Abstract: A method for using a medical navigation system to identify an instrument to be navigated is provided, wherein the instrument includes a reference array having a plurality of markers that form a rigid body, and a location of the markers with respect to each other is not previously known in the navigation system as a characteristic arrangement for a particular instrument. The method includes measuring a distance of each marker relative to the other markers; identifying a spatial arrangement of the markers having the measured distance as an assignable marker array; assigning the assignable marker array to the instrument; and identifying the instrument based on the assigned marker array.

Abstract: An image generating device for an optical, in particular medical tracking system, for determining the position of a recorded image point, includes a light scattering effect generating device, in particular a star and/or cross effect generating device. The invention further provides a tracking system including such an image generating device and to a method for determining the position of a recorded image point using an optical, in particular medical tracking system, in which: an image is generated using an image generating device; a light scattering effect, in particular a star and/or cross effect, is generated on the image for predetermined image points; and in which the position of an image point is ascertained on the basis of the light scattering pattern projected on the image, in particular on the basis of the star and/or cross effect lines and/or their intersection points.

Abstract: A medical laser target marker includes a retro-reflector for receiving and reflecting light, at least one first medical tracking marker, and at least one second medical tracking marker. The at least one first medical tracking marker is arranged on the laser target marker and has a first functional configuration. The at least one second medical tracking marker is arranged on the laser target marker and has a second functional configuration different from the first functional configuration.

Abstract: A medical tracking and appliance control system includes a medical tracking system having a camera array and an infrared light source, and at least one medical appliance controllable via infrared signals or operative to exchange data via infrared signals. The infrared light source of the medical tracking system is operable to provide wireless control and/or data exchange with the medical appliance.

Abstract: A method for adjusting parameters of a calibration model in a position sensing system including a sensor for obtaining a measurement indicative of a location of an object, the method including: a) providing an initial set of model parameters for determining a relationship between a sensor measurement and a location value within a predetermined volume of location values; b) selecting a plurality of sub-segments of location values within the range of location values; c) providing for each of the selected plurality of sub-segments of location values a local set of model parameters for determining a relationship between a sensor measurement and a location value within the selected sub-segment of location values; d) obtaining a measurement from the sensor; e) determining an estimate of the location of the object from the sensor measurement and the initial set of model parameters; and f) identifying at least one of the selected sub-segments of location values related to the estimate of the location of the object.

Abstract: A method for tracking at least one medical marker is provided, wherein actual properties of the at least one marker are compared with nominal properties of the at least one marker. A basis for subsequent use of information obtained from the at least one marker is formed based on the comparison.

Abstract: A medical instrument identification system for identifying a medical instrument from a plurality of medical instruments includes at least one optical sensor for detecting features of the at least one medical instrument, and a data processing device operatively coupled to the at least one optical sensor. The data processing device is operative to use videometric pattern recognition to identify the at least one medical instrument based on the detected features, wherein the optical sensor and the data processing device are assigned to a medical instrument tracking system.

Abstract: A combined operation lamp image detecting system includes an operation lamp attached to a movable mount, and at least one camera arranged in a fixed, known and/or detectable positional relationship relative to the operation lamp. The moveable mount includes actuators that are controlled on the basis of image signals detected by the camera so as to maintain shadow free illumination of a workspace.

Abstract: A positional marker system is disclosed. The positional marker system includes at least one light-emitting or light-reflecting marker that can be positionally detected by an optical tracking system, such as a medical tracking system, wherein the emitting and/or reflecting portion of the marker or markers is formed as a point light source and/or point light reflector.