Predictive Anatomy Visualization Using AR Organ Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging techniques for internal anatomy, such as X-ray CT and MRI, are not suitable for 'in the field' care due to their large size and high power requirements, leading to inaccurate reliance on external visual scans, touch, and tacit knowledge for diagnosing and treating patients, which can result in risks during procedures like chest tube insertion.
Innovation Solution
A predictive internal anatomy visualization device using a wearable headset with an optical sensor and processing circuitry to capture external anatomical measurements, apply them to a body shape model, and render organ placement predictions in augmented reality, overlaying the real-world view to guide healthcare providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques (X-ray CT, MRI) are used for internal anatomy visualization, then imaging detail and accuracy are improved, but device size and power requirements increase, making them unsuitable for field care
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of internal anatomy by applying external body measurements to a 3D body shape model, generating predicted organ positions, sizes, and shapes. This virtual model serves as a lightweight alternative to physical imaging equipment, providing anatomical visualization without requiring large X-ray or MRI machines in field settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical imaging systems (X-ray, MRI) with a computational approach using optical sensors, processors, and augmented reality displays. The system substitutes physical imaging mechanics with algorithms that predict internal anatomy from external measurements, eliminating the need for large power-consuming equipment
2Ease of operation
If external visual scans and tacit knowledge are used for diagnostic information, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccuracy and over-generalization
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows healthcare providers to perform self-guided anatomical assessment by capturing external body measurements and automatically generating personalized organ position predictions. The augmented reality display presents the predicted anatomy directly in the provider's field of view, enabling accurate diagnostics without requiring specialized imaging equipment or extensive tacit knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary (the body shape model and processing circuitry) that translates simple external measurements into accurate internal anatomy predictions. This intermediary bridges the gap between easy-to-obtain external measurements and the need for precise internal anatomical information, eliminating the inaccuracy of direct visual inspection and tacit knowledge
3Productivity
If over-generalized tacit knowledge is applied for time-sensitive care, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate presumed internal anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between external body measurements and internal organ positions through the body shape model. When a patient is encountered in the field, the system quickly captures external measurements and immediately generates predicted organ locations, providing reliable anatomical information without requiring time-consuming imaging procedures or relying on over-generalized knowledge
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomy visualization device may include a display, an optical sensor, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be configured to capture, via the optical sensor, body registration points on a body of an individual, receive external anatomical measurements of the body, apply the external anatomical measurements to a body shape model, and determine an organ placement prediction for the body based on the application of external anatomical measurements to the body shape model. The organ placement prediction may include organ position information, organ size information, and organ shape information for a plurality of organs. The processing circuitry may also align the organ placement prediction with the body registration points and render, on the display, the organ placement prediction in alignment with the body registration points as an augmented reality object on the body.