Two-part tracking reference structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tracking reference structure for localising and tracking an object by means of a medical tracking system, said structure comprising: a first part ( 1 ) which forms a support structure for at least one tracking marker ( 3 ); and a second part ( 2 ) which is configured to be fixed to said object, wherein a positionally fixed connection between the first part ( 1 ) and the second part ( 2 ) is established by means of an interface comprising at least one resiliently articulated element ( 4 ) on the first part ( 1 ) and/or second part ( 2 ), which engage(s) with the respective other part ( 2, 1 ), and wherein the resiliently articulated element ( 4 ) is configured such that its restoring spring force alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection. The present invention also relates to a tracking reference system comprising such a tracking reference structure which in turn comprises at least one first part ( 1 ), wherein any additional first part(s) ( 1 ) support(s) a different type of tracking marker ( 3 ) and said different first parts ( 1 ) can be interchangeably connected to the second part ( 2 ), and wherein the tracking markers ( 3 ) of each of said different first parts ( 1 ) are in particular placed in the same spatial position when being coupled to the second part ( 2 ).

1 . A tracking reference structure for localising and tracking an associated object by a medical tracking system, said the tracking reference structure comprising:
 a first part which forms a support structure for at least one tracking marker; and   a second part which is configured to be fixed to said object,   wherein a positionally fixed connection between the first part and the second part is established by means of an interface comprising at least one resiliently articulated element on the first part and/or second part, which engage(s) with the respective other part,   wherein a restoring spring force of the resiliently articulated element alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection.   
     
     
         2 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the interface allows the first part and the second part to be located on opposite sides of a surgical drape without penetrating the drape when it is positioned between the first part and the second part. 
     
     
         3 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 2 , wherein the interface establishes a predetermined spatial position of the first part relative to the second part, irrespective of whether or not a surgical drape is placed between the first part and the second part. 
     
     
         4 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising a positioning aid comprising elements which are specifically formed on the first part and configured to retain drape material, so as to prevent the drape from wrinkling in an area in which at least one of the at least one resiliently articulated element engages with the assigned part, and wherein the positioning aid also comprises receiving areas which are specifically formed on the second part accommodate and retain drape material. 
     
     
         5 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 4 , wherein the elements are configured to automatically tighten the drape in an area in which the resiliently articulated element engages with the assigned part when the first part is connected to the second part. 
     
     
         6 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the restoring spring force is applied to the corresponding other part. 
     
     
         7 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the positionally fixed connection is a form-fit connection established by the element engaging with a correspondingly formed structure of the respective other part. 
     
     
         8 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the interface comprises a plurality of discrete contact areas. 
     
     
         9 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first part and/or the second part is/are integrally formed with the resiliently articulated element(s). 
     
     
         10 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first part is connected to the second part in a translational movement. 
     
     
         11 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the first part supports at least three tracking markers which define a first plane, and the second part comprises a seat which is to be attached to the tracked and localised object and substantially defines a second plane, and wherein the first plane is tilted relative to the second plane. 
     
     
         12 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the interface comprises a plurality of resiliently articulated elements which lie on a circle which in turn specifically lies within a first plane defined by at least three of the tracking markers. 
     
     
         13 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one lever for the at least one resiliently articulated element, wherein the lever(s) deflect(s) the element(s), counter to the restoring spring force. 
     
     
         14 . The tracking reference structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the tracking reference structure is made entirely of a non-metallic material and/or wherein the first part and the second part are integrally formed. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled)