Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for determining the 3D location and orientation of a fiducial reference comprises disposing the fiducial reference so as to render a part of the fiducial reference observable by a tracker; obtaining from the tracker scan data of the part of the fiducial reference that is observable by the tracker; obtaining predetermined geometric information about location points on the fiducial reference, the geometric information containing three-dimensional coordinates of the location points relative to the structure of the fiducial reference; identifying within the scan data at least three location points having coordinates in the predetermined geometric information; and determining from the scan data and the coordinates of the three identified location points in the predetermined geometric information the 3D location and orientation of the fiducial reference.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the object and instruments in its vicinity, all bearing 3D tracking markers with at least one pattern segment. A controller spatially relates image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. Scan data and image information is used by the controller to provide the user with real time information on relative 3D locations and orientations of instruments and the non-visible structure of the body. The monitoring system may be used to model and track changes in the body itself. A model of the body and instruments is used to track contemplated actions and warn about possibly inappropriate instrument procedures.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical site monitoring system and associated method of use employing vectorized 3D-tracking markers attached to a single vectorized fiducial reference and to a surgical site imaging sensor. A tracker obtains image information about both tracking markers and uses either the markings on or shapes of the tracking markers to determine from the image information the 3D locations and orientations of the imaging sensor and of the fiducial reference fixed to the surgical site. A scan taken of the surgical site prior to a surgical procedure with the fiducial reference attached allows live images of the surgery site to be sourced from the imaging sensor and to be overlaid in real time on a 3D model of the surgical site.

Abstract: A position monitoring system comprises a single composite fiducial reference comprised of a fiducial key and a fiducial extension rigidly and removably attached to the fiducial key, a tracker for obtaining image information of the surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database. The computer has scan data of an area of a surgical patient with the fiducial reference fixed to the area by a multipodal surgical screw fixture. A uniquely identifiable first marker is attached to the fiducial key in a predetermined fixed relative position and orientation. The computer determines the relative position and orientation of the marker based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays the current position and orientation of the composite fiducial reference to the scan data during a surgical procedure. Further implements at the surgical site may bear further markers that may be tracked.

Abstract: A surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the monitoring system may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure. In a further embodiment the monitoring system can be used to model and track the changes in the surgical site itself.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the object and instruments in its vicinity, all bearing 3D tracking markers. A controller spatially relates image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. The scan data and image information is used by the controller to provide the user with real time information on the relative 3D locations and orientations of instruments and non-visible structure of the body. In a further embodiment the monitoring system may be used to model and track changes in the body itself. In other embodiments, a model of the body and instruments is used to track contemplated actions and warn about possibly inappropriate instrument procedures.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method which allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the hardware may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically focusing imaging devices on an imaging set employs at least one tracker and two or more tracking markers, each tracking marker having an identification means and a tracking pattern. The tracking markers are configured for attaching to the imaging devices and to corresponding subjects to be imaged. A tracker gathers image information of the imaging set and provides it to a controller, which compares the image information to predetermined stored information about the tracking patterns of the various tracking markers. The tracking markers are identified and their three-dimensional positions determined. The distances between the imaging devices and the subjects are determined and the distances between the imaging devices and the subjects are calculated. This provides the focus setting information for communication to the imaging devices. The tracking patterns may have no rotational symmetry, allowing the orientation of subjects to be determined.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system comprises one or more pattern tags, each comprising a plurality of contrasting portions, a tracker for obtaining image information about the pattern tags, a database with geometric information describing patterns on pattern tags; and a controller for receiving and processing the image information from the tracker, accessing the database to retrieve geometric information, and comparing the image information with the geometric information. The contrasting portions are arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern and at least one of the contrasting portions on a pattern tag comprising a perimeter with a polygonal shape. The pattern tags may be borne on tracking markers that have a three-dimensional shaped surface. The tracking system can be implemented in a surgical monitoring system in which the pattern tags are attached to tracking markers or are themselves tracking markers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system comprises one or more pattern tags, each comprising a plurality of contrasting portions, a tracker for obtaining image information about the pattern tags, a database with geometric information describing patterns on pattern tags; and a controller for receiving and processing the image information from the tracker, accessing the database to retrieve geometric information, and comparing the image information with the geometric information. The contrasting portions are arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern and at least one of the contrasting portions on a pattern tag has a perimeter that has a mathematically describable curved section. The pattern tags may be borne on tracking markers that have a three-dimensional shaped surface. The tracking system can be implemented in a surgical monitoring system in which the pattern tags are attached to tracking markers or are themselves tracking markers.

