Robotized Arm Anatomical Surface Scanning Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for acquiring and resetting anatomical surfaces during surgical operations lack accuracy and adaptability, relying heavily on manual processes that introduce human error and are not reproducible, limiting the precision and reliability of surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A method combining manual preliminary identification of anatomical points with a robotized arm to create a reference frame, followed by automatic scanning and surface resetting, allowing for increased accuracy and adaptability by determining a scanning zone and using a robotized arm as a reference frame for both anatomical surface localization and surgical instrument positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual scanning with a pointer is used to identify anatomical surfaces, then the process is simple and flexible, but the accuracy and reproducibility are limited due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
A robotized arm acts as an intermediary between the operator and the scanning process. The arm carries a pointer that automatically follows a pre-calculated path to scan anatomical surfaces, eliminating manual positioning errors while maintaining system simplicity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of automation level during the scanning process. Initially, the operator defines the scanning path manually, then the robotized arm executes the scan automatically, transforming a manual process into an automated one to improve precision without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If markers are positioned on the skin to assist scanning, then the localization of anatomical points is improved, but the markers can move or detach due to skin elasticity and require shaving
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts the dependency on physical markers by using a robotized arm to directly scan and identify anatomical points on the skin surface without requiring any attachments. This eliminates the harmful effects of marker movement and skin preparation while maintaining localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical markers on the skin, the system creates a digital model (copy) of the anatomical surface through laser scanning. This virtual representation serves the same purpose as physical markers without the associated problems of movement or detachment
3Reliability
If a robotized arm is used for automatic scanning, then the reproducibility and precision are improved, but the adaptability to different patient morphologies and manual adjustments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operator performs preliminary actions by manually positioning the robotized arm to define the scanning path and select anatomical landmarks before the automatic scan begins. This preliminary manual setup ensures adaptability to each patient's unique anatomy, while the subsequent automatic execution guarantees reproducibility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines dynamic manual positioning capabilities with automatic scanning execution. The robotized arm can be manually repositioned and reprogrammed for different patient morphologies, then executes standardized scanning sequences automatically, achieving both adaptability and reliability through this dynamic hybrid operation mode
4Loss of time
If only a limited number of anatomical points are scanned manually, then the scanning time is reduced, but the quality of surface resetting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotized arm enables continuous scanning of anatomical surfaces without the interruptions and time losses associated with manual repositioning. The automated system continuously collects data points along the defined path, significantly reducing scanning time while capturing sufficient anatomical detail for high-quality surface resetting
Data Source
AI summary
The method for the automated and assisted acquisition of anatomical surfaces includes a first acquisition of the surfaces undertaken in order to create a first numerical model and a perioperative second acquisition undertaken by scanning the surfaces in order to create a second numerical model for identifying the coordinates of the surfaces. The surfaces are supported by a robotic arm; and then the models are brought into correspondence by resetting. The scanning in the second acquisition includes making a preliminary identification of the coordinates of noteworthy points on the surfaces manually, assisted by the robotic arm, and the identifying parts a the points, in order to construct a reference frame and to determine a scanning region; creating an intermediate model from the reference frame and at least one of the points; preliminary resetting the first model with the second model; and automatically scanning the determined zone.