Medical Device Orientation Simulation via Sensor Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current image capture technologies, such as cameras, often skew or alter critical details, leading to unintended consequences in applications like medical procedures, construction, and three-dimensional printing, where accurate alignment is crucial for safety and precision.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an orientation sensor and processor is used to simulate the positioning of a medical device relative to an image, determining a desired insertion angle and providing notifications when the device is correctly aligned, utilizing multiple views to calculate a three-dimensional orientation for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard image capture devices are used to capture medical images, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the captured images may be skewed or altered, leading to inaccurate alignment and potential injury to surrounding structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of a target attached to the medical device, a camera to capture the target, and a processor to calculate alignment. This intermediary system mediates between the simple camera capture and the complex requirement for precise alignment verification, providing accurate orientation data without requiring the camera itself to be complex

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an optical-digital system. Instead of using complex mechanical alignment devices or manual measurement tools, the system uses a camera to capture images of a target, then uses image processing and coordinate transformation algorithms to determine the device's orientation and alignment accuracy

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

2Reliability

If manual alignment methods are used for medical device insertion, then the equipment required is simple, but the alignment precision is insufficient to ensure safe positioning relative to critical structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of procedureVSAvoidalignment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system captures images of a target attached to the medical device, calculates the device's orientation and position relative to pre-planned coordinates, and provides alignment verification. This feedback loop allows operators to verify alignment before insertion, improving safety without requiring overly complex real-time control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary alignment verification before the actual medical procedure. The target is attached to the device beforehand, and the alignment is checked using image capture and coordinate transformation before insertion into the patient. This preliminary action ensures safety without requiring complex real-time monitoring during the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple views are captured to ensure accurate three-dimensional alignment, then the alignment precision is improved, but the time required for image capture and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional orientation accuracyVSAvoidalignment determination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses coordinate transformation to convert two-dimensional captured images into three-dimensional orientation data. By capturing the target from different views and transforming the coordinates mathematically, the system determines the device's three-dimensional orientation without requiring physically complex multi-angle imaging setups, thus saving time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240374313A1System and method for simulating an orientation of a medical device at an insertion point
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 CIRCINUS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • US20240374313A1 patent drawing
  • US20240374313A1 patent drawing
  • US20240374313A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining a desired orientation of an instrument for positioning a medical device in a body. The apparatus including an electronic device configured to display an image of at least a portion of the body adjacent to where the medical device will be positioned, the electronic device including an orientation sensor and a processor configured to simulate a positioning of the medical device relative to the image to determine a desired insertion angle of the medical device relative to a plane of the body.