Abstract: A position monitoring system comprises a single composite fiducial reference comprised of a fiducial key and a fiducial extension rigidly and removably attached to the fiducial key, a tracker for obtaining image information of the surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database. The computer has scan data of an area of a surgical patient with the fiducial reference fixed to the area by a multipodal surgical screw fixture. A uniquely identifiable first marker is attached to the fiducial key in a predetermined fixed relative position and orientation. The computer determines the relative position and orientation of the marker based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays the current position and orientation of the composite fiducial reference to the scan data during a surgical procedure. Further implements at the surgical site may bear further markers that may be tracked.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method which allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the hardware may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and orientation tracking system comprises one or more pattern tags, each comprising a plurality of contrasting portions, a tracker for obtaining image information about the pattern tags, a database with geometric information describing patterns on pattern tags; and a controller for receiving and processing the image information from the tracker, accessing the database to retrieve geometric information, and comparing the image information with the geometric information. The contrasting portions are arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern and at least one of the contrasting portions on a pattern tag has a perimeter that has a mathematically describable curved section. The perimeter of the contrasting portion may comprise a conic section, including for example an ellipse or a circle. The tracking system can be implemented in a surgical monitoring system in which the pattern tags are attached to tracking markers or are themselves tracking markers.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body and relatable non-visible structures in real time in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the body and its vicinity. A controller spatially relates the image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan, a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. The scan data and image information are used by the controller to provide the user with real time information about the relative 3D locations and orientations of the relatable non-visible structures and the non-visible structure of the body. Using three-dimensional tracking markers attached to the fiducial reference on the body and to the relatable non-visible structures, the system and method may be employed to track in three dimensions in real time a plurality of bodies having non-visible structure.

Abstract: A monitoring system tracks the non-visible structure of a body in three dimensions. A tracker obtains image information of the object and instruments in its vicinity, all bearing 3D tracking markers. A controller spatially relates the image information with previously obtained scan data of the object revealing non-visible structure of the object. For the scan a fiducial reference detectable in the scan is removably attached to a location on the object. The scan data and image information is used by the controller to provide the user with real time information on the relative 3D locations and orientations of the instruments and the non-visible structure of the body. In a further embodiment the monitoring system may be used to model and track the changes in the body itself. In other embodiments, a model of the body and instruments is used to track contemplated actions and warn about possibly inappropriate instrument procedures.

Abstract: A method for making an insert for a bone structure located within a surgical site comprises operating on the bone structure with a materials removing tool to remove materials from the bone structure; tracking in three dimensions the location and orientation of the bone structure; tracking in three dimensions the location and orientation of the working tip of the materials removing tool; creating a software model of the materials volume removed from the bone structure; and making the insert based on model data within the software model. An associated system comprises a controller and a tracker for tracking a 3-D tracking marker rigidly attached to the bone structure and a 3-D tracking marker rigidly attached to the materials removing tool. A manufacturing device is used to manufacture the insert based on the model data from the controller.

Abstract: A rigid positioning and orienting portion of a handheld apparatus has a three-dimensional tracking marker monolithically integrated within its structure, thereby making it possible to track the apparatus using a suitable a tracker. The tracker may track the position or orientation, or both, of the monolithically integrated tracking marker. The tracker may be a two-dimensional imaging tracker. The tracking marker may be monolithically integrated with a rigid positioning and orienting portion of the handheld apparatus during the manufacture of the rigid positioning and orienting portion of the handheld apparatus. In a surgical monitoring system the monolithically integrated tracking marker is trackable by a tracker and may have markings containing a plurality of contrasting portions arranged in a rotationally asymmetric pattern; wherein at least one of the contrasting portions has a perimeter that has a mathematically describable curved section recognizable to a controller in communication with the tracker.

Abstract: A surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. Tracker obtains image information, with controller configured to spatially relate image information with previously obtained scan data. Fiducial reference is configured for removably attaching to a location proximate a surgical site. The fiducial reference is observable by the tracker so that software of the controller determines three-dimensional location and orientation based on scan data and image data of the surgical site, spatially relating the image information to the scan data to determine the three-dimensional location and the orientation of the fiducial reference.