Haptic Handheld Endoscope Simulator Without Physical Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for portable and cost-effective augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) simulators for urological endoscopy that do not require physical models, as existing systems are expensive and not necessarily needed for cystoscopy simulation.
Innovation Solution
A portable AR/VR system comprising a handheld controller with inertial sensors, imaging devices, and a computer for simulating urological procedures, providing haptic feedback and enabling control of virtual endoscopes in a virtual environment, without the need for a physical model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical model is used in the VR simulator (e.g., URO Mentor), then the realism and tactile feedback are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of endoscopic tools and environments instead of physical models. The system creates digital replicas of cystoscopes, ureteroscopes, and anatomical structures that can be manipulated and explored, providing realistic simulation without the cost and complexity of physical counterparts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical physical models with software-based virtual models running on a computer system. The virtual endoscope and environment are rendered through software, eliminating the need for complex mechanical physical models while maintaining simulation fidelity
2Reliability
If a physical model is used in the VR simulator, then the tactile feedback is improved, but the portability and ease of setup are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical tactile feedback systems with haptic feedback generated by the handheld controller. This allows the system to be portable and easy to set up while still providing tactile feedback through the haptic interface, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical models
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld controller serves multiple functions: it displays the virtual endoscopic view, provides haptic feedback, and allows manipulation of the virtual endoscope. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate physical components into a single portable device
3Reliability
If extensive validation studies are conducted for cystoscopy simulation, then the training effectiveness is improved, but the time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates built-in tracking and assessment capabilities that automatically evaluate trainee performance during simulation. The handheld controller tracks movements and the software assesses procedural skills in real-time, eliminating the need for separate validation studies while maintaining training effectiveness
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
The system enhances training consistency, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness for urological procedures, offering improved simulation of endoscopic skills with haptic feedback and customizable training scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a handheld controller with inertial sensors for three axes of motion
Implementation Method 2
a haptic feedback generator for providing haptic feedback to the user
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) system, including a handheld controller, at least two imaging devices and a computer, is capable of simulating a variety of endoscopic, especially urological, procedures, for the purpose of training and/or equipment design evaluation. The handheld controller has inertial sensors for three axes of motion, user actuatable controls for causing the virtual urological endoscope to interact with a virtual urological environment and a haptic feedback generator for providing haptic feedback to the user. The at least two imaging devices are configured to obtain position information relating to the handheld controller and to provide the position information to the computer.