Tracked Pointer Input for Sterile Computer-Assisted Surgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer-assisted surgical systems face inefficiencies in providing input or feedback due to the use of hand-held controllers or touch-screen monitors, which can compromise sterility, limit user mobility, and require constant attention away from the surgical site.

Innovation Solution

A surgical system that incorporates a tracking system and a tracked pointer, allowing users to input data by positioning the tracked pointer at specific locations on the anatomy, which are defined relative to anatomical landmarks, thereby eliminating the need for direct interaction with a display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a touch-screen monitor is used for input, then input capability is provided, but sterility is compromised and user mobility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidsterility contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A tracked pointer device serves as an intermediary between the user and the surgical system. The pointer, equipped with tracking markers, allows users to interact with the system by pointing at anatomical locations or display elements, eliminating the need to touch the monitor while maintaining input capability. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by providing touchless input through spatial positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical touch interaction with the monitor is replaced by a tracking-based interaction system. Instead of physical contact with the display device, users employ hand gestures and pointer positioning that are detected by optical or electromagnetic tracking systems. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with non-sterile surfaces while maintaining full input functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a hand-held controller is used for input, then input capability is provided, but user mobility is limited due to physical wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoiduser mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The physical wiring connection is replaced by wireless tracking technology. The hand-held controller or pointer device communicates with the surgical system through optical or electromagnetic signals rather than physical cables. This enables users to move freely within the operating room while maintaining input capability, as the tracking system detects the device's position and orientation without mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, wire-constrained controller to a dynamic, wirelessly tracked input device. The controller can be freely positioned and moved in three-dimensional space while the tracking system continuously updates its position. This dynamic approach eliminates the mobility restrictions imposed by physical wiring while maintaining reliable input capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a touch-screen monitor is used for input, then input capability is provided, but user attention is diverted from the surgical site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidattention diversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The input interface is merged with the anatomical field of view. By projecting selection options or display elements directly onto or near the anatomical site, or by having the tracked pointer interact with a virtual interface superimposed on the anatomy, users can provide input without turning their attention away from the surgical site. The input mechanism becomes part of the visual field rather than a separate task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250025243A1Computer input method using a digitizer as an input device

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 THINK SURGICAL INC

AI summary

A system and method are provided that supplies computer inputs using a tracked pointer as an input device during computer-assisted surgery. The system and method provides input or feedback to a computer-assisted surgical device. The system and method utilizes a tracking system for tracking one or more devices in an operating room. The devices include a tracked pointer to input data into a computing system using the anatomy as a reference for selecting an input. The tracked pointer inputs data into the computing system based on the position of the tracked pointer relative to a selection location defined with respect to the anatomy.