As used herein, a “hirth coupling” or "hirth joint" refers to a type of mechanical connection named after its developer Albert Hirth. It can be used to connect two pieces of a shaft together and is characterized by tapered teeth that mesh together on the end faces of each half shaft. (Search "hirth coupling" on Wikipedia.com 2 Oct. 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021.) … more As used herein, a “hirth coupling” or "hirth joint" refers to a type of mechanical connection named after its developer Albert Hirth. It can be used to connect two pieces of a shaft together and is characterized by tapered teeth that mesh together on the end faces of each half shaft. (Search "hirth coupling" on Wikipedia.com 2 Oct. 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021.)

As used herein, a "collar" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, system, or assembly structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, shaped, or engineered to resemble a clothing collar in shape or use. In certain embodiments, a collar may be open or closed. Examples of a collar may include a ring or round flange that may be used to restrain motion or to hold something in place. (search "collar" on Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2021. Web. 15 Nov. 2021. Modified.) … more As used herein, a "collar" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, system, or assembly structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, shaped, or engineered to resemble a clothing collar in shape or use. In certain embodiments, a collar may be open or closed. Examples of a collar may include a ring or round flange that may be used to restrain motion or to hold something in place. (search "collar" on Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2021. Web. 15 Nov. 2021. Modified.)

As used herein, a “drive”, "drive feature", or "drive recess" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, member, device, component, system, or assembly structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to receive a torque and transfer that torque to a structure connected or coupled to the drive. At a minimum, a drive is a set of shaped cavities and/or protrusions on a structure that allows torque to be applied to the structure. Often, a drive includes a mating tool, known as a driver. For example, cavities and/or protrusions on a head of a screw are one kind of drive and an example of a corresponding mating tool is a screwdriver, that is used to turn the screw, the drive. Examples of a drive include but are not limited to screw drives such as slotted drives, cruciform drives, square drives, multiple square drives, internal polygon, internal hex drives, penta lobular sockets, hex lobular sockets, combination drives, external drives, tamper-resistant drives, and the like. (Search 'list of screw drives' on Wikipedia.com March 12, 2021. Modified. Accessed March 19, 2021.) … more As used herein, a “drive”, "drive feature", or "drive recess" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, member, device, component, system, or assembly structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to receive a torque and transfer that torque to a structure connected or coupled to the drive. At a minimum, a drive is a set of shaped cavities and/or protrusions on a structure that allows torque to be applied to the structure. Often, a drive includes a mating tool, known as a driver. For example, cavities and/or protrusions on a head of a screw are one kind of drive and an example of a corresponding mating tool is a screwdriver, that is used to turn the screw, the drive. Examples of a drive include but are not limited to screw drives such as slotted drives, cruciform drives, square drives, multiple square drives, internal polygon, internal hex drives, penta lobular sockets, hex lobular sockets, combination drives, external drives, tamper-resistant drives, and the like. (Search 'list of screw drives' on Wikipedia.com March 12, 2021. Modified. Accessed March 19, 2021.)

As used herein, a “socket” refers to a hollow, void, opening, or depression formed in or defined within a surface of an object or structure. In certain embodiments, the socket does not pass through the object or structure having the surface. A socket can have a variety of cross-section shapes (e.g., ovoid, oval, round, circular, rectangular, square, or the like) and have a variety of configurations for one or more walls that define the socket. In one example, a socket can have one or more walls that connect in rounded corners. In certain embodiments, a socket is sized and shaped to receive or accept another structure. In certain embodiments, a socket may comprise a stepped socket having a proximal portion and a distal portion and the two portions have different diameters or different widths or lengths that define a step between the two portions. … more As used herein, a “socket” refers to a hollow, void, opening, or depression formed in or defined within a surface of an object or structure. In certain embodiments, the socket does not pass through the object or structure having the surface. A socket can have a variety of cross-section shapes (e.g., ovoid, oval, round, circular, rectangular, square, or the like) and have a variety of configurations for one or more walls that define the socket. In one example, a socket can have one or more walls that connect in rounded corners. In certain embodiments, a socket is sized and shaped to receive or accept another structure. In certain embodiments, a socket may comprise a stepped socket having a proximal portion and a distal portion and the two portions have different diameters or different widths or lengths that define a step between the two portions.

As used herein, a "engagement member" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect, join, link, couple to, or engage with another apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module either permanently or temporarily. The connection, coupling, linkage, or engagement may be a mechanical connection or interconnection. … more As used herein, a "engagement member" refers to an apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module structured, organized, configured, designed, arranged, or engineered to connect, join, link, couple to, or engage with another apparatus, instrument, structure, device, component, member, system, assembly or module either permanently or temporarily. The connection, coupling, linkage, or engagement may be a mechanical connection or interconnection.

As used herein, a “boss” refers to a protruding feature on a work piece or structure. A common use or feature for a boss is to locate one object within a pocket or hole of another object. (Search 'Boss (engineering)' on Wikipedia.com Aug. 13, 2021. Modified. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021.) A boss may also refer to an enlarged part of a shaft. (See 'Boss)' in Oxford languages dictionary provided by Google.com Nov. 11, 2021. Modified. Accessed Nov. 11, 2021.) … more As used herein, a “boss” refers to a protruding feature on a work piece or structure. A common use or feature for a boss is to locate one object within a pocket or hole of another object. (Search 'Boss (engineering)' on Wikipedia.com Aug. 13, 2021. Modified. Accessed Aug. 18, 2021.) A boss may also refer to an enlarged part of a shaft. (See 'Boss)' in Oxford languages dictionary provided by Google.com Nov. 11, 2021. Modified. Accessed Nov. 11, 2021.)

The input/output (I/O) module 6012 includes one or more of hardware, software, firmware, and/or logic devices configured to receive input from outside the computing device 6002 and convey output to a system, network, network device, component, module, computing device, or user outside the computing device 6002. A variety of components, systems, subsystems, units, and/or devices may connect to or be included in the input/output module 6012. Examples of these I/O devices include, but are not limited to, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a visual display, a printer, a camera, a range detector, a button, a joystick, a game controller, and the like. … more The input/output (I/O) module 6012 includes one or more of hardware, software, firmware, and/or logic devices configured to receive input from outside the computing device 6002 and convey output to a system, network, network device, component, module, computing device, or user outside the computing device 6002. A variety of components, systems, subsystems, units, and/or devices may connect to or be included in the input/output module 6012. Examples of these I/O devices include, but are not limited to, a touch screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a visual display, a printer, a camera, a range detector, a button, a joystick, a game controller, and the like.

As used herein, "image segmentation" refers to a process of partitioning a digital image into multiple segments (sets of pixels, also known as image objects). The goal of segmentation is to simplify and/or change the representation of an image into something that is more meaningful and easier to analyze. Image segmentation can be used to locate objects and boundaries (lines, curves, etc.) in images. More precisely, image segmentation can include the process of assigning a label to every pixel in an image such that pixels with the same label share certain characteristics. One result of image segmentation can be a set of segments that collectively cover the entire image, or a set of contours extracted from the image. Each of the pixels in a region are similar with respect to some characteristic or computed property, such as color, intensity, or texture. Adjacent regions can be a significantly different color with respect to the same characteristic(s). When applied to a stack of images, typical in medical imaging, the resulting contours after image segmentation can be used to create 3D reconstructions with the help of interpolation algorithms such as the marching cubes algorithm. (Search "image segmentation" on Wikipedia.com Sept. 8, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) … more As used herein, "image segmentation" refers to a process of partitioning a digital image into multiple segments (sets of pixels, also known as image objects). The goal of segmentation is to simplify and/or change the representation of an image into something that is more meaningful and easier to analyze. Image segmentation can be used to locate objects and boundaries (lines, curves, etc.) in images. More precisely, image segmentation can include the process of assigning a label to every pixel in an image such that pixels with the same label share certain characteristics. One result of image segmentation can be a set of segments that collectively cover the entire image, or a set of contours extracted from the image. Each of the pixels in a region are similar with respect to some characteristic or computed property, such as color, intensity, or texture. Adjacent regions can be a significantly different color with respect to the same characteristic(s). When applied to a stack of images, typical in medical imaging, the resulting contours after image segmentation can be used to create 3D reconstructions with the help of interpolation algorithms such as the marching cubes algorithm. (Search "image segmentation" on Wikipedia.com Sept. 8, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.)

As used herein, "augmented reality (AR)" refers to an interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer/machine-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory. AR refers to a system that incorporates three features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. The overlaid sensory information provided by an AR system or component can be constructive (i.e. additive to the natural environment), or destructive (i.e. masking of the natural environment). This experience can be seamlessly interwoven with the physical world such that the physical world is perceived as an immersive aspect of the real environment. In this way, augmented reality alters one's perception of a real-world environment. Augmented reality is related to two largely synonymous terms: mixed reality and computer-mediated reality. (Search "augmented reality" on Wikipedia.com Aug. 28, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) … more As used herein, "augmented reality (AR)" refers to an interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer/machine-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory. AR refers to a system that incorporates three features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. The overlaid sensory information provided by an AR system or component can be constructive (i.e. additive to the natural environment), or destructive (i.e. masking of the natural environment). This experience can be seamlessly interwoven with the physical world such that the physical world is perceived as an immersive aspect of the real environment. In this way, augmented reality alters one's perception of a real-world environment. Augmented reality is related to two largely synonymous terms: mixed reality and computer-mediated reality. (Search "augmented reality" on Wikipedia.com Aug. 28, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.)

As used herein, "calibration" refers to a comparison of measured values provided by a device under test (DUT) with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. The standard can come from another measurement device of known or acceptable accuracy or a device generating the quantity to be measured. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no error being noted on the DUT, an error being noted but no adjustment made, an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable level. As used herein, "calibration" refers to both the act of comparison and any subsequent adjustment. (Search "calibration" on Wikipedia.com July 2, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) … more As used herein, "calibration" refers to a comparison of measured values provided by a device under test (DUT) with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. The standard can come from another measurement device of known or acceptable accuracy or a device generating the quantity to be measured. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no error being noted on the DUT, an error being noted but no adjustment made, an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable level. As used herein, "calibration" refers to both the act of comparison and any subsequent adjustment. (Search "calibration" on Wikipedia.com July 2, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.)

As used herein, "surface data" refers to data identified, used, collected, gathered, and/or generated in connection with scanning, mapping, gathering, or collecting imaging data, such as medical imaging data of one or more objects in a field of view. Surface data can be used to define a surface in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space within a variety of coordinate systems. Surface data can represent a surface of a variety of objects both animate and inanimate and both real and imaginary or modeled including but not limited to anatomical features of a patient. … more As used herein, "surface data" refers to data identified, used, collected, gathered, and/or generated in connection with scanning, mapping, gathering, or collecting imaging data, such as medical imaging data of one or more objects in a field of view. Surface data can be used to define a surface in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space within a variety of coordinate systems. Surface data can represent a surface of a variety of objects both animate and inanimate and both real and imaginary or modeled including but not limited to anatomical features of a patient.

As used herein, "surgical field," "operative field," or "operating field" refers to an area of a patient where surgery is or will be performed and includes one or more areas of a patient's body and all personnel and equipment that is used in the surgery. (Search "surgical field" on medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com Copyright 2021 Farlex Inc. Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) … more As used herein, "surgical field," "operative field," or "operating field" refers to an area of a patient where surgery is or will be performed and includes one or more areas of a patient's body and all personnel and equipment that is used in the surgery. (Search "surgical field" on medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com Copyright 2021 Farlex Inc. Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.)

As used herein, “anatomic mapping” refers to a process of determining one or more points, landmarks, or features of an anatomic structure of a patient. In certain aspects, an anatomic mapping can generate a set of anatomic data representative of a structure of a patient. Anatomic mapping may be performed on structures of a patient, of a physical model of an anatomical structure, or on computer model of an anatomical structure. … more As used herein, “anatomic mapping” refers to a process of determining one or more points, landmarks, or features of an anatomic structure of a patient. In certain aspects, an anatomic mapping can generate a set of anatomic data representative of a structure of a patient. Anatomic mapping may be performed on structures of a patient, of a physical model of an anatomical structure, or on computer model of an anatomical structure.

As used herein, "intraoperative" or "INTRA-OP" refers to any activity, method, feature, or aspect performed during a surgical procedure. … more As used herein, "intraoperative" or "INTRA-OP" refers to any activity, method, feature, or aspect performed during a surgical procedure.

As used herein, "preoperative" or "PRE-OP" refers to any activity, method, feature, or aspect performed before a surgical procedure. … more As used herein, "preoperative" or "PRE-OP" refers to any activity, method, feature, or aspect performed before a surgical procedure.

As used herein, "visual reference," "fiducial," "patient reference," or "fiducial marker" refers to any indicator, marker, structure, or component designed, configured, placed, engineered, or organized to serve as a reference point or fixed known predetermined location for use in medical imaging, medical image processing, medical scanning, and the like. In certain embodiments, a visual reference may be an arrow or delta shaped indicator. A visual reference may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. In certain embodiments, a visual reference may be a structure with patterned surfaces of known geometric dimensions with at least one surface visible to an image capture device/system. A visual reference may have a variety of shapes including cube, planar square, rectangle or triangle, tetrahedral, pyramid, or the like. The visual reference may have at least one surface visible by the image capture device/system. Surfaces of a visual reference may include high contrast patterns. In at least one embodiment, one or more surfaces of a visual reference may include a highly distinctive QR code pattern with unique patterned surfaces which may include alternating designs. Of course, surfaces of the visual reference may include other designs such as a checkerboard pattern and such patterns may include two high contrast colors, such as black and white, red and green, etc. Moreover, a visual reference may have particular reflective coatings, radio opaque materials, and the like. … more As used herein, "visual reference," "fiducial," "patient reference," or "fiducial marker" refers to any indicator, marker, structure, or component designed, configured, placed, engineered, or organized to serve as a reference point or fixed known predetermined location for use in medical imaging, medical image processing, medical scanning, and the like. In certain embodiments, a visual reference may be an arrow or delta shaped indicator. A visual reference may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. In certain embodiments, a visual reference may be a structure with patterned surfaces of known geometric dimensions with at least one surface visible to an image capture device/system. A visual reference may have a variety of shapes including cube, planar square, rectangle or triangle, tetrahedral, pyramid, or the like. The visual reference may have at least one surface visible by the image capture device/system. Surfaces of a visual reference may include high contrast patterns. In at least one embodiment, one or more surfaces of a visual reference may include a highly distinctive QR code pattern with unique patterned surfaces which may include alternating designs. Of course, surfaces of the visual reference may include other designs such as a checkerboard pattern and such patterns may include two high contrast colors, such as black and white, red and green, etc. Moreover, a visual reference may have particular reflective coatings, radio opaque materials, and the like.

As used herein, "LiDAR" (also spelled Lidar, or LIDAR, and sometimes LADAR) refers to a method for determining ranges (variable distance) by targeting an object with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. Lidar can also be used to make digital 3-D representations of areas on the earth's surface and ocean bottom, due to differences in laser return times, and by varying laser wavelengths. It has terrestrial, airborne, and mobile applications. Lidar is an acronym of "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging, detection, and ranging". Lidar sometimes is called 3-D laser scanning, a special combination of a 3-D scanning and laser scanning. (Search "Lidar" on Wikipedia.com Sept. 7, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) LiDAR devices, components, systems, and/or modules determine range data that indicates a distance between the LiDAR sensor and an object or feature. … more As used herein, "LiDAR" (also spelled Lidar, or LIDAR, and sometimes LADAR) refers to a method for determining ranges (variable distance) by targeting an object with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. Lidar can also be used to make digital 3-D representations of areas on the earth's surface and ocean bottom, due to differences in laser return times, and by varying laser wavelengths. It has terrestrial, airborne, and mobile applications. Lidar is an acronym of "light detection and ranging" or "laser imaging, detection, and ranging". Lidar sometimes is called 3-D laser scanning, a special combination of a 3-D scanning and laser scanning. (Search "Lidar" on Wikipedia.com Sept. 7, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) LiDAR devices, components, systems, and/or modules determine range data that indicates a distance between the LiDAR sensor and an object or feature.

As used herein, "photogrammetry" refers to technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena. One example of photogrammetry is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e. images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. A special case, called stereophotogrammetry, involves estimating the three-dimensional coordinates of points on an object employing measurements made in two or more photographic images taken from different positions. Common points are identified on each image. A line of sight (or ray) can be constructed from the camera location to the point on the object. It is the intersection of these rays (triangulation) that determines the three-dimensional location of the point. Photogrammetric data can be complemented with range data from other techniques. Photogrammetry is more accurate in the x and y direction while range data are generally more accurate in the z direction. This range data can be supplied by techniques like LiDAR, laser scanners (using time of flight, triangulation or interferometry), white-light digitizers and any other technique that scans an area and returns x, y, z coordinates for multiple discrete points (commonly called "point clouds"). (Search "photogrammetry" on Wikipedia.com July 29, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.) … more As used herein, "photogrammetry" refers to technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the process of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena. One example of photogrammetry is the extraction of three-dimensional measurements from two-dimensional data (i.e. images); for example, the distance between two points that lie on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane can be determined by measuring their distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. A special case, called stereophotogrammetry, involves estimating the three-dimensional coordinates of points on an object employing measurements made in two or more photographic images taken from different positions. Common points are identified on each image. A line of sight (or ray) can be constructed from the camera location to the point on the object. It is the intersection of these rays (triangulation) that determines the three-dimensional location of the point. Photogrammetric data can be complemented with range data from other techniques. Photogrammetry is more accurate in the x and y direction while range data are generally more accurate in the z direction. This range data can be supplied by techniques like LiDAR, laser scanners (using time of flight, triangulation or interferometry), white-light digitizers and any other technique that scans an area and returns x, y, z coordinates for multiple discrete points (commonly called "point clouds"). (Search "photogrammetry" on Wikipedia.com July 29, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed Sept. 8, 2021.)

As used herein, "mesh position" refers to a position of a point or area or space within a mesh as indicated by a three-dimensional coordinate system. In certain embodiments, a mesh position can be represented by a three-dimensional unit that is the smallest unit used in the generation, calculation, design, engineering, fabrication, rendering or formation of a mesh. This three dimensional unit may have an x, y, z coordinate in a three-dimensional coordinate system which may, or may not, be centered within the three-dimensional unit. such a three-dimensional unit may be referred to herein as a mesh unit. Alternatively, or in addition, a mesh position can be represented by a point having an x, y, z coordinate in a three-dimensional coordinate system which may, or may not, be a point of reference for the generation, calculation, design, engineering, fabrication, rendering or formation of a mesh. … more As used herein, "mesh position" refers to a position of a point or area or space within a mesh as indicated by a three-dimensional coordinate system. In certain embodiments, a mesh position can be represented by a three-dimensional unit that is the smallest unit used in the generation, calculation, design, engineering, fabrication, rendering or formation of a mesh. This three dimensional unit may have an x, y, z coordinate in a three-dimensional coordinate system which may, or may not, be centered within the three-dimensional unit. such a three-dimensional unit may be referred to herein as a mesh unit. Alternatively, or in addition, a mesh position can be represented by a point having an x, y, z coordinate in a three-dimensional coordinate system which may, or may not, be a point of reference for the generation, calculation, design, engineering, fabrication, rendering or formation of a mesh.

As used herein, “origin” refers to a point of intersection of coordinate axes and/or a point at which something begins or rises or from which that thing derives (search "edge" on Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2021. Web. 30 Aug. 2021. Modified.) … more As used herein, “origin” refers to a point of intersection of coordinate axes and/or a point at which something begins or rises or from which that thing derives (search "edge" on Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2021. Web. 30 Aug. 2021. Modified.)