Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An automated positioning system and methods of controlling the same. The positioning system includes a multi-joint positioning arm, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the positioning arm, a force-moment sensor (FMS) coupled to the end effector and a controller coupled to communicate with the positioning arm and the FMS. Using signals from the FMS, at least one external force or torque applied to the end effector is determined. A drive velocity for moving the end effector is determined, based on the at least one external force or torque. One or more joint movements of the positioning arm for moving the end effector is calculated, according to the drive velocity. The positioning arm is moved according to the one or more calculated joint movements.

Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.

Abstract: Trackable apparatuses and methods involving at least one arrangement of at least one trackable feature configured for disposition in relation to at least one substrate, each arrangement of the at least one arrangement having a distinct pattern of trackable features configured to facilitate determining at least one of: an identity of at least one object and at least one subject, a disposition of at least one object and at least one subject, a disposition between at least one object and at least one subject, and a disposition among at least one object and at least one subject, and each arrangement of the at least one arrangement configured to optimize tracking by a navigation tracking system, whereby at least one spatial relationship among the at least one object and the at least one subject is optimizable. The navigation tracking system is optionally multi-modal.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure. The imaging system includes an optical assembly including moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics. The system includes a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively. The system includes a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input. The system includes a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly. The system may be capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.

Abstract: An end effector is provided for connecting to a positioning arm of a positioning device of a medical navigation system. The end effector comprises a mating component for connecting to an output flange of the positioning arm, a handle portion having a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the mating component, the handle portion including a cable cut-out at the first end, and a camera mount connected to the second end of the handle portion.

Abstract: A contrast system and methods for improving optical detection during a medical procedure, the system involving: a tracking marker, each tracking marker comprising a tracking marker coupling feature; and a contrast element, each contrast element comprising a contrast element coupling feature and an optically non-reflective feature, the contrast element coupling feature configured to complement the tracking marker coupling feature, each contrast element configured to respectively accommodate, by backing, each tracking marker, and contrast element configured to respectively facilitate coupling each tracking marker with a trackable object through a background object via at least one of a contrast element fastening feature and a trackable object fastening feature, whereby at least one of optical contrast and imaging in relation to the tracking marker and the background object is enhanced, false detection of the tracking marker is minimized, and optical detection of the tracking marker is improved.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided having a positioning device having a positioning arm with a flange at the end of the positioning arm, a controller at least electrically coupled to the positioning device, and an end effector joystick controller for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory and a display. The end effector joystick controller includes a mating component for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm, and a joystick portion extending from the mating component.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided, comprising a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a tracking camera for tracking medical devices, and a display for displaying an image; an automated arm assembly electrically coupled to the computing device and controlled by a signal provided by the computing device, the automated arm assembly including a multi-joint arm having a distal end connectable to an effector that supports a surgical camera electrically coupled to the computing device; and a medical device having a tracking marker attachable to the medical device.

Abstract: An automated positioning system and methods of controlling the same. The positioning system includes a multi-joint positioning arm, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the positioning arm, a force-moment sensor (FMS) coupled to the end effector and a controller coupled to communicate with the positioning arm and the FMS. Using signals from the FMS, at least one external force or torque applied to the end effector is determined. A drive velocity for moving the end effector is determined, based on the at least one external force or torque. One or more joint movements of the positioning arm for moving the end effector is calculated, according to the drive velocity. The positioning arm is moved according to the one or more calculated joint movements.

Abstract: A motion-assisted positioning arm for a medical procedure. The positioning arm includes a base, an arm coupled to the base, and an end effector coupled to the arm. The arm includes a plurality of arm segments. The arm includes a plurality of joints for connecting the arm segments. The end effector may be manipulable with six degrees of freedom in a task-coordinate space based on motion by at least one joint in the plurality of joints. The positioning arm includes a processor to: detect manipulation of and determine forces or torques acting on the end effector; determine a surgical mode for constraining movement of the end effector in the task-coordinate space; determine an end effector velocity based on the determined forces or torques and the surgical mode for moving end effector; and apply at least one joint space movement based on the end effector velocity.

Abstract: A contrast system and methods for improving optical detection during a medical procedure, the system involving: at least one tracking marker, each at least one tracking marker comprising a tracking marker coupling feature; and at least one contrast element, each at least one contrast element comprising a contrast element coupling feature and an optically non-reflective feature, the contrast element coupling feature configured to complement the tracking marker coupling feature, each at least one contrast element configured to respectively accommodate, by backing, each at least one tracking marker, and each at least one contrast element configured to respectively facilitate coupling each at least one tracking marker with at least one trackable object through at least one background object via at least one of a contrast element fastening feature and a trackable object fastening feature, whereby at least one of optical contrast and imaging in relation to the at least one tracking marker and the at least one backg