Passive Tracking Marker Geometry for 3D Surgical Tool Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical monitoring systems lack precise tracking and orientation capabilities for interchangeable surgical implements, limiting the effectiveness of computer-aided surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a handheld implement with a passive vectorized tracking marker and a microchip that stores geometric information, allowing for precise tracking and orientation of interchangeable surgical tools through a non-stereo optical tracker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a surgical monitoring system uses traditional tracking methods, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the tracking precision and orientation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical implement is divided into interchangeable portions (working portions) and an invariant portion (handle with tracking marker). This segmentation allows the tracking system to remain simple while the working portions can be precisely tracked through the invariant handle's position and orientation data.
Solution Approach 2:
A microchip is introduced as an intermediary component that stores geometric information about the spatial relationship between the tracking marker and the working tip. This intermediary enables precise tracking without requiring complex real-time measurements of the entire implement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system tracks interchangeable surgical implements, then the versatility and adaptability improve, but the complexity of tracking and orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Geometric information about the spatial relationship between the tracking marker and each working portion is pre-stored in the microchip. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly adapt to different interchangeable portions without requiring complex calibration or reconfiguration during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invariant portion with the tracking marker serves as a universal base for multiple interchangeable working portions. The same tracking infrastructure can monitor different surgical tools by simply changing the working portion while the handle remains consistent.
3Manufacturing precision
If geometric information is stored in a microchip, then the measurement precision and tracking accuracy improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microchip containing geometric information can be associated with each interchangeable working portion. These can be manufactured as disposable or single-use components with pre-programmed geometric data, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating permanently modified implements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tool system comprising a handheld implement having a passive vectorized tracking marker permanently integrated with the implement at a predetermined location on the implement in a predetermined orientation with respect to the implement; and a database comprising geometric information describing the at least one of a rotationally asymmetric shape of the tracking marker and a rotationally asymmetric pattern disposed on the tracking marker. The system may further comprise: a tracker configured for obtaining image information about the tracking marker when the tracking marker is in a field of view of the tracker; and a controller having a processor and memory, the controller in communication with the database and the tracker, the processor programmable for receiving and processing image information from the tracker; accessing the database to retrieve the geometric information; and comparing the image information with the geometric information. The handheld implement may be three-dimensionally tracked by the tracker.