Optical-based input for medical devices

A method performed by way of a system comprising a processor, the method comprising:

• using the processor,
• configuring an input command by assigning at least one operating state of a medical electronic device to a particular state of at least one tracking marker of at least three tracking markers detectable by an optical tracking system, the at least three tracking markers fixedly disposed in relation to a fixture, the at least three tracking markers comprising at least three finger-sized pads, the at least three finger-sized pads coverable, the at least three tracking markers disposed on a cartridge, and the cartridge removably coupled with a handle of a pointer tool, thereby providing at least one assigned operating state;
• awaiting receiving a priming command, the priming command comprising a command to prime the medical electronic device for receiving the input command;
• after receiving the priming command, identifying a present state of the at least three tracking markers based on data from the optical tracking system;
• comparing the present state with the particular state assigned to the at least one operating state, thereby providing a comparison;
• based on the comparison, determining whether the input command is received by determining whether a tracked medical instrument is disposed in a location associated with a virtual interface element, the virtual interface element comprising one of a virtual scroll bar, a virtual slider, a virtual button, a virtual dial, and a virtual trackpad, and the location of the interface element assigned during a calibration routine;
• and
• if the input command is received, adjusting the at least one operating state of the medical electronic device to the at least one assigned operating state, the at least one operating state comprising at least one of a mode, a function, and an operation, and the input command comprising at least one of a selection command, a modification command, and set command in relation to a parameter value,
• wherein the medical electronic device is operable by way of a plurality of triggers, in sequence, before performing a certain operation,
• wherein the plurality of triggers comprises the priming command and the input command, and
• wherein the input command is distinct relative to the priming input command.

A non-transitory processor-readable storage medium comprising processor-executable instructions which, when executed, configure a processor to:

• configure an input command by assigning at least one operating state of a medical electronic device to a particular state of at least one tracking marker of at least three tracking markers detectable by an optical tracking system configured to detect at least three tracking markers fixedly, the at least three tracking markers fixedly disposed in relation to a fixture, the at least three tracking markers comprising at least three finger-sized pads, the at least three finger-sized pads coverable, the at least three tracking markers disposed on a cartridge, and the cartridge removably coupled with a handle of a pointer tool, whereby at least one assigned operating state is provided;
• await receiving a priming command from a user, the priming command comprising a command to prime the medical electronic device for receiving the input command;
• after receiving the priming command, identify a present state of the at least three tracking markers based on data from the optical tracking system;
• compare the present state with the particular state assigned to the at least one operating state, whereby a comparison is provided;
• based on the comparison, determine whether the input command is received by determining whether a tracked medical instrument is disposed in a location associated with a virtual interface element, the virtual interface element comprising one of a virtual scroll bar, a virtual slider, a virtual button, a virtual dial, and a virtual trackpad, and the location of the interface element assigned during a calibration mode;
• and
• if the input command is received, adjust the operating state of the medical electronic device to the at least one assigned operating state, the operating state comprising at least one of a mode, a function, and an operation, and the input command comprising at least one of a selection command, a modification command, and set command in relation to a parameter value,
• wherein the medical electronic device is operable by way of a plurality of triggers, in sequence, before performing a certain operation,
• wherein the plurality of triggers comprises the priming command and the input command, and
• wherein the input command is distinct relative to the priming input command.