Reference Point Reliability Evaluation for Surgical Video Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning surgical simulation images with real-time video during surgery are cumbersome due to the need for expensive sensors and limited space in operating rooms, and they either require complex calculations or do not accurately calculate reliability of movements within images.
Innovation Solution
A system that evaluates the movements of reference points within images by comparing sequential images to calculate a degree of reliability, allowing for accurate alignment of simulation data with real-time video without the need for expensive sensors, using imaging means, movement detecting means, and reliability calculating means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive sensors are used to detect movements of reference points for aligning simulation images with real-time video, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical sensors with a computational approach using image processing algorithms. The system detects movements of reference points by comparing sequential video frames through feature extraction and matching, eliminating the need for physical sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the surgical field by extracting and tracking reference points from video images. This virtual representation is then aligned with simulation data through computational transformations, replacing the need for physical sensing devices.
2Measurement precision
If markers are provided on the target of surgery to enable movement detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the markers may obstruct surgical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural visual features present in the surgical video footage itself as reference points. The system extracts distinctive features directly from the image content (such as anatomical landmarks or natural contrasts) without requiring any external markers, allowing the surgical field to serve its own measurement function.
3Measurement precision
If complex calculation methods are used to calculate reliability of movements, then reliability calculation accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates reliability selectively for each reference point based on local image characteristics and movement patterns, rather than performing exhaustive calculations on the entire surgical field. This partial approach maintains accuracy for critical points while reducing overall computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
An initial position aligning unit performs initial positional alignment of a video and simulation data, and a position aligning unit performs positional alignment of the video and the simulation data. A first movement detecting unit detects movements of reference points which are set within a first image of the video, and a second movement detecting unit detects movement of a camera. A degree of reliability calculating unit compares the first and second movements to calculate a degree of reliability with respect to the movements of each of the reference points.