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: 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: 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: The present invention involves a vectorized multi-material fiducial reference for use in tracking on a user-calibration free basis a non-visible scan-detectable structure of a body as part of a three-dimensional tracking system. The fiducial consists of scan-detectable elements embedded within the body of the fiducial, the body being formed of a material compatible with the tracked body. The scan-detectable elements are embedded in a rotationally asymmetric pattern in the fiducial with to an accuracy compatible with surgery. A vectorized tracking marker may be attached directly or indirectly to the fiducial. The system employs a controller in communication with a non-stereo optical tracker to track in real time the marker and thereby the fiducial based on a prior scan of the surgical site with the fiducial attached. A method for manufacturing the fiducial employs pins to hold the scan-detectable elements accurately in position while forming the body of the fiducial around the elements.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and associated software program and computing system that employ a user interface for searching information referenced on a display of the computing system. When the computing system displays on a display device an on-display reference to a body of information accessible to the computing system, then, when an on-display indicator of an input device to the computing system coincides with at least a first portion of the on display reference, a least a second portion of the on display reference is automatically replaced by a search box configured for searching the body of information. The method is directed to the sparing use and decluttering of precious on-display screen area of display devices.

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: 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: 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 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. 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: 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 position monitoring system comprises a fiducial reference, a tracker for obtaining image information of surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database with scan data of the surgical site with the fiducial reference fixed to the site. Uniquely identifiable tracking markers are fixed to the fiducial reference and to a surgical instrument. The computer determines the relative positions and orientations of the markers based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays on one or more display systems the current position and orientation of the fiducial reference and the surgical implement. The computer further has a database of instrument gestures and corresponding executable functions. When a user manipulates the surgical implement to form a recognizable predetermined instrument gesture, the computer recognizes the gesture in the live image information and automatically executes the corresponding function.

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. 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 position monitoring system comprises a fiducial reference, a tracker for obtaining image information of surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database with scan data of the surgical site with the fiducial reference fixed to the site. Uniquely identifiable tracking markers are fixed to the fiducial reference and to a surgical implement. The computer determines the relative positions and orientations of the markers based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays on one or more display systems the current position and orientation of the fiducial reference and the surgical implement. The computer renders on the one or more display systems a surgical guidance graphic user interface showing planned and actual locations for the surgical implement to impinge on the area of surgical patient, an allowed range of angles of incidence for the surgical implement, and an actual instantaneous angle of incidence of the surgical implement.

Abstract: A surgical site monitoring system and associated method of use employ a single scan-visible passive vectorized fiducial reference attached at a fiducial location near a surgical site. A passive vectorized tracking marker is attached to the fiducial reference. Passive vectorized tracking markers may also be attached to surgical implements used at the surgical site. A scan prior to a surgical procedure with the fiducial reference attached is used to obtain scan data of the surgical site. A tracker obtains image information about the tracking markers and surgical implements. The system and method employ the scan data and image information to track the surgery and the surgical implements relative to the surgical site. The system and method use either markings on or shapes of the tracking markers to determine from the image information the relative 3D locations and orientations of the surgical implements and fiducial reference.