Optical Tracking for Medical Simulation Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical simulation devices for inserting instruments into body channels are bulky, limiting their mobility and practicality for training purposes.

Innovation Solution

A simulated medical instrument with a tube and integrated tracking devices, detectable via camera, that is designed for insertion into a body cavity simulator, allowing for precise tracking and haptic interactions, and is adaptable for various medical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated tracking mechanism is integrated into the body cavity simulator, then tracking precision is improved, but device bulkiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoiddevice bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tracking mechanism with an optical tracking system using cameras and visual markers. Instead of using mechanical sensors or electromagnetic tracking devices embedded in the simulator, the system uses external cameras to detect patterns on the medical instruments, achieving precise tracking without adding bulk to the simulator structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual markers or patterns placed on the medical instruments that can be detected by cameras. These markers serve as optical copies or representations of the instrument positions, allowing the system to track instrument locations and orientations accurately through image processing rather than physical sensing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple medical instruments are tracked simultaneously, then training realism is improved, but tracking complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining realismVSAvoidtracking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal camera-based tracking system that can track multiple different types of medical instruments simultaneously using the same optical detection methodology. The system uses standardized visual markers that can be applied to various instruments (catheters, guidewires, balloons), allowing one tracking system to handle diverse training scenarios without requiring instrument-specific tracking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The medical instruments are equipped with visual markers that automatically provide tracking information to the camera system. The markers are inherently part of or attached to the instruments themselves, eliminating the need for external tracking attachments or complex sensor integration on each instrument, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling multi-instrument tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9361808B1Tracking system

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 CAE HEALTHCARE CANADA

AI summary

The present simulated medical instrument is adapted for insertion in a channel of a body cavity simulator. The present simulated medical instrument comprises a tube and at least one tracking device. The tube comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The tube is sized and shaped for insertion in the channel of the body cavity simulator. The at least one tracking device is located in proximity of the distal end of the tube, the tracking device having a pattern detectable via camera.