Navigation System Using Merged Electromagnetic and Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for procedures like surgical operations and assembly processes face challenges in accurately tracking the position and orientation of instruments in complex environments, particularly when direct visibility is obstructed.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of electromagnetic and optical tracking systems, along with computer vision algorithms and machine learning techniques, to accurately determine the position and orientation of instruments relative to a subject. This includes using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic segmentation of images to identify anatomical features and plan trajectories for procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic and optical tracking systems are used to accurately track instrument position and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromagnetic tracking (using sensor coils and magnetic fields) with optical tracking (using cameras and visual markers) into a unified navigation system. This merging of multiple tracking modalities enables the system to maintain high measurement precision across diverse surgical scenarios while managing complexity through integrated hardware and software architecture that coordinates both tracking systems simultaneously
2Productivity
If computer vision algorithms and machine learning techniques are used for automatic image segmentation and feature identification, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system implements self-service through automatic image segmentation and feature identification using computer vision algorithms and machine learning techniques. The system autonomously processes medical images, identifies anatomical structures, and generates surgical plans without requiring manual annotation or intervention, thereby significantly improving workflow efficiency while the automated processing manages complexity internally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physically segmenting images and identifying features by hand) with automated computational processes using computer vision and machine learning. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual operations and replaces them with algorithmic processing, enhancing productivity while the software infrastructure manages the computational complexity
3Reliability
If multiple tracking systems are integrated to track instruments in complex environments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic and optical tracking systems into a single integrated navigation platform. By combining these complementary tracking modalities, the system achieves enhanced reliability through multi-modal verification and cross-validation, ensuring accurate instrument tracking even in complex surgical environments where one system might be partially obscured or interfered with
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system employs an intermediary software layer that mediates between the electromagnetic and optical tracking systems, harmonizing their data streams and coordinating their operations. This intermediary architecture manages the integration complexity by providing a unified interface and data fusion mechanism, allowing multiple tracking systems to work together reliably without requiring complex point-to-point integration
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
The system enhances workflow efficiency by providing accurate, real-time tracking and automatic image analysis, allowing clinicians to perform procedures with greater precision and reduced manual effort, thereby improving overall procedural outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an effect of a magnetic field on a sensor coil... The sensor coil may include a conductive material that is placed within a magnetic field where a current is induced in the sensor coil
Implementation Method 2
The optical tracking system includes a set of cameras with a field of vision to triangulate a position of the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a navigation system. The navigation system may be used to at least assist in a procedure. The system may assist in delineating objects and/or determining physical boundaries of image elements. The system may assist in planning and/or a workflow of the procedure.