Electromagnetic Sensor Correction for Robotic Surgery Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic surgical systems face interference issues with electromagnetic sensors due to materials with electromagnetic signatures, leading to distorted position and orientation reporting, which compromises surgical precision.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that maps and corrects distortion patterns in electromagnetic sensors using neural networks to predict and compensate for positional interference by recording and learning from repeated distortions, ensuring accurate anatomical positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic sensors are used for positioning in robotic surgery, then positioning capability is provided, but interference and distortion occur due to materials with electromagnetic signatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary correction system that includes a database of distortion maps and a correction algorithm. This intermediary layer processes the raw sensor data by comparing it against pre-computed distortion maps and applying corrections, thereby mediating between the interfered sensor measurements and the required accurate positioning information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-computing distortion maps for various surgical tools and configurations before the actual surgical procedure. These distortion maps are stored in a database and retrieved during surgery to correct sensor readings in real-time, avoiding the need to recompute corrections during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If surgical tools made of non-radio translucent materials are used, then surgical functionality is achieved, but sensor interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool manufacturabilityVSAvoidsensor positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful electromagnetic interference caused by surgical tools into a beneficial correction signal. By measuring the distortion patterns created by the tools and using these same patterns to calculate correction factors, the system transforms the interference from a purely detrimental effect into a useful source of correction data that improves positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter approach by transitioning from raw sensor coordinates to corrected coordinates through the application of distortion maps. The system modifies the positional parameters by adjusting them based on the measured distortion characteristics, thereby compensating for the interference caused by the surgical tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If distortion correction systems are implemented, then positioning accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidcorrection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces operational complexity during surgery by performing all heavy computational tasks beforehand. The distortion maps are pre-computed and stored, so during the actual surgical procedure, the system only needs to retrieve and apply pre-computed corrections rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing the computational burden during critical surgical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified correction model by copying and storing distortion characteristics in pre-computed distortion maps. Instead of performing complex real-time distortion analysis, the system uses these pre-generated copies of distortion data to quickly correct sensor readings, thereby reducing the computational complexity required during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enhances positional accuracy of surgical tools to within 1 mm precision by real-time correction of sensor distortions, improving surgical precision and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Materials with electromagnetic signatures impact the magnetic field which is generated by the NDI transmitter. This impact causes distortions in the sensor frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12521187B2System and method for reducing interference in positional sensors for robotic surgery

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 GLOBUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

The invention involves a system and method for increasing positional accuracy of surgical systems that utilize magnetic or electromagnetic sensors to provide positional awareness to a surgeon or robot performing the surgery. The system takes advantage of electromagnetic tracking through sensors. These sensors are very accurate and repeatable, while being compact enough to not inhibit surgical procedures. The accuracy and repeatability of the sensors is <1 mm within a predetermined 6 inch×6 inch performance motion box. The system is constructed and arranged to map the distortion patterns of the sensor and, in real time, correct the distortion pattern to provide accurate location of anatomical structures for performance of a surgery.