Beihang University

Shenzhen Fitcare Electronics Co., Ltd.

Yuedong Cao

Hui Zhang

Zhi Qi

Xiaobao Chen

An artificial potential field path planning method and an apparatus based on obstacle classification solve the problem of path and motion uncertainty in steering a flexible needle in soft tissue. The apparatus includes an image sensing system, a control module, an execution system and an upper PC. Using the apparatus, the method includes: the image sensing system obtains real-time images of the puncture environment, identifies a target and obstacles from the real-time images, classifies the obstacles, and calculates total potential energy of points in the current environment based on artificial potential field. With a curvature constraint and an optimization index for the flexible needle, the path planning module carries out static path planning to obtain an initial path and the needle entry point, then conducts dynamic path planning to determine the path for steering the flexible needle in the soft tissue accordingly.

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Shenzhen, China

Yuedong Cao