Target-centered virtual element to indicate hold time for mr registration during surgery

A method for registration, the method comprising:

• prompting a user wearing a visualization device to place a tip of a registration instrument at a location on a physical object in a physical registration region;
• after placement of the tip, identifying the registration instrument within the physical registration region;
• using a positioning of the registration instrument to identify the location on the physical object;
• based on the identified location, performing a registration operation to register a virtual model of the physical object with the physical object;
• providing the user, via a user interface of the visualization device, a visual cue in a vicinity of the physical registration region;
• and
• while performing the registration operation, changing the visual cue over time to indicate to the user a progress toward registration of the virtual model of the physical object with the physical object.

A mixed reality system comprising:

• a mixed reality (MR) visualization device configured to be worn by a user;
• a memory;
• and
• processing circuitry coupled to the memory and in communication with the MR visualization device, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to:
• prompt the user wearing the MR visualization device to place a tip of a registration instrument at a location on a physical object in a physical registration region;
• after placement of the tip, identify the registration instrument within the physical registration region;
• use a positioning of the registration instrument to identify the location on the physical object;
• based on the identified location, perform a registration operation to register a virtual model of the physical object with the physical object;
• provide the user, via a user interface of the MR visualization device, a visual cue in a vicinity of the physical registration region;
• and
• while performing the registration operation, changing the visual cue over time to indicate to the user a progress toward registration of the virtual model of the physical object with the physical object.