Medical VR Simulation Calibration Using Pre-Computed Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy medical VR/AR simulators require dedicated and costly hardware setups, calibration, and maintenance, limiting their flexibility and realism, and often necessitate multiple devices for different anatomical features, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and can lead to training errors if not calibrated correctly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible medical simulation system using anatomy models with position and orientation sensors and calibration units that store pre-computed data, allowing for automatic adaptation to various training scenarios without the need for specialized hardware setup or calibration, enabling realistic simulation of different patient pathologies with standard tools and anatomy models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated haptic hardware and specialized setup are used, then simulation realism and feedback quality are improved, but device complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal calibration protocol that can be applied across multiple VR/AR simulator types and anatomical models. The calibration unit stores calibration data that can be automatically loaded for different simulation scenarios, allowing a single system to function effectively for multiple medical procedures without requiring dedicated hardware for each procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic calibration by having the trainee manipulate the virtual instrument according to on-screen instructions. The calibration unit automatically captures sensor data and computes calibration parameters without requiring skilled personnel intervention. This self-calibrating capability eliminates the need for expensive specialized setup while maintaining simulation accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated simulators are used for different anatomical features, then training versatility is improved, but ease of operation and time efficiency deteriorate due to repeated setup and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration unit pre-stores calibration data for multiple anatomical models and simulation scenarios. When a trainee selects a different procedure or anatomical model, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate calibration data without requiring time-consuming manual recalibration. This preliminary preparation of calibration data enables rapid switching between different training scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
A single VR/AR simulator equipped with the calibration unit can handle multