MicronTracker uses stereoscopic vision in real time to detect and track specially-marked objects. MicronTracker can be used in a variety of clinical guided procedures including image-guided surgery, ablation, and biopsy, performed manually or using robotics. MicronTracker also supports augmented reality, which provides an intuitive approach for handling clinical procedures.

MicronTracker leads a new generation of trackers that use visible light and computer vision to detect fully passive marked targets and track them by processing standard video images.

Unlike competitive systems that require stocking, mounting and unmounting of single-use components or batteries for each tool being tracked, MicronTracker uses permanent steam sterilizable tool markers, making all tools always immediately ready for navigation.

MicronTacker uses the smallest and lightest cameras in its class and can be easily positioned even where space is at a premium. Because of its extra light weight no massive supporting arms or tripods are needed. Camera positioning is faster since, being smaller, lighter and insensitive to IR reflections, the camera can be positioned just above the field, where lines of sight are easily maintained throughout the operation. MicronTracker’s visible light video images show the user exactly where the visibility boundaries are.

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Low purchase and operating cost

MicronTracker’s attractive cost is achieved by simple design and reliance on standard hardware components (no custom electronics). All savings are passed on to the users. With MicronTracker there are no additional costs for disposables. DuraMarks markers are sterializable and can be used at least 100 times.

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Software that makes it easy to build a complete system

The versatile MicronTracker software provides rich and flexible APIs, compliant with Windows, and Linux. The demo application included in the product, available in source code, provides an excellent starting point for booting up new application development.

MICRONTRACKER BENEFITS

MicronTracker incorporates a set of features designed to meet the needs of both clinical and research clients.

RELIABLE CLASS-LEADING ACCURACY

Solid specs

MicronTracker features class-leading calibration accuracy of 0.2mm RMSE (root-mean-square error). Its advanced drift compensation algorithms keep it accurate in a wide range of ambient conditions. Internal checks provide alerts in the rare instances when conditions may cause degradation in accuracy.

Superior pinpointing reliability

Competing pose trackers use bright infrared spots to mark target locations. In these systems, target centers are pinpointed by computing the intensity of the centroid of the image produced by the spot. A smudge or a partial occlusion can affect the position of the centroid, leading to significant measurement errors. This condition is not detected and the user is not alerted.

MicronTracker computes target locations at the intersection of 4 high-contrast regions, called an Xpoint. Each of the four black and white boundary lines independently serves to pinpoint the location of the target. Portions of the Xpoint region hidden by smudges or occlusions are disregarded and have no effect on accuracy.

Validate and refine accuracy in the field

The MicronTracker camera is designed to solidly preserve the highly accurate optical calibration performed at the factory. As with all high-precision opto-mechanical instruments, its accuracy may degrade in the field as a result of minute changes caused by environmental stresses or rough handling.

Other position trackers on the market require customers to purchase expensive equipment to verify accuracy over time. When accuracy is found to fall short of specifications, the camera must be sent back to the factory for repair or recalibration. MicronTracker’s R-Fine kit (custom-made accuracy bar and software) allows users to verify and immediately restore the accuracy of the device. R-Fine is provided free of charge in every MicronTracker kit.

The R-Fine software contains a model of typical physical changes occurring in the mechanical structure of the camera. During the calibration procedure the model is adjusted to best match the data collected. The adjusted model is then used to refine the calibration of the camera. Because the R-Fine calibration procedure takes only a few minutes, it is possible to validate the accuracy of performance as often as necessary.

Unique visual calibration verification

The spatial relationship between markers and any object location (such as a tool tip) can be visually presented to the user to enable dynamic visual comparison. For example, after calibrating the relationship between a tool marker and the position and orientation of the tooltip, measurement of the tooltip pose can be overlaid on its expected image location, allowing the user to easily detect errors and inaccuracies.

High dynamic range mode

High dynamic range (HDR) mode is a technique that allows solid detection in situations of great illumination range. This feature enables MicronTracker to work reliably under a wide range of intensity levels found in operating rooms. For example the H3-60 model covers a 5-400,000Lux range.