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system performs multiple functions including marker detection, condition evaluation, flow control decision-making, and display management within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality manages complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the flow control logic, marker detection processing, and navigation display management into a unified automated system. By merging these functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate components, the overall device complexity is managed while achieving reliable automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2547278B2Flow control in computer-assisted surgery based on marker positions
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP2547278B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2547278B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2547278B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention is in particular directed to a data processing method for use in computer- assisted surgery, comprising the following steps: a) providing marker data which describe a spatial arrangement of at least one marker device and/or a change in a relative spatial arrangement of at least two marker devices (5, 6, 7); b) providing condition data which describe a condition for the spatial arrangement of at least one marker device and/or a condition for the change in the relative spatial arrangement of the at least two marker devices (5, 6, 7); and c) controlling a control flow of the data processing method on the basis of the marker data and the condition data.