Variable-Opacity AR Headset for In-Field Surgical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer-assisted navigation systems in surgery require surgeons to turn away from the patient and surgical instrument to view navigation information, rely on others to operate equipment, and experience intermittent tracking disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) headset with a see-through display and opacity filter, allowing surgeons to view real-world and AR images simultaneously, and control surgical equipment directly, while an AR headset controller provides navigation guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If surgeons use traditional navigation display systems, then navigation information can be displayed, but surgeons must turn away from the patient and surgical instrument to view the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions navigation information from a separate 2D display screen to a 3D augmented reality overlay that appears to float in the surgical field of view. The AR headset projects navigation images, anatomical models, and instrument trajectories into the surgeon's visual space, allowing simultaneous viewing of both the patient and navigation data without head movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR headset acts as an intermediary device between the navigation system and the surgeon's eyes. It captures the real-world surgical view through cameras and superimposes digital navigation information onto this view, creating a composite augmented reality display that merges physical and digital information layers.
2Ease of manufacture
If surgeons rely on other personnel to operate navigation equipment, then equipment operation is handled, but surgeon autonomy and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables surgeons to directly control navigation equipment and access navigation information through the AR headset interface. Voice commands, hand gestures, or headset controls allow surgeons to query anatomical structures, adjust navigation parameters, and retrieve instrument trajectories without leaving the surgical field or relying on assistant personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR headset serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays navigation information, provides real-time instrument tracking, offers anatomical visualization, and enables equipment control. This multi-functional device consolidates what previously required separate equipment and personnel into a single integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If tracking components are used to track surgical instruments, then navigation accuracy is improved, but intermittent pauses occur when personnel or objects obstruct the tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts tracking methods based on environmental conditions. When optical tracking is obstructed by personnel or equipment, the system automatically switches to alternative tracking modes such as inertial measurement units (IMUs) on surgical instruments, RFID tags, or other non-line-of-sight tracking technologies to maintain continuous navigation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements redundant tracking components and multiple tracking modalities in advance to prevent tracking interruptions. By having backup tracking methods ready before obstructions occur, the system ensures continuous navigation information flow without pauses or loss of surgical guidance.
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 usability and ergonomics by enabling surgeons to view and manipulate navigation information without turning away, reducing reliance on others, and maintaining continuous tracking during surgery.
Implementation Method 1
a see-through display screen configured to display an AR image and to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough for viewing by the user
Implementation Method 2
The opacity filter is configured to provide opaqueness to light from the real-world scene
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system includes an AR headset and a AR headset controller. The AR headset is configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure and has a see-through display screen configured to display an AR image and to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough for viewing by the user. The AR headset also includes an opacity filter positioned between at least one of the user's eyes and the real-world scene when the see-through display screen is viewed by the user. The opacity filter provides opaqueness to light from the real-world scene. The AR headset controller communicates with a navigation controller to receive navigation information from the navigation controller which provides guidance to the user during the surgical procedure on an anatomical structure, and generates the AR image based on the navigation information for display on the see-through display screen.