Reflective Tracking Markers with Non-Reflective Contrast Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking systems face errors in accurately tracking objects in 3D space due to excessive and overlapping tracking markers, leading to confusion for the tracking algorithm, especially when markers are partially hidden or overlap, causing incorrect marker recognition and requiring excessive markers to compensate for errors.

Innovation Solution

A contrast system comprising tracking markers with coupling features and optically non-reflective contrast elements that enhance optical contrast and minimize false detection by integrating with a background object, such as a surgical drape, to improve tracking accuracy and reduce the need for excessive markers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an excessive number of tracking markers are used to compensate for tracking errors, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and false detection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of tracking markers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies optical contrast enhancement by making the background object optically non-reflective (black or dark) while keeping tracking markers reflective. This creates high visual contrast between markers and background, allowing the tracking camera to clearly distinguish markers without confusion, thereby improving tracking reliability without requiring excessive markers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of background objects (drapes, equipment) that previously caused false marker detection into a beneficial contrast-enhancing element. By making the background optically non-reflective, it now serves to highlight and emphasize the reflective tracking markers, turning a source of error into a tracking aid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If tracking markers are arranged in a 3D geometric pattern around a large shape, then 3D tracking coverage is improved, but partial eclipse and overlapping occur causing erroneous observation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D tracking coverageVSAvoidmarker observation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The high optical contrast between reflective markers and non-reflective background enables the tracking camera to accurately identify marker boundaries and positions even when markers are partially occluded or overlapping. The contrast ensures that markers remain distinguishable from the background and from each other, maintaining measurement precision in 3D space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The optically non-reflective background acts as an intermediary that facilitates clear separation between tracking markers. By absorbing light rather than reflecting it, the background mediates the visual field to prevent false detections and ensure accurate marker position measurement, even in complex orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the background object is made optically non-reflective, then optical contrast is enhanced, but the background object becomes less visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical contrastVSAvoidbackground object visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately changes the optical properties of the background object to be non-reflective (black or dark), accepting reduced visibility as a necessary trade-off. This creates high contrast that enables accurate marker detection, and the background object remains functionally visible enough to serve its surgical or medical purpose without causing tracking interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

The system provides reliable tracking data by enhancing optical detection, reducing false marker detection, and improving tracking reliability by ensuring accurate marker recognition and visibility, even in complex orientations and partial eclipse conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an optically non-reflective feature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10605875B2Contrast system and methods for reflective markers

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A contrast system and methods for improving optical detection during a medical procedure, the system involving: a tracking marker, each tracking marker comprising a tracking marker coupling feature; and a contrast element, each contrast element comprising a contrast element coupling feature and an optically non-reflective feature, the contrast element coupling feature configured to complement the tracking marker coupling feature, each contrast element configured to respectively accommodate, by backing, each tracking marker, and contrast element configured to respectively facilitate coupling each tracking marker with a trackable object through a background object via at least one of a contrast element fastening feature and a trackable object fastening feature, whereby at least one of optical contrast and imaging in relation to the tracking marker and the background object is enhanced, false detection of the tracking marker is minimized, and optical detection of the tracking marker is improved.