RF Surgical Positioning System Eliminates Line-of-Sight Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical positioning systems, particularly infrared optical positioning systems, face issues such as line-of-sight problems, size constraints, and cumbersome instruments due to dynamic reference frames, which hinder precise and efficient surgical operations.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency (RF) positioning system utilizing transceivers, positioning tags, processing units, and a computing host to calculate the position coordinates of tags through bidirectional RF signal transmission, eliminating the need for line-of-sight and reducing the size and weight of positioning equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared optical positioning systems with dynamic reference frames are used, then positioning capability is provided, but line-of-sight issues occur and operation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical positioning system with a radio frequency (RF) positioning system. Instead of using infrared optical signals that require line-of-sight transmission, the system uses RF signals that can penetrate tissues and do not require direct line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver, thereby eliminating the line-of-sight limitation while maintaining positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental transmission medium parameter from optical frequency to radio frequency. This parameter change allows the positioning system to operate without line-of-sight requirements, as RF waves can propagate through media that block optical waves, such as human tissue and surgical instruments
2Reliability
If dynamic reference frames with reflective spheres are mounted on patients and instruments, then positioning tracking is enabled, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from the bulky dynamic reference frame system. Instead of using large reflective spheres mounted on patients and instruments, the system uses compact RF transmitters and receivers that can be integrated into surgical instruments and worn by patients without adding significant weight or bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning approach where RF signals can be transmitted from fixed transmitters in the operating room to portable receivers on surgical instruments and patients. This eliminates the need for specialized heavy reflective spheres and enables positioning tracking for any instrument or body part, reducing overall system weight
3Reliability
If dynamic reference frames are installed on surgical instruments, then relative position tracking is achieved, but instrument complexity and maneuverability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical reference frame system with a wireless RF-based positioning system. Surgical instruments no longer need physical mounts for reflective spheres or optical trackers, allowing surgeons to manipulate instruments freely without mechanical constraints, while still achieving accurate relative position tracking through RF signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables surgical instruments to self-position and self-track without external mechanical reference frames. The instruments equipped with RF receivers automatically receive positioning data from fixed transmitters, eliminating the need for surgeons to manually adjust or attach heavy reference frames, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining tracking reliability
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 RF positioning system effectively determines the position and orientation of surgical instruments relative to the patient's affected area, enhancing surgical precision and reducing the complexity of surgical instruments, while avoiding line-of-sight limitations and radiation hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a radiating circuit connected to a radiating antenna, and the radiating circuit generating a transmission signal which is transmitted to the outside through the radiating antenna
Implementation Method 2
a receiving circuit connected to a receiving antenna, and through the receiving antenna, the receiving circuit receiving a modulated signal transmitted by the at least one positioning tag
Implementation Method 3
the tag circuit receiving the transmission signals transmitted by each transceiver through the corresponding tag antenna, mixing an identification code exclusive to the corresponding tag antenna with the received transmission signals to generate the modulated signals
Implementation Method 4
calculates a frequency difference between the transmission signal of the same transceiver and the received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) positioning system comprises transceivers, positioning tags, processing units and a computing host. One or multiple positioning tags are attached to a target object being located. When the transceivers first generate and transmit transmission signals, one or multiple tag antennas in the positioning tag receive the transmission signals and transmit back modulated signals. The transceivers then receive and transmit the modulated signals to the processing units. The processing units are configured to obtain received signals, and calculate frequency differences based on the received signals and the transmission signals. The computing host calculates position coordinates of tag antennas based on the frequency differences, and then calculates the orientation of the target object being located according to the position coordinates of the tag antennas.