Surgical Marker Tracking Using Single Image Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracking systems for robot surgery require two image forming units to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of markers, leading to increased manufacturing costs and restricted surgical space.
Innovation Solution
A tracking system using at least three markers, a reflector, and a single image forming unit that calculates three-dimensional coordinates by combining direct and reflection images, allowing for the determination of spatial position and direction of targets with pre-stored geometric information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two image forming units are used to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of markers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing images at different time points (t1 and t2) with a single image forming unit. The reflector is positioned at different locations (first position and second position) at different times, enabling the system to obtain multiple viewing angles through time-based dimensionality rather than requiring multiple simultaneous spatial sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector creates an optical copy or virtual image of the markers by reflecting light from the markers to the image forming unit. This allows a single physical sensor to effectively capture information from multiple virtual perspectives, replacing the need for multiple physical image forming units.
2Measurement precision
If two image forming units are used to track markers, then spatial position detection accuracy is improved, but the size of the tracking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple image forming units into a single device by combining spatial-temporal imaging with optical reflection. The single image forming unit captures images at different time points when the reflector is at different positions, effectively combining the capabilities of multiple sensors in one device.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the time dimension and using the reflector's movement to different positions, the system achieves multi-perspective imaging with a single sensor, reducing the spatial footprint while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If two image forming units are deployed for marker tracking, then navigation accuracy is improved, but restriction of surgical space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temporal dimension (different time points) and optical reflection to achieve multi-angle imaging, allowing accurate navigation tracking with a compact single-unit sensor that does not occupy excessive surgical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector creates virtual images of markers, enabling the single image forming unit to effectively track from multiple perspectives without requiring multiple physical sensors that would constrain surgical access and movement.
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
This approach reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes spatial restrictions by using a single image forming unit, resulting in a more compact and lightweight tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector which reflects light emitted from the makers or reflected light from the markers
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking system and method using the same is disclosed which is capable of minimizing a restriction of surgical space by achieving a lightweight of the system as well as a reduction of a manufacturing cost through calculating a three-dimensional coordinates of each of makers using one image forming unit. In the tracking system and method using the same, lights emitted from the markers are transferred to one image forming unit through two optical paths, an image sensor of the image forming unit forms two images (direct image and reflection image) of the two optical paths of the markers, and therefore, the system and method using the same has an effect of reducing a manufacturing cost of the tracking system with small and lightweight, and relatively low restriction of surgical space comparing with conventional tracking system since it is possible to calculate a spatial position and direction of the markers attached on a target by using one image forming unit.