Optical Tracking Marker With Alternating Quadrilateral Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tracking systems for medical devices are limited in their ability to track equipment and devices larger than needles, necessitating a solution that can accommodate a variety of medical device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A marker for optical tracking of medical devices is introduced, featuring a pattern with alternating first and second type optically identifiable segments. This pattern is arranged in a two-dimensionally alternating manner on a tubular structure, providing distinct optical characteristics for camera-based tracking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional optical tracking pattern is used, then tracking of small diameter devices (needles) is achieved, but tracking of larger diameter devices is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking pattern is segmented into multiple quadrilateral elements arranged in alternating types around the device circumference. This segmentation allows the pattern to scale to larger diameters while maintaining sufficient feature density for accurate optical detection and spatial orientation identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Two distinct types of quadrilateral segments are used with different optical characteristics, creating an asymmetric alternating pattern. This asymmetry provides unambiguous directional information for spatial orientation tracking, enabling the system to distinguish between different rotational positions on larger diameter devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If the marker pattern is made symmetrical, then manufacturing is simplified, but directional information becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern intentionally incorporates asymmetric elements through the use of two different quadrilateral types with distinct optical characteristics arranged in an alternating sequence. This asymmetric design preserves unambiguous directional information while remaining manufacturable through standard pattern fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential pattern is divided into discrete quadrilateral segments that can be independently defined and manufactured. This segmentation allows the asymmetric directional information to be encoded in a systematic, repeatable manner that is compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
3Measurement precision
If parallel grid lines are aligned with the longitudinal axis, then spatial orientation identification is improved, but the pattern becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern is organized into quadrilateral segments whose first opposite sides are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, creating regular primary grid lines. This structured segmentation achieves precise spatial orientation detection while maintaining geometric regularity that simplifies implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The quadrilateral segments have specific local geometric properties: two opposite sides parallel to the longitudinal axis and two non-parallel sides. This local quality specification provides the necessary orientation information while keeping the overall pattern geometry systematic and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to optical marker tracking of medical devices. In order to provide optical tracking suitable for an increased variety of equipment and devices, a marker (10) for optical tracking of medical devices is provided. The marker comprises a pattern (12) with a plurality of at least a first type (14) and a second type (16) of optically identifiable segments. The optically identifiable segments of the first type have a first optical characteristic, and the optically identifiable segments of the second type have a second optical characteristic. The first optical characteristic and the second optical characteristic are distinctively different from each other for a designated optical camera-based tracking device. The segments are provided as quadrilaterals (18) arranged in a two-dimensionally alternating pattern (20). The quadrilaterals each comprise two first opposite sides (22) that are parallel two each other and two second opposite sides (24) that are non-parallel to each other. The first opposite sides of all of the quadrilaterals are arranged in an aligned manner defining at least three parallel primary grid-lines (28).