Master Controller Haptic Feedback for Surgical UI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing teleoperated surgical systems face challenges in efficiently controlling user interfaces, particularly when transitioning between three-dimensional surgical environments and two-dimensional configuration screens, which can lead to inaccuracies and discomfort for surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a master controller with haptic feedback and constrained movement to simulate tactile interactions with user interface controls, allowing surgeons to interact with both three-dimensional surgical sites and two-dimensional user interfaces with precision and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the master controller allows free movement in three-dimensional space, then the surgeon can navigate the surgical site effectively, but the surgeon experiences discomfort and inaccuracies when interacting with two-dimensional user interface controls
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller dynamically adjusts its degrees of freedom based on the interaction context. When the user interface is active, the system constrains movement to two dimensions (X-Y plane) to match the interface geometry. When the surgical site navigation is active, the system enables full three-dimensional movement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate movement freedom for each operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the master controller between two-dimensional and three-dimensional operation modes. When interacting with the two-dimensional user interface, the Z-axis degree of freedom is constrained, effectively reducing the operational space to two dimensions. This dimensional adaptation allows precise interaction with 2D controls while maintaining the capability to return to full 3D navigation when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the master controller provides haptic feedback to simulate tactile interactions, then the precision of user interface control improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master controller incorporates haptic feedback mechanisms that provide tactile resistance and force feedback to the surgeon's hand. This feedback simulates the sensation of pressing physical buttons or moving sliders, enhancing control precision for user interface interactions. The haptic feedback system detects user inputs and generates appropriate tactile responses, improving accuracy while maintaining intuitive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback mechanism acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's manual input and the digital user interface. Instead of direct digital interaction, the haptic system mediates the interaction by providing tactile cues that guide the surgeon's movements and confirm input registration. This intermediary layer enhances precision without requiring direct modification of the underlying control system architecture.
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
This approach enhances the precision and comfort of user interface interactions in teleoperated surgical systems, reducing the risk of false clicks and improving the overall surgical experience by providing intuitive and tactile control over both surgical instruments and user interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs a master controller with haptic feedback and constrained movement to simulate tactile interactions with user interface controls
Data Source
AI summary
A system to control the interaction between a user-interface of a teleoperated surgical system and an input device of the teleoperated surgical system, the system comprising a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system, a feedback control communicatively coupled to the first master controller, and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display the user interface. The feedback control is configured to restrict the movement of the first master controller based on a state of the user interface changing from a previous state.