Natural Feature Tracking for Surgical Tool Calibration Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tracking systems for surgical navigation rely on external cameras and multiple markers, which are cumbersome and less accurate when used in close proximity to surgical tools, especially in sterile environments, and lack effective calibration verification methods.
Innovation Solution
An optical tracking system that utilizes natural features of surgical tools, combined with pre-loaded information and simultaneous target tracking, to calculate pose and provide real-time confidence metrics for calibration verification, ensuring accurate and reliable surgical navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external cameras and multiple markers are used for optical tracking, then positional guidance can be provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and less accurate in close proximity to surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from external cameras and markers, embedding an optical sensor directly on the surgical tool. This eliminates the need for separate external tracking infrastructure and reduces system complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical tracking sensor with the surgical tool body, creating an integrated system. This merging of functions allows the tool to both perform surgery and track its own position, reducing the overall system complexity and improving accuracy in close proximity to the surgical site
2Measurement precision
If external cameras are used for tracking, then positional measurements can be obtained, but accuracy deteriorates in close proximity to surgical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses natural features of the surgical tool itself as an intermediary for tracking, rather than relying on external markers. This allows the optical sensor to track the tool's position accurately even when in close proximity, as the tool's own features serve as the reference
3Reliability
If traditional optical tracking systems are used, then positional guidance is provided, but calibration verification is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the tool's position and compares it with expected values. A confidence metric is generated based on this comparison, providing real-time feedback on calibration accuracy and allowing for verification of the tracking system's reliability
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 accuracy and reliability of surgical navigation by leveraging natural features of tools, allowing for precise positional measurements and real-time calibration verification, reducing errors and improving surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured for attachment to a tool at a known positional relationship... the sensor configured to generate an optical sensor image of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for use in tracking are described, using optical modalities to detect spatial attributes or natural features of objects, such as, tools and patient anatomy. Spatial attributes or natural features may be known or may be detected by the tracking system. The system, methods and devices can further be used to verify a calibration of a tool either by a computing unit or by a user. Further, the disclosure relates to detection of spatial attributes, including depth information, of the anatomy for purposes of registration or to create a 3D surface profile of the anatomy.