Navigation Tracking Head Error Indicators for Line-of-Sight Issues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigation systems face delays and errors due to line-of-sight obstructions between tracking elements and sensors, particularly in surgical environments where timely resolution is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system with error indicators on the tracked object, using first and second light emitters to signal line-of-sight issues directly on the object, and a tracking device with a base and connector allowing movement in degrees of freedom to ensure proper orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If error messages are displayed on a remote monitor, then the navigation system can provide error information, but the surgeon cannot notice and remedy the error in a timely manner
Solution Approach 1:
The error indication is moved from a remote 2D monitor to a location directly on or near the tracked object in 3D space. The light emitter is positioned on the tracking device itself, allowing the surgeon to see error indicators in the same visual field as the surgical site, eliminating the need to glance at a separate monitor and reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
A light emitter serves as an intermediary between the navigation system's error detection and the surgeon. Instead of directly displaying error messages on a remote monitor, the system uses visual light signals emitted from the tracking device location to communicate errors to the surgeon, creating an intermediate communication channel that bridges the gap between system detection and surgeon awareness.
2Measurement precision
If the navigation system requires unobstructed line-of-sight between tracking elements and sensors, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but any obstruction causes navigation to be discontinued
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring line-of-sight conditions and immediately signaling errors to the surgeon through light emitters. When obstructions are detected, the system provides instant visual feedback on the tracking device itself, allowing the surgeon to quickly adjust the position or remove obstructions, thereby maintaining procedural continuity while preserving tracking accuracy requirements.
3Device complexity
If the tracking device is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with connectors that allow movement in one or more degrees of freedom. This enables the tracking device to be adjusted to optimal orientations for maintaining line-of-sight with sensors while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of mechanical connectors and movable mounting mechanisms.
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
Enables rapid identification and resolution of line-of-sight errors on the tracked object, reducing delays and improving setup accuracy by guiding users to maintain necessary line-of-sight with sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The error indicator includes a first light emitter and a second light emitter. The computing system activates the first light emitter in response to generating the error signal.
Implementation Method 2
A tracking element transmits a tracking signal. A sensor receives the tracking signal from the tracking element to determine a position of the object.
Data Source
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AI summary
A navigation system (20) for tracking an object comprises a tracking device (44, 46, 48) being attachable to the object and including a tracking head (212, 312, 412) having a tracking element (50, 60, 70) configured to produce a tracking signal, a sensor (40) configured to receive the tracking signal from the tracking element (50, 60, 70) to determine a position of the object, and a computing system (26). The tracking head (212, 312, 412) supports an error indicator (300) including at least one light emitter (302, 402). The computing system (26) is configured to determine whether the sensor (40) received the tracking signal from the tracking element (50, 60, 70) and generate an error signal when the sensor (40) does not receive the tracking signal, and the computing system (26) is further configured to control the error indicator (300) such that the at least one light emitter (302, 402) is activated to emit a colored light in response to absence of the error signal, and the at least one light emitter (302, 402) is deactivated in response to generation of the error signal.