Optical Tracker Calibration Transfer for Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging devices lack an efficient method for providing calibration information to optical trackers, which is crucial for accurate surgical navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device with a non-stationary housing equipped with an optical tracker, optically detectable markers, and an optical communication interface that outputs calibration information to a camera system, enabling efficient communication and workflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If calibration information is provided through traditional wireless communication systems, then communication flexibility is improved, but transmission reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to potential interference and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical communication interface as an intermediary between the medical imaging device and the navigation system. This interface uses optical signals (light) to transmit calibration information, serving as a reliable mediator that converts electrical signals to optical signals and back, ensuring accurate and interference-free transmission of critical calibration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional wireless electrical communication system with an optical communication system. By substituting electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission through LEDs and photodetectors, the system eliminates electromagnetic interference and achieves more reliable transmission of calibration information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical trackers are attached to non-stationary housings, then tracking capability is improved, but calibration stability deteriorates due to housing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration of the optical tracker relative to the non-stationary housing before the actual surgical procedure begins. By establishing the calibration information in advance when the housing is in a known reference position, the system prepares the coordinate transformation data needed to compensate for subsequent housing movements during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or model of the housing's coordinate system and its relationship to the optical tracker. By storing calibration information that represents the geometric relationship between the tracker and housing, the navigation system can mathematically transform coordinates even when the physical housing moves, maintaining calibration stability through computational compensation.
3Speed
If calibration information is stored locally in the device, then access speed is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional storage and communication interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical communication interface serve multiple functions: it transmits calibration information from the device's local storage to the navigation system, and it can also receive commands or additional data from the navigation system. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by maximizing its utility across different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The medical imaging device autonomously manages its own calibration information by storing it locally in internal memory and independently transmitting it to the navigation system when needed. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment or manual intervention, streamlining the overall system workflow despite the added local storage requirement.
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 accurate and efficient calibration of the imaging device and surgical navigation, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and enhancing surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical tracker configured to be detected by a camera system and comprising a plurality of optically detectable markers
Implementation Method 2
an optical communication interface configured to output to the camera system at least one first optical communication signal indicative of the calibration information
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical imaging device 100 is provided. The device 100 comprises a non-stationary housing 110, an optical tracker 120 configured to be detected by a camera system 200 and comprising a plurality of optically detectable markers 122 attached to the housing 110, at least one storage 124 configured to store calibration information relating to the optical tracker 120, and an optical communication interface 130 configured to output to the camera system 200 one or more optical communication signals indicative of the calibration information.