Enhanced Multi-Modal Sensing for Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Publication ID: 24-11857153_0006_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Multi-Modal Sensing for Robotic-Assisted Surgery,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857153_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857153_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,153.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An advanced vision system for automated surgical robots, utilizing artificial intelligence, high-speed imaging, and fusion algorithms to improve spatial resolution, accuracy, and dexterity in surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for multi-modal sensing of depth in vision systems for automated surgical robots has limitations in spatial resolution, accuracy, and dexterity. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing artificial intelligence-based markerless tracking, high-speed imaging, and fusion algorithms to improve the overall performance of the vision system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a system for multi-modal sensing of depth in vision systems for automated surgical robots. The system utilizes artificial intelligence-based markerless tracking to improve spatial resolution and accuracy of depth measurements. Additionally, the system incorporates a high-speed imaging device capable of capturing a sequence of images at a rate of at least 100 frames per second. A processing unit analyzes the sequence of images and generates a plurality of depth measurements. Furthermore, the system applies a machine learning-based algorithm to detect and track features on the object, generating a three-dimensional coordinate based on the tracked features. The system also combines multiple images using a fusion algorithm to generate a single, high-resolution image, improving the accuracy of depth measurements.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of artificial intelligence, high-speed imaging, and fusion algorithms to improve the spatial resolution, accuracy, and dexterity of the vision system. The inventive step is the combination of these advanced technologies to overcome the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different machine learning algorithms, various imaging modalities, or alternative fusion techniques. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgeries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, particularly in applications requiring high accuracy and dexterity, such as neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and orthopedic surgery. The target market includes medical device manufacturers, hospitals, and surgical centers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/000094
A A61 A61B1/00
A A61 A61B1/000095
A A61 A61B1/00193
A A61 A61B90/06
G G06 G06T7/521
G G06 G06T7/557
G G06 G06T7/593
H H04 H04N13/239
A A61 A61B2090/062
A A61 A61B2090/363
A A61 A61B2090/371
A A61 A61B2090/3933
A A61 A61B2090/3937

Field of Art

Medical robotics and computer vision, specifically surgical navigation systems with multi-modal depth sensing technologies. Requires advanced knowledge in machine learning, image processing, robotic control systems, and medical imaging techniques

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A PhD or Masters-level engineer with expertise in computer vision, robotics, and medical imaging technologies. Familiar with AI-based tracking algorithms, multi-modal sensing techniques, and surgical robotic system design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's artificial intelligence-based markerless tracking and high-speed imaging are natural evolutionary extensions of the source patent's multi-modal depth sensing approach. The technical variations represent predictable combinations of known techniques in computer vision and robotic surgical systems. The integration of machine learning algorithms and fusion techniques would be considered an obvious optimization strategy for improving spatial resolution and tracking accuracy.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Multi-modal imaging system with markers for depth sensing
PTD Variation
AI-based markerless tracking replacing traditional marker-based tracking
Obviousness Reasoning
Known substitution of marker-based tracking with machine learning feature detection, representing a predictable technological progression in computer vision
Source Patent Element
Depth measurement using multiple imaging modalities
PTD Variation
High-speed imaging capturing sequences at 100+ frames per second with fusion algorithms
Obviousness Reasoning
Incremental improvement using standard image processing techniques to enhance spatial and temporal resolution
Source Patent Element
Weighted depth measurements based on image quality
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms dynamically adjusting depth measurement accuracy
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying AI techniques to optimize existing weighted measurement approaches, representing a standard engineering design choice
Source Patent Element
Three-dimensional coordinate generation from surgical scene images
PTD Variation
Real-time surgical tool movement tracking and adaptive control system
Obviousness Reasoning
Natural extension of existing depth sensing technologies to provide more sophisticated robotic control mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Image-based positional information extraction
PTD Variation
Fusion algorithms generating high-resolution composite images
Obviousness Reasoning
Well-known image processing technique for improving measurement precision and resolution
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857153, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious extensions of the prior art. The combination of multi-modal sensing, artificial intelligence tracking, and high-speed imaging represents predictable technological improvements within the established framework of surgical robotic vision systems, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,153
TitleSystems and methods for multi-modal sensing of depth in vision systems for automated surgical robots
Assignee(s)ACTIV Surgical, Inc.