Multi-Functional Sensor Device for Medical Navigation Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical tracking systems require separate marker devices and detector devices, increasing the number of instruments needed and complicating the medical navigation workflow, as they cannot function dualistically as both a marker and a detector.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional sensor device that can act as both a marker device and a marker detector, capable of determining relative positions and switching functions based on the medical navigation workflow, reducing the need for multiple instruments and simplifying the workflow by using a single device for both roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate marker devices and detector devices are used, then the system can perform dedicated functions for each device, but the number of instruments required increases and the workflow becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the marker device and detector device into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor device includes both a marker component (with reflective or emissive elements) and a detector component (with sensors for detecting marker positions), allowing one device to perform functions that previously required two separate devices. This merging directly reduces the number of instruments needed in the medical tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a marker that can be detected by external detectors and as a detector that can actively detect markers. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to different roles within the tracking system, reducing the need for specialized separate devices while maintaining functional capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple instruments are used for marker and detection functions, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the handling and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the marker and detector functions into one sensor device, the patent reduces the number of instruments that need to be handled, sterilized, and managed. The integrated design means fewer separate components require sterilization processing and fewer instruments need to be tracked through sterilization workflows, simplifying operational procedures in the medical environment.
3Device complexity
If a single device performs both marker and detector functions, then the number of instruments is reduced, but the device must be capable of dual functionality which may increase its complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device incorporates universal design principles by including both marker elements (reflective or emissive components) and detector elements (sensors for detecting marker positions) within the same device. This multi-functional capability allows the device to operate in different modes depending on the operational requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining a reduced instrument count.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical tracking system comprising at least one sensor device which can be positioned in a fixed position relative to a target, the sensor device comprising a marker device and a marker device detector, the marker device detector being capable of obtaining information for determining a relative position between the marker device detector and another marker device, the system further comprising a control unit configured to process a medical navigation workflow and to select the function of the sensor device as either acting as a marker device detector or as a marker device in a step of the medical navigation workflow.