Patent · US Expired

Optical object tracking system

US6675040B1 · kind B1 · utility

162Cited by
106References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 26, 2000
Grant dateJan 6, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 26, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N2005/105
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Camera systems in combination with data processors, image scan data, and computers and associated graphic display provide tracking of instruments, objects, patients, and apparatus in a surgical, diagnostic, or treatment setting. Optically detectable objects are connected to instrumentation, a patient, or a clinician to track their position in space by optical detection systems and methods. The recognition of instruments by patterns of optically detectable structures provides data on three-dimensional position, orientation, and instrument type. Passive or active optical detection is possible via various light sources, reflectors, and pattern structures applicable in various clinical contexts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.