Medical Optical Tracking Synchronization to Avoid Pulse Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical optical tracking systems operating in pulsed mode in non-visible wavelengths often experience mutual interference due to fixed pulse frequencies, leading to synchronization challenges without additional sensors or wiring.
Innovation Solution
Synchronize medical optical tracking systems by using existing sensors or cameras to detect extraneous light signals, determining their temporal properties, and adjusting light signal generation and detection windows to avoid interference by positioning them in signal pauses of other systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical tracking systems operate in the same non-visible wavelength range with fixed pulse frequencies, then high light intensities are achieved for detection, but mutual interference occurs between multiple tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing synchronized pulsed operation of multiple optical tracking systems. Each system emits light signals in periodic pulses with coordinated timing, creating alternating active and inactive phases. This allows systems to share the same wavelength range while avoiding continuous interference, as each system operates during designated time windows when others are inactive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the pulse frequency and timing of light signals adjustable and synchronizable. Instead of fixed frequencies, the system dynamically adapts the temporal characteristics of light pulses based on synchronization signals from a central controller, allowing real-time coordination to minimize interference while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are used to detect extraneous light signals for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing sensors and cameras perform dual functions: their primary function of detecting tracking markers and their secondary function of detecting extraneous light signals for synchronization. This eliminates the need for dedicated additional sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization capability through the same detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using its own existing sensors to detect synchronization-relevant light signals. The tracking system's cameras and sensors automatically capture both marker information and extraneous light pulse timing information, processing both functions through the same hardware without requiring external synchronization devices or additional specialized components.
3Productivity
If pulse frequency is increased to improve detection speed, then productivity is improved, but interference between multiple systems worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing periodic action with synchronized timing. Multiple systems can operate at high pulse frequencies individually, but their operations are coordinated in time through synchronization signals. Each system emits high-frequency pulses during its designated time window, and remains inactive during windows of other systems, thereby maintaining high detection speed when active while avoiding interference through temporal separation.
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
Enables simultaneous operation of multiple medical optical tracking systems without additional hardware, reducing interference and maintaining synchronization effectively.
Implementation Method 1
extraneous light signals of the at least one other medical optical tracking system are detected by way of the sensor or by way of the camera of the medical optical tracking system for the synchronization
Implementation Method 2
temporal properties of light signals, in particular light pulses, of the medical optical tracking system... are defined such that the light signals from the light source... are arranged temporally in light signal pauses
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a medical optical tracking system, wherein the medical optical tracking system is synchronized with at least one other medical optical tracking system, extraneous light signals of the at least one other optical tracking system are detected by way of a sensor or a camera used for tracking of the optical tracking system, temporal properties of the detected extraneous light signals are determined based on acquired sensor data or acquired camera images, and temporal properties of light signals generated by way of a light source of the optical tracking system and/or a measuring window of the sensor or the camera are defined, on the basis of the determined temporal properties of the extraneous light signals, such that the light signals from the light source and/or the measuring window lie in light signal pauses of the at least one other optical tracking system.