Abstract: A simplified system and method for synchronizing a three dimensional digitizers is disclosed. Various three dimensional digitizers utilize detected light sequences received from a probe as a synchronization signal negating the need for complex synchronization circuitry and communication signals. One embodiment utilizes no transmitted synchronization signal, but relies on embedded, high-stability clocks to maintain synchronization after initial one-time synchronization of the clocks. In this manner the design of the three dimensional digitizer may be simplified.

Abstract: A probe for use in a coordinate digitizing system includes an indicator, such as a pointing tip or crosshairs, and a marker, the location of which can be determined by a marker tracking system relative to a coordinate system. The probe is configured to effectively place the marker's virtual image—as seen by the tracker—at the same location as the indicator without blocking a user's view of the indicator.

Abstract: During preprogrammed medical treatment and remote controlled surgery tracking the movements of the body being treated and integrating those tracked movements with the preprogrammed/remote controlled treatment to arrive at an integrated modified treatment track and following that modified track during the treatment. The treating instrument may be a solid scalpel or high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, ultra sound, laser beams or the like.

Abstract: A simplified system and method for synchronizing a three dimensional digitizers is disclosed. Various three dimensional digitizers utilize detected light sequences received from a probe as a synchronization signal negating the need for complex synchronization circuitry and communication signals. One embodiment utilizes no transmitted synchronization signal, but relies on embedded, high-stability clocks to maintain synchronization after initial one-time synchronization of the clocks. In this manner the design of the three dimensional digitizer may be simplified.

Abstract: During preprogrammed medical treatment and remote controlled surgery tracking the movements of the body being treated and integrating those tracked movements with the preprogrammed/remote controlled treatment to arrive at an integrated modified treatment track and following that modified track during the treatment. The treating instrument may be a solid scalpel or high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, ultra sound, laser beams or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems enable accurate control of robotic treatments of internal features of a body by tracking movements of the exterior of the body. Such tracking enables programmed and automated or semi-automated surgical operations to compensate for movement of the patient's body during surgery. A tracking system that includes a marker, which may be disposable, that is attached to the body and accurately tracked in a three-dimensional coordinate system by a tracking system. Compensation for body movements may be accomplished by adjusting the movement or position of a surgical instrument, a surgical robot, a radiation source collimator and/or the operating room table. The markers may include a radiofrequency identifier (RFID) chip or memory chip that can be interrogated by the tracking system.

Abstract: A probe for use in a coordinate digitizing system includes an indicator, such as a pointing tip or crosshairs, and a marker, the location of which can be determined by a marker tracking system relative to a coordinate system. The probe is configured to effectively place the marker's virtual image—as seen by the tracker—at the same location as the indicator without blocking a user's view of the indicator.