Medical Tracking System Using Electromagnetic Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical tracking systems rely on bulky and expensive 3D cameras to detect marker spheres, which can be obstructed and are not efficient in determining relative positions between sensor devices, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A medical tracking system comprising independently maneuverable sensor devices with orientation and position sensors that can be positioned in a fixed relative to targets, using a control unit to combine sensor data from multiple devices to determine relative positions without the need for a 3D camera, thereby reducing obstruction risks and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 3D camera is used to detect marker spheres, then position detection is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical 3D camera system with an electromagnetic field-based solution using electromagnetic transmitters and receivers. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky optical equipment while achieving accurate position detection through electromagnetic signal processing and triangulation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic transmitters that emit signals to create a virtual electromagnetic field model, which serves as a digital copy of the physical space. This allows position determination without physical optical markers or cameras, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a 3D camera is used to detect marker spheres, then position detection is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive electromagnetic transmitters and receivers instead of costly 3D cameras and marker spheres. These electromagnetic components are significantly cheaper to manufacture and deploy, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision for medical tracking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of expensive optical detection systems with electromagnetic field-based detection reduces hardware costs. Electromagnetic transmitters and receivers are generally more affordable than high-precision 3D cameras, and they eliminate the need for expensive marker spheres and complex optical calibration infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If marker spheres are used for tracking, then position detection is achieved, but obstruction of the object to be tracked occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical marker spheres with electromagnetic transmitters that are integrated into or attached to the tracked object. This substitution eliminates the need for external optical markers that can obstruct the object, as electromagnetic signals pass through or around the object without physical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for position detection. Instead of using physical markers that occupy space and can obstruct the tracked object, the electromagnetic field acts as an invisible mediator that penetrates through the object and environment to enable detection without obstruction.
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 solution allows for precise determination of relative positions between sensor devices, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of medical tracking systems while reducing the need for expensive equipment and minimizing obstruction risks.
Implementation Method 1
An orientation sensor may comprise a gyroscope. A gyroscope is a device for determining the orientation based on the angular momentum of a spinning object.
Implementation Method 2
The control unit receives and combines the at least two sensor data of the at least two sensor devices in order to determine a relative position between at least two of the at least two sensor devices
Data Source
AI summary
A medical tracking system comprising at least two sensor devices which are independently maneuverable and can be positioned in a fixed position relative to targets, each sensor device comprising at least one of an orientation sensor and a position sensor for respectively determining sensor data, the system further comprising a control unit configured to receive and combine the at least two sensor data of the at least two sensor devices in order to determine a relative position between at least two of the at least two sensor devices.