Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Ultrasonic Robotic Surgical Navigation

Publication ID: 24-11857273_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Ultrasonic Robotic Surgical Navigation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857273_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857273_0001_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. 11,857,273.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved surgical robot system that integrates advanced ultrasonic imaging capabilities to enhance instrument tracking and manipulation during robot-assisted surgeries.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's limitations in accurately tracking surgical instruments during robot-assisted surgeries led to the development of this new inventive concept. The new concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced ultrasonic imaging capabilities, enabling real-time tracking and manipulation of surgical instruments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced surgical robot system comprises a robotic arm with an end-effector equipped with a miniature ultrasonic transducer array, capable of generating high-resolution 3D images of anatomical structures during surgery. The system utilizes machine learning algorithms to track the pose of the surgical instrument relative to the anatomical structures, ensuring precise movement and manipulation. Additionally, the system can fuse images from a high-resolution camera and the ultrasonic transducer to provide a comprehensive view of the surgical site.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the use of miniature ultrasonic transducer arrays, high-resolution cameras, and machine learning algorithms to track pose and enable real-time instrument tracking, which are not present in the original patent. These advancements provide a significant improvement in surgical instrument tracking and manipulation during robot-assisted surgeries.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different types of imaging modalities, such as optical or electromagnetic, or varying the configuration of the ultrasonic transducer array. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in various surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or orthopedic surgeries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced surgical robot system has the potential to revolutionize the field of robotic-assisted surgeries, providing improved accuracy and efficiency. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers, with potential applications in various surgical specialties.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B34/20
A A61 A61B34/10
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B90/06
A A61 A61B2034/107
A A61 A61B2034/2048
A A61 A61B2034/2057
A A61 A61B2034/2063
A A61 A61B2034/2065
A A61 A61B2090/062
A A61 A61B2090/3925

Field of Art

Robotic surgical navigation systems, specifically involving ultrasonic imaging and instrument tracking technologies in minimally invasive surgical robotics. Requires expertise in medical robotics, ultrasonic imaging, computer vision, and surgical instrument design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or robotics specialist with advanced degrees in bioengineering, electrical engineering, or medical robotics, possessing knowledge of surgical instrument tracking, medical imaging technologies, and robotic manipulation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core ultrasonic robotic navigation framework. The integration of machine learning algorithms, high-resolution cameras, and miniaturized transducer arrays are logical incremental improvements that leverage existing technological capabilities in surgical robotics. The proposed modifications represent standard engineering design choices that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance instrument tracking precision and imaging capabilities.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Ultrasound transducer coupled to surgical robot end-effector for tracking instrument position
PTD Variation
Miniature ultrasonic transducer array with machine learning pose tracking algorithms
Obviousness Reasoning
Known technique of enhancing imaging resolution and tracking precision through advanced sensor integration and computational methods
Source Patent Element
Guide tube with ultrasonic transducers for surgical instrument navigation
PTD Variation
Integrated high-resolution camera with ultrasonic transducer for multi-modal imaging
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable result of combining complementary imaging technologies to improve surgical visualization and instrument tracking
Source Patent Element
3D position recognition system for surgical robots
PTD Variation
3D point cloud generation and real-time pose tracking using machine learning algorithms
Obviousness Reasoning
Finite identified solution for improving spatial tracking accuracy through advanced computational techniques
Source Patent Element
Robotic arm with end-effector for surgical instrument manipulation
PTD Variation
Pre-operative 3D model integration with real-time ultrasonic imaging for enhanced navigation
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard design optimization approach of combining pre-operative planning with intraoperative imaging technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857273 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations of ultrasonic robotic surgical navigation systems to be obvious and lacking inventive step. The incremental technological improvements represent predictable extensions of existing surgical robotics technologies, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,273
TitleUltrasonic robotic surgical navigation
Assignee(s)Globus Medical, Inc.