Multi-Frequency Magnetic Tracking for Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic sensor-based surgical navigation systems are susceptible to magnetic field distortions from nearby conducting objects, which can reduce tracking accuracy or render the system useless without additional position measurements.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tracking system that generates and uses a plurality of pre-determined multi-frequency signals to transmit magnetic fields, allowing a magnetic sensor to determine its position relative to a transmitter circuit while isolating secondary magnetic fields caused by conducting metal objects, thereby maintaining accuracy without additional position measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electromagnetic sensors with coils are used for tracking, then position and orientation tracking can be achieved, but magnetic field distortions from conducting objects reduce tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the magnetic field signals by transmitting multiple frequencies simultaneously. This allows the system to distinguish between primary magnetic fields (from the transmitter) and secondary fields (from conducting objects) based on their frequency characteristics, thereby maintaining tracking accuracy despite the presence of conducting objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of conducting objects into a useful distinction. By transmitting multi-frequency signals, the system can identify and isolate secondary magnetic fields generated by conducting objects through frequency analysis, separating them from the primary tracking signals and eliminating their detrimental impact on measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If additional position measurements from medical images are used to compensate for distortions, then tracking accuracy can be maintained, but system complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the magnetic tracking system to self-correct for magnetic field distortions without requiring external compensation from medical imaging systems. The multi-frequency approach allows the tracker to autonomously identify and eliminate the effects of conducting objects through frequency-based signal separation, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for additional position measurements
3Measurement precision
If multi-frequency signals are transmitted, then secondary magnetic fields can be isolated and tracking accuracy maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits multiple frequencies simultaneously, which requires additional energy. However, this excessive action enables the system to isolate and eliminate secondary magnetic fields through frequency analysis, achieving superior tracking accuracy that outweighs the moderate increase in energy consumption
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 effectively minimizes magnetic field distortions, ensuring accurate tracking of surgical instruments and implants by isolating secondary magnetic fields, thus enhancing the reliability of surgical navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a plurality of magnetic fields from a transmitter circuit based on the corresponding pre-determined multi-frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor coupled to the device of interest... generating a sensor signal indicative of field strength of the magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for magnetically tracking a device of interest generating a plurality of pre-determined multi-frequency signals. The method and system transmits a plurality of magnetic fields from a transmitter circuit based on the corresponding pre-determined multi-frequency signals. The magnetic fields propagating through an area of examination encompassing the device of interest and a magnetic sensor coupled to the device of interest. The method and system generate a sensor signal at the magnetic sensor indicative of field strength of the magnetic fields transmitted by the transmitter circuit. Further, the method and system determine a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the transmitter circuit based on the multi-frequency signals and the sensor signal.