Controlling a surgical navigation system

US10064693B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Brainlab AG · DE

Inventors

• Rainer Birkenbach · Erding, DE
• Alexander Urban · Gifhorn, DE
• Alexander Druse · Munich, DE
• Axel Besinger · Bad Zwischenahn, DE
• Alexander Schaal · Dachau, DE
• Till Gerken · Munich, DE
• Georg Christian · Munich, DE
• Christian Lechner · Jesenwang, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 29, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 4, 2018
• Expiry date: Nov 29, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3945
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Provided is a method for controlling a surgical navigation system. A detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user is associated with a surgical navigation system, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and user gestures are used as said control inputs. A gesture or a initiating user gesture defines a virtual volume surrounding the initiating gesture's limits, and further predetermined gestures made in the virtual volume are recognized as a control input. Also provided is a control system for a surgical navigation system. The navigation system is associated with a detection unit for detecting system control inputs made by a user, the navigation system is controlled in accordance with the control inputs, and the detection unit includes a gesture detection system for detecting user gestures.