Dynamic State Indicators for Medical Robot Mode Transitions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical robotic systems often struggle to effectively communicate mode-change requirements to users, making it difficult for surgeons to understand the necessary actions for mode transitions, especially when continuous manipulation is needed, leading to increased complexity and learning difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to graphically provide continuous change of state directions to users by displaying a target state and current state of system elements on a display screen, with dynamic indicators guiding the user to manipulate the elements towards the target state, enhancing user understanding and system usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If static icons or discrete messages are used to indicate mode-change criteria, then the system interface remains simple, but the user cannot understand what continuous manipulation actions are required to effect mode changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static icons into dynamic visual indicators that continuously change to reflect the current state and required user actions. The graphical representation evolves over time, showing progression toward mode change completion, thereby providing real-time feedback without requiring complex text descriptions or multiple static screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing continuous visual information about the current state of mode-change criteria and the actions still required by the user. The graphical representation updates in real-time to show progress, giving the user immediate feedback on whether their manipulation actions are effective and what remains to be done to complete the mode change.
2Ease of operation
If detailed instructions for continuous manipulation are provided, then the user understands what actions to perform, but the interface becomes more complex and harder to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses another dimension by adding temporal evolution to the graphical representation. Instead of providing instructions through text or multiple screens, the interface uses a single visual element that changes over time, adding the dimension of time to convey procedural information. This allows continuous manipulation guidance to be shown in a single, evolving visual display rather than through complex static instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a graphical representation that continuously changes to guide user manipulation. The visual indicator evolves to show the current state and required actions, replacing static text instructions with dynamic visual guidance that adapts to the user's progress through the mode-change process.
3Reliability
If the system requires continuous user manipulation to effect mode changes, then precise control is achieved, but the user has difficulty understanding what actions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying the current state of mode-change criteria and the actions still required. The graphical representation provides real-time information about progress toward mode change completion, enabling the user to understand whether their manipulation actions are effective and what remains to be done, thereby maintaining reliable control while reducing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Continuous change of state directions are graphically provided on a display screen to assist a user in performing necessary action(s) for transitioning between operating modes in a medical robotic system or performing corrective action. A graphical representation of a target state of an element of the medical robotic system is displayed on a display screen viewable by the user. Current states of the element and indications directing the user to manipulate the element towards the target state are continuously determined and graphical representations of the continuously determined current states and indications are displayed on the display screen along with that of the target state.