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 an object, said navigation system comprising:
a tracking element for transmitting a tracking signal; a sensor for receiving the tracking signal from said tracking element to determine a position of the object; one of said tracking element and said sensor being attachable to the object; an error indicator attachable to the object for indicating an error in said sensor receiving the tracking signal from said tracking element, said error indicator including a first light emitter and a second light emitter; and a computing system configured to: determine if said sensor received the tracking signal from said tracking element, generate an error signal if said sensor did not receive the tracking signal, activate said first light emitter in response to generating the error signal, and deactivate said second light emitter in response to generating the error signal.