US Patent 10010377 Systems and methods for selectively activating virtual guide geometries

A method for selectively activating a virtual geometry includes establishing a plurality of virtual geometries, each virtual geometry having a target feature and being available to be activated to guide an instrument to the target feature by restricting movement of the instrument within the confines of the virtual geometry. The method further includes displaying the plurality of virtual geometries on a display to a user and receiving user input selecting a virtual geometry from the displayed plurality of virtual geometries. The virtual geometry is activated based on the selection.