Gesture-Controlled Robotic Catheter Guidance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophysiology labs, there is a need for an improved user interface to control robotic catheter systems, as conventional methods rely on verbal commands which can be misinterpreted and delayed due to ambient noise and the physical separation of physicians and technicians, leading to inefficiencies in procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a motion capture apparatus and electronic control unit that recognizes user gestures to directly control robotic catheter systems, allowing physicians to input commands through hand, arm, or facial movements, eliminating the need for verbal communication with technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If verbal commands are used to control robotic catheter systems, then communication between physicians and technicians can occur, but misinterpretation and delays occur due to ambient noise and physical separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic communication channel (verbal commands) with a direct electronic control interface. The motion capture system detects physician gestures and translates them directly into control signals for the robotic catheter system, eliminating the intermediate verbal communication step that causes misinterpretation and delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion capture system serves as an intermediary device that captures the physician's intended actions through gesture recognition and translates them into precise control commands. This intermediary system eliminates the need for verbal communication while maintaining the physician's direct control intent.
2Ease of operation
If control stations are placed in separate locations, then physicians can focus on procedures while technicians control equipment, but communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the physician to directly control the robotic catheter system through gesture recognition, eliminating the need for intermediary technicians. The physician's gestures are automatically captured, interpreted, and executed by the system, providing self-service control while the physician maintains focus on the procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control stations with keyboard and mouse are provided, then multiple functions can be controlled, but the interface complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion capture system serves as a universal control interface that can perform multiple functions previously requiring separate control stations. Gestures can control catheter manipulation, imaging acquisition, data analysis, and other system functions, consolidating multiple control functions into a single gesture-based interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, buttons) with gesture-based control. The motion capture system detects body movements and translates them into control commands, eliminating the need for complex physical interfaces while maintaining full system control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling a user to remotely control a robotic medical device system includes a motion capture apparatus to capture motion of a user in a sensing volume and generate indicative output data. The system includes a control unit configured to execute gesture recognition logic that recognizes a user gesture based on analysis of the indicative output data. The control unit executes interpreter logic that is configured to translate the recognized user gesture into a corresponding robotic medical device control command configured to control an aspect of the operation of the robotic medical device system.