Optical Tracker Calibration Signaling for Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging devices face challenges in efficiently providing calibration information for optical trackers attached to non-stationary housings, which complicates the communication and navigation processes during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device equipped with an optical tracker, storage for calibration information, and an optical communication interface that enables efficient communication of calibration data with a camera system, allowing for reduced calibration complexity and improved navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If calibration information is stored locally in the medical imaging device, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The medical imaging device stores calibration information locally in its own memory and transmits it autonomously to the camera system without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. The device self-manages the calibration data lifecycle, including storage, retrieval, and transmission, thereby improving communication efficiency while the local storage capability manages the complexity within acceptable bounds.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration information is pre-stored in the medical imaging device's memory before the actual surgical procedure begins. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming calibration processes during surgery, allowing the device to simply transmit the pre-prepared calibration data to the camera system, thus improving communication efficiency during critical operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical trackers are attached to non-stationary housings, then tracking capability is improved, but calibration stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the position and orientation of the optical tracker attached to the non-stationary housing and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust calibration parameters. The camera system receives real-time data about the tracker's position and compensates for movements, maintaining calibration stability even as the housing moves during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing calibration parameters to change in response to the movement of the non-stationary housing. The system adapts to the changing spatial relationships between the tracker and the camera, enabling the optical tracker to maintain accurate tracking capability while the housing moves freely during surgery.
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
Facilitates efficient communication and navigation by reducing the need for frequent recalibrations, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures using optical trackers.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communication interface configured to output to the camera system at least one first optical communication signal indicative of the calibration information
Implementation Method 2
a tracking camera that continuously tracks within a tracking coordinate system the positions of one or more optical trackers attached to a patient and to surgical instruments
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device is provided. The device comprises a non-stationary housing, an optical tracker configured to be detected by a camera system and comprising a plurality of optically detectable markers attached to the housing, at least one storage configured to store calibration information relating to the optical tracker, and an optical communication interface configured to output to the camera system one or more optical communication signals indicative of the calibration information.