Master Controller Haptic Feedback for Surgical Interface Control

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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 user interfaces, which can lead to inaccuracies and discomfort for surgeons.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a master controller with haptic feedback and constrained movement planes to simulate tactile interactions with user interface controls, allowing surgeons to interact with both three-dimensional surgical sites and two-dimensional user interfaces with enhanced precision and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If surgeons directly control two-dimensional user interfaces without haptic feedback, then the system complexity is reduced, but the surgical precision and surgeon comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master controller incorporates haptic feedback mechanisms that provide tactile resistance and force feedback to the surgeon's hands, enabling precise control of the surgical instrument in the three-dimensional virtual environment. The feedback loop communicates force information from the virtual surgical site back to the surgeon, improving surgical precision while maintaining system controllability despite increased complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The master controller serves as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the surgical instrument, translating surgeon hand movements into precise instrument control in the virtual environment. This intermediary layer with haptic feedback capabilities enables accurate surgical manipulation without requiring the surgeon to directly interact with simple two-dimensional interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the master controller allows free three-dimensional movement, then the surgeon's operational flexibility is improved, but the accuracy of two-dimensional interface control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidinterface control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The master controller dynamically adjusts its movement constraints based on the operational context. When the surgeon needs to interact with two-dimensional user interface elements, the controller constrains movement to a two-dimensional plane for precise interface control. When surgical manipulation is required, the controller enables full three-dimensional movement for operational flexibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If surgeons interact with two-dimensional interfaces using traditional input devices, then the device complexity is minimized, but the surgeon fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsurgeon endurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional two-dimensional input devices (mouse, keyboard) with a master controller that uses haptic feedback mechanisms to provide natural tactile interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for surgeons to repeatedly reach for and manipulate separate interface controls, reducing physical fatigue during prolonged surgical procedures while maintaining appropriate levels of system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables surgeons to perform surgical tasks with improved accuracy and reduced fatigue by providing intuitive haptic feedback and constrained movement, thereby enhancing the overall usability and effectiveness of teleoperated surgical systems.

Implementation Method 1

The master controller is configured to provide haptic feedback to simulate tactile interaction with user interface controls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHaptic feedback: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The master controller is configured to constrain movement along a haptic plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstrained movement:

Data Source

PatentUS12329484B2User-interface control using master controller

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A system for controlling a user interface of a teleoperated surgical system, the system comprises a first master controller communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system; and a display device communicatively coupled to the teleoperated surgical system and configured to display a graphical user interface; and wherein the first master controller is configured to transmit a first input signal to an interface controller, the first input signal caused by manual manipulation of the first master controller, the interface controller to use the first input signal to update a graphical user interface presented by the display device.