Controller Handle Vibration Detection for Rapid Touch-Activated Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing teleoperated systems require time-consuming manual manipulations to transition between non-controlling and controlling modes, distracting operators and disrupting medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A control system that applies a vibration to a handle using actuators, senses the vibration with sensors, and activates a controlling mode upon detecting a user's touch based on predetermined thresholds, allowing rapid mode transitions without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual manipulations are required to transition between non-controlling and controlling modes, then the system ensures safety by preventing unintentional control, but the operator experience deteriorates due to time-consuming operations and distraction from the medical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperator experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies mechanical vibration to the handle and detects changes in vibration characteristics when the operator touches the handle. This allows automatic mode transition without requiring manual manipulations, resolving the contradiction by maintaining safety through vibration-based detection while improving ease of operation through automatic recognition of operator presence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual manipulation-based mode transition with a sensor-based detection system that uses vibration sensing to automatically detect operator presence and trigger mode changes. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming manual operations while maintaining safety through automated detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual manipulations are required to activate controlling mode, then the system prevents unintentional control, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated interruptions during medical procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol safetyVSAvoidworkflow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By using vibration applied to and sensed from the handle, the system automatically detects when the operator is ready to control, eliminating the need for repeated manual activation commands. This maintains control safety through vibration-based verification while improving productivity by reducing workflow interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary vibration application to the handle before mode transition, detecting operator presence in advance. This allows the system to be ready for control before the operator actually needs it, maintaining safety while improving workflow efficiency by eliminating last-minute interruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple control mode transitions are required during a procedure, then the system maintains safety through mode disconnection, but time is lost due to repeated activation commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol disconnectionVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration-based detection system enables rapid mode transitions by automatically detecting operator presence through changes in handle vibration characteristics. This maintains reliability through consistent vibration-based verification while minimizing time loss during repeated control mode transitions throughout the medical procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and accurate detection of user touch, reducing operator distraction and improving workflow by automatically transitioning between control modes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more actuators are controlled to cause a vibration to be provided on the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

senses the vibration with one or more sensors, and determines that a difference in the vibration has occurred

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration sensing: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12370004B2Detection of user touch on controller handle

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

Implementations relate to detecting user touch on a controller handle. In some implementations, a non-controlling mode of a control system is activated, and in the non-controlling mode, one or more actuators are controlled to cause a vibration to be provided on a handle of a controller. The vibration is sensed with one or more sensors, and a difference in the vibration is determined to have occurred relative to a reference vibration using the one or more sensors, where the difference satisfies one or more predetermined thresholds. A controlling mode of the system is activated in response to determining the difference in the vibration, and the vibration is modified on the handle in response to detecting the change in the vibration.