Surgical Camera Tracking Bar with Multi-Baseline Stereo Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera tracking systems for computer-assisted navigation during surgery are prone to intermittent pauses and reduced tracking accuracy due to objects being moved outside the tracking area or obstructed by personnel and equipment, necessitating improvements in tracking reliability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A camera tracking bar with dual sets of stereo tracking cameras having different resolutions and field of views, positioned with varying baseline distances, and a communication interface to enhance tracking capabilities, allowing for improved object tracking and navigation during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single stereo camera system is used for tracking, then the device complexity is low, but the tracking reliability deteriorates when objects are obstructed or moved outside tracking area
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking bar is segmented into multiple sections, each containing stereo camera pairs with different baselines. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in tracking objects at different distances, improving overall tracking reliability while distributing system complexity across modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stereo camera systems with different baseline distances are merged into a single tracking bar assembly. This combination enables the system to track objects across a wider range of distances simultaneously, enhancing reliability without requiring separate tracking devices.
2Measurement precision
If a single stereo camera pair with fixed baseline is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when tracking objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the tracking bar have stereo camera pairs with locally optimized baseline distances. Cameras with larger baselines are positioned for distant object tracking, while cameras with smaller baselines are positioned for near object tracking, ensuring high measurement precision across all distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different stereo camera pairs based on the distance to the tracked object. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal measurement precision for objects at varying distances without requiring physical reconfiguration.
3Measurement precision
If multiple stereo camera pairs with different baselines are used, then the tracking accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each stereo camera pair on the tracking bar is designed to be multi-functional, capable of tracking objects at various distances. The system can selectively activate different camera pairs based on tracking needs, making the entire assembly a universal tracking solution that reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.
4Reliability
If the tracking area is limited to a single camera field of view, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates when objects move outside the tracking area
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking bar extends the tracking area along the longitudinal dimension by positioning multiple stereo camera pairs at different locations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to track objects that move along the length of the surgical site without losing tracking reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera tracking bar of a camera tracking system for computer assisted surgery navigation. The camera tracking bar includes a first set of stereo tracking cameras having first resolution, first field of view, and spaced apart on the camera tracking bar by a first baseline distance. The camera tracking bar also includes a second set of stereo tracking cameras having second resolution, second field of view, and spaced apart on the camera tracking bar by a second baseline distance that is less than the first baseline distance. The second set of stereo tracking cameras is positioned between the first set of stereo tracking cameras, and the resolution and/or the field of view of the second set of stereo tracking cameras is different from the resolution and/or the field of view of the first set of stereo tracking cameras. A communication interface provides camera video streams to the camera tracking subsystem.