Surgical Suite Device Locating With Optical Markers and Laser Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locating systems for medical devices in surgical suites lack precision and efficiency in determining the position and type of devices, particularly in distinguishing between movable and fixed devices, which can lead to collisions and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical markers coupled to medical devices, a 3D sensor to obtain initial position data, and a laser device to confirm subsequent position data, with a controller to determine device positions and types, enabling controlled movement along specific paths to avoid collisions and optimize device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sensor is used to obtain initial position data of optical markers, then the device type recognition is improved, but the position measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser device as an intermediary measurement tool to obtain subsequent position data of optical markers. This laser device acts as a mediator between the sensor and the final position determination, providing high-precision measurement capability that compensates for the sensor's limitations in position accuracy while maintaining its strength in device type recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on a single sensor system with a hybrid approach that substitutes optical/mechanical measurement (laser) for the initial sensor-based position data. This substitution enables high-precision position measurement by using laser triangulation or time-of-flight methods instead of relying solely on sensor inference.
2Productivity
If the medical device is moved within the surgical suite, then the flexibility and efficiency are improved, but the risk of collision with fixed devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously receives position data from both the sensor and laser device, monitors the movement trajectory, and provides real-time feedback to adjust the movement path. This feedback loop enables dynamic collision avoidance by comparing the current position with known positions of fixed devices and adjusting the movement accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent determines the movement path in advance before executing the device movement. The controller calculates a safe trajectory that avoids fixed devices based on initial position data and device characteristics, performing preliminary planning to prevent collisions before they occur, thereby enabling efficient movement without real-time intervention.
3Device complexity
If the controller determines device position using sensor data only, then the system complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from two different measurement sources: the sensor that provides initial position data and device type information, and the laser device that provides subsequent high-precision position data. The controller integrates these complementary data sources to achieve accurate positioning while maintaining reasonable system complexity by utilizing existing sensor infrastructure alongside the added laser measurement capability.
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 precise positioning and type recognition of medical devices, allowing for safe and efficient movement and adjustment, thereby enhancing operational safety and flexibility within the surgical suite.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is configured to obtain initial position data of the optical markers
Implementation Method 2
A laser device is configured to obtain subsequent position data of the optical markers
Data Source
AI summary
A locating system for a surgical suite includes optical markers coupled to a medical device. A sensor is configured to obtain an initial position data of the optical markers. A laser device is configured to obtain subsequent position data of the optical markers. A controller receives the initial position data from the sensor and the subsequent position data from the laser device. The controller is configured to determine a position of the medical device within the surgical suite and recognize a type of the medical device in response to the optical markers.