Handheld Device for Sterile 3D View Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D user interface systems for medical and industrial applications require physical contact, which poses risks of cross-contamination and is inconvenient in dirty or sterile environments, and existing systems are labor-intensive and costly to sterilize.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device integrates 3D user interface functionality with other operating functionalities, allowing remote control of the view of a 3D environment on a display using motion sensors and actuators, enabling the operator to perform actions and control the view without physically touching other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact user interface devices (3D mice, space balls, touch screens) are used for 3D data viewing, then ease of operation is improved, but cross-contamination risk and sterilization cost increase in medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the main handheld device, implementing a separate remote control mechanism. The handheld device focuses solely on performing medical actions (scanning, measuring), while a detached remote control handles view manipulation of the 3D environment, eliminating cross-contamination risk by removing physical contact surfaces from the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary remote control device that mediates between the user and the 3D visualization system. This intermediary allows view control without direct contact between the user and the medical device, using wireless or optical communication as the mediation channel to prevent contamination while maintaining operational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for performing actions and controlling 3D environment view, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and sterlization cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the primary tool for performing medical actions (scanning, measuring) and as a controller for the 3D environment visualization. This universal device approach consolidates multiple functions into one instrument, reducing the number of separate devices needed while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the action-performing functionality and the view-control functionality into a single integrated handheld device. By combining these functions that were previously separated into different devices, the system reduces overall device complexity and eliminates the need for multiple sterilization processes, while preserving all required adaptabilities.
3Device complexity
If the handheld device is used for both performing actions and controlling view, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation may worsen due to dual functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld device's functionality is segmented into distinct modes or operational states: one for performing medical actions and another for controlling the 3D environment view. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple functions without creating operational confusion, as each function operates in its own dedicated mode, maintaining ease of operation despite the dual capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system comprising a handheld device and at least one display. The handheld device is adapted for performing at least one action in a physical 3D environment; wherein the at least one display is adapted for visually representing the physical 3D environment; and where the handheld device is adapted for remotely controlling the view with which the 3D environment is represented on the display.