Navigation systems and methods for indicating and reducing line-of-sight errors

摘要

Navigation systems and methods used to track objects moving in space. One navigation system and method employs trackers having light emitters for indicating when line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors is obstructed or for other errors. Another navigation system and method instructs users on how to place a tracker with respect to an object to reduce line-of-sight issues during a surgical procedure.

主权项

1. A navigation system for tracking a plurality of objects, said navigation system comprising:
a sensor; a plurality of tracking devices attachable to the plurality of objects, with each of said tracking devices including:
a tracking head having a tracking body and a tracking element that is coupled to said tracking body and configured to transmit a tracking signal to said sensor to determine a position of one of the plurality of objects; andan error indicator supported by said tracking head and configured to indicate an error in said sensor receiving said tracking signal from said tracking element, said error indicator including a first light emitting diode attached to said tracking body and a second light emitting diode attached to said tracking body; a computing system configured to: determine if said sensor received said tracking signal from said tracking element, generate an error signal if said sensor did not receive said tracking signal, and control activation of said first and second light emitting diodes of said error indicator plurality of error indicator to emit a first colored light in response to generating said error signal and to emit a second colored light in the absence of said error signal.