Navigable device recognition system

A method for registering objects with a surgical navigation system, comprising:

• detecting first identification information associated with a first object using a sensing device that is coupled to a digital data processor;
• detecting a position-tracking array mated to the first object using the sensing device;
• searching a digital data store coupled to the digital data processor that contains a listing of objects and associated identification information to identify an object having identification information that matches the first identification information detected by the sensing device;
• registering with the surgical navigation system an association between the position-tracking array and the identified first object;
• detecting second identification information associated with a second object using the sensing device after the position-tracking array is mated to the second object;
• searching the digital data store to identify an object having identification information that matches the second identification information detected by the sensing device;
• and
• replacing the association registered with the surgical navigation system with a second association between the position-tracking, array and the identified second object.

A method for managing instruments being tracked by a surgical navigation system, comprising:

• receiving from an image capture device an image of a first instrument and a position-tracking array mated to the first instrument, the image including a first identification marker associated with the first instrument;
• searching a digital data store containing a listing of instruments and associated identification markers to identify a surgical instrument with a matching identification marker;
• registering with the surgical navigation system an association between the position-tracking array and the identified first surgical instrument;
• receiving from an image capture device a second image of a second instrument mated to the position-tracking array, the second image including a second identification marker associated with the second instrument;
• searching the digital data store to identify a surgical instrument with a matching identification marker;
• and
• replacing the association registered with the surgical navigation system with a second association between the position-tracking array and the identified second surgical instrument.