Medical Tool Location Estimation Using Velocity and Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic navigation systems for medical tools in 3D spaces face inaccuracies when location data is unavailable, necessitating a method to estimate tool location using velocity and acceleration data, and potentially leveraging accelerometer data for precise positioning during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the availability of location data and, if unavailable, estimates the tool's location based on previously calculated velocity and acceleration data, and optionally uses accelerometer data to refine the estimation, ensuring continuous and accurate mapping of the tool's position in 3D space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic navigation systems rely on location data from magnetic fields, then positioning can be achieved, but inaccuracies occur when location data is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning methods (magnetic field-based location data, velocity-based estimation, acceleration-based estimation) into a unified navigation system. When magnetic field location data is unavailable, the system seamlessly transitions to using velocity and acceleration data from sensors to maintain continuous and accurate tool positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces velocity and acceleration data as intermediary elements that bridge the gap when direct magnetic field location data is unavailable. These intermediary measurements allow the system to estimate tool location through integration of motion data, maintaining positioning accuracy even in the absence of primary location data.
2Reliability
If the system uses velocity and acceleration data to estimate location, then continuous tracking is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on data availability. When magnetic field location data is available, the system uses direct positioning; when unavailable, it transitions to estimation mode using velocity and acceleration data. This dynamic adaptability ensures continuous tracking while managing system complexity through conditional logic rather than permanently maintaining all functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system monitors its own data availability and autonomously switches between positioning methods without external intervention. The system self-manages the complexity by only activating the estimation functionality when necessary, thereby maintaining tracking continuity while minimizing the operational burden of system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If accelerometer data is used to estimate location, then positioning accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically checks for the availability of magnetic field location data and only activates the more energy-intensive accelerometer-based estimation when necessary. This periodic monitoring approach allows the system to maintain positioning accuracy when needed while minimizing energy consumption by relying on lower-power magnetic field sensing during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters (data source selection) based on environmental conditions (data availability). When magnetic field data is unavailable, it switches to using accelerometer data, accepting the increased energy consumption only when necessary to maintain positioning accuracy. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision and energy use.
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 ensures reliable and accurate tracking of medical tools in 3D spaces, even when location data is not available, enhancing the efficiency and success of medical procedures by providing continuous and precise anatomical information.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional electromagnetic navigation systems for medical tools in 3D spaces face inaccuracies when location data is unavailable
Implementation Method 2
determining whether accelerometer data is available. If accelerometer data is available, the method includes using the accelerometer data to estimate the location of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating a tool in a 3D space is provided. The method includes determining whether location data, corresponding to a location of the tool, is available. If the location data is available, the method includes providing the location data for presenting the location of the tool. If the location data is not available, the method includes determining an estimated location of the tool based on a velocity of the tool and an acceleration of the tool, generating estimated location data corresponding to the estimated location of the tool and providing the estimated location data for presenting the estimated location as the location of the tool. The method also includes determining whether accelerometer data is available. If accelerometer data is available, the method includes using the accelerometer data to estimate the location of the tool.