Abstract: Alignment systems and devices are provided for controlling the alignment of an optical payload. In some embodiments, an optical positioning system is provided that includes a yoke supporting an optical payload. The yoke, which includes a plurality of articulated segments and associated pivot joints, is mechanically coupled to the optical payload, such that when the optical payload is oriented in a given direction, such as towards a distal target, the optical payload is rotatable about a distal pivot axis associated with a distal pivot joint of the yoke. The pivot joints of the yoke may be configured such that the rotation axis associated with a given pivot joint passes sufficiently close to a respective center of mass of a distalward portion of the optical alignment system beyond the given pivot joint, such that the position and orientation of the optical payload is maintained in the absence of external forces.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of partial surface models from volumetric datasets for subsequent registration of such partial surface models to surface topology datasets. Specifically, given an object that is imaged using surface topology imaging and another volumetric modality, the volumetric dataset is processed in combination with an approach viewpoint to generate one or more partial surfaces of the object that will be visible to the surface topology imaging system. This procedure can eliminate internal structures from the surfaces generated from volumetric datasets, thus increases the similarity of the dataset between the two different modalities, enabling improved and quicker registration.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for tracking a position and orientation of a handheld implement, such that the handheld implement may be trackable with an overhead tracking system. A support member secures one or more markers relative to a longitudinal portion of the handheld implement, and a marker plane containing the markers is orientated an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion. A marker assembly may include a support member for supporting the markers, and a connector for removably attaching the marker assembly to one or more handheld implements. The marker assembly may be configured to be removably attachable to a plurality of connection adapters, where each connection adapter is further connectable to a handheld implement, optionally at a calibrated position, such that a single connection adapter can be optionally employed to track a plurality of handheld implements. The handheld implement may be a medical instrument.