Optical Input for Medical Devices Using Tracking Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as surgical navigation systems, require efficient and accurate methods for operator input to adjust operating states, particularly in environments where unintended movements of robotic arms could cause harm, necessitating a reliable and precise input mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking system coupled with a processor that configures and adjusts the operating state of medical devices by detecting tracking markers, awaiting a priming command, identifying the present state of markers, and comparing it to assigned states to determine if an input command has been received, allowing for precise control of robotic arms and other device functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual input methods are used to control medical devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of input commands deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods with an optical tracking system that uses optical fields to detect and interpret surgeon gestures. The optical tracking system captures motion data and translates it into precise input commands, substituting mechanical control interfaces with optical-based detection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes a processor and software application. This intermediary receives raw optical tracking data, processes it through gesture recognition algorithms, and translates it into reliable input commands for the medical device, bridging the gap between physical gestures and device control.
2Measurement precision
If optical tracking system is implemented for input control, then the measurement precision and reliability of input commands are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical tracking system serves multiple functions: it tracks the position of surgical instruments, monitors surgeon gestures for input commands, and provides spatial orientation data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing optical tracking infrastructure already present in the surgical environment for instrument tracking to also capture gesture data for control inputs. The same optical sensors and markers serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for additional dedicated input devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If optical tracking system is used to detect input commands, then the productivity and efficiency of surgical procedures are improved, but the risk of unintended movements and harmful factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires a priming command to be detected before any operational input commands are accepted. This preliminary action puts the robotic arm into a safe state and ensures that subsequent movements are intentional and controlled, preventing unintended movements while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical tracking system provides continuous feedback on the position and state of both the surgical instruments and the robotic arm. This real-time feedback allows the system to monitor for unintended movements and adjust or halt operations as needed, ensuring safety while maintaining productivity.
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 enables safe and precise adjustments to medical device operating states, preventing unintended movements and enhancing the accuracy of surgical procedures by ensuring that input commands are reliably detected and executed.
Implementation Method 1
an optical tracking system configured to detect three or more tracking markers
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting an operating state of a medical electronic device is described. In an aspect, the system includes an optical tracking system configured to detect three or more tracking markers. The system also includes a processor coupled with the optical tracking system. The processor is programmed with instructions which, when executed, configure the processor to: configure an input command by assigning at least one operating state of the medical electronic device to a particular state of at least one of the tracking markers; after receiving a priming command, identify a present state of the tracking markers based on data from the optical tracking system; compare the present state with the particular state assigned to the operating state; and based on the comparison, determine that an input command has been received and adjust the operating state of the medical electronic device to the assigned operating state.