Gesture-Based Robotic Manipulator Control for Surgical Instrument Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic surgical systems face challenges in communication between the surgeon and the bedside assistant, leading to potential instrument exchange errors due to audible distractions, which can result in unwarranted usage fees and difficulties in conveying precise instrument positioning.
Innovation Solution
A robotic surgical system equipped with a robotic manipulator, a surgical instrument holder, a user interface, a gesture detection sensor, and a controller that allows for gesture-based control of the robotic manipulator, enabling precise and efficient instrument exchange and positioning through touch screens, camera sensors, electric field-based sensors, or radar interaction sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If verbal communication is used between surgeon and bedside assistant, then instrument exchange can be performed, but communication errors occur due to audible distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces verbal communication (acoustic system) with gesture-based communication detected by sensors. The gesture detection sensor captures hand movements and the controller translates these into commands for instrument exchange, eliminating the reliability issues associated with verbal communication in noisy environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gesture detection sensor and controller as an intermediary between the surgeon's intent and the instrument exchange action. This intermediary system captures gestures, processes them through pattern recognition, and executes the corresponding instrument exchange commands, providing a reliable communication channel that is not susceptible to audible distractions.
2Productivity
If bedside assistant performs instrument exchange based on verbal instructions, then instrument exchange is possible, but unwarranted usage fees occur due to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the surgeon to directly control instrument exchange through gestures without requiring bedside assistant interpretation of verbal commands. The gesture detection sensor and controller work together to automatically execute instrument exchange commands based on detected gestures, eliminating human error in command interpretation and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through a display device that shows detected gestures and their corresponding commands to the surgeon. This feedback mechanism allows the surgeon to verify that their gestures are being correctly interpreted before execution, ensuring accurate instrument exchange and preventing unwarranted usage fees.
3Ease of operation
If traditional robotic control interface is used, then robotic manipulator can be controlled, but precise instrument positioning is difficult to convey
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (master-slave manipulators) with a gesture-based control system. The gesture detection sensor captures precise hand movements and the controller translates these into corresponding robotic manipulator commands, enabling more precise instrument positioning through direct gesture-to-motion mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a visual dimension to the control interface by displaying detected gestures and their corresponding robotic manipulator positions on a display device. This visual feedback loop enhances the precision of instrument positioning by allowing the surgeon to see both their gestures and the resulting manipulator movements in real-time.
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
Enhances procedure efficiency and safety by allowing surgeons to control robotic instruments with greater precision and accuracy, reducing errors and unwarranted usage fees through intuitive gesture-based interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a gesture detection sensor configured to detect a gesture made by a user... The gesture detection sensor is an electric field-based sensor configured to generate an electric field
Implementation Method 2
The gesture detection sensor is a radar interaction sensor configured to transmit electromagnetic waves having a predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 3
a gesture detection sensor configured to detect a gesture made by a user... camera sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for controlling a robotically delivered manipulator. One system includes a robotic manipulator having a base and a surgical instrument holder configured to move relative to the base, a surgical instrument removably coupled to the surgical instrument holder, a user interface configured to present information related to least one of the robotic manipulator or the surgical instrument, a gesture detection sensor configured to detect a gesture made by a user representing a desired movement of the robotic manipulator, and a controller configured to actuate the robotic manipulator in a predetermined manner corresponding to the detected gesture.