Medical Instrument Position Data Filtering for Field Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating position data of instruments, particularly in medical contexts, fail to effectively handle errors related to field interference and movements, leading to inaccurate position calculations and navigation issues when metallic objects are present.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires position measurement data from sensors, determines the motion state of the instrument, filters the data based on a plausibility threshold, and provides a filtered image dataset for display, distinguishing between intrinsic and external interferences to correct for errors and ensure accurate positioning without direct visual contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If position sensors are used to track instrument position, then navigation capability is provided, but field interference from metallic objects causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors position sensor data and compares it against expected movement patterns. When field interference is detected (through inconsistent position changes or impossible movements), the system generates feedback signals to alert the user and potentially adjust or discard the affected measurements, thereby maintaining navigation capability while compensating for measurement errors caused by metallic objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation layer between the position sensors and the navigation system. This intermediary component analyzes the raw sensor data, detects field interference patterns, and mediates the information flow by filtering out corrupted measurements or marking them for user awareness, thus protecting the navigation system from direct exposure to interference while maintaining overall functionality.
2Reliability
If plausibility checks are performed to detect field interference, then measurement reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complete and complex plausibility check system that analyzes every possible parameter, the patent applies partial action by focusing plausibility checks on the most critical and easily detectable aspects of position data (such as sudden impossible movements or patterns consistent with known interference sources). This provides sufficient reliability improvement for practical purposes while keeping the added complexity manageable and proportional to the actual risk.
3Measurement precision
If position data is filtered to remove errors, then navigation accuracy improves, but responsiveness to real movements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the operational context. During normal operations, the system maintains stricter filtering to ensure accuracy. When rapid movement patterns are detected that are consistent with legitimate instrument manipulation, the system temporarily relaxes filtering thresholds to maintain responsiveness. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to distinguish between transient noise and real movements, preserving both accuracy and response speed.
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 approach enables reliable and accurate determination of instrument position, reducing errors caused by metallic objects and movements, thereby enhancing navigation precision and user safety in medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
provide an instrument with electromagnetic position sensors... a control unit, which is connected to the field generator and the position sensor or sensors, detects position data of the instrument
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating position data of an instrument (1), in particular a medical instrument, wherein the method comprises the following steps: capturing position measurement data by way of at least one position sensor (7, 9) arranged on the instrument, determining a movement state of the instrument on the basis of the captured position measurement data, filtering the captured position measurement data on the basis of the determined movement state. The invention furthermore relates to a system for implementing an instrument, to a computer program product comprising program code, to a computer program and to a data carrier comprising program code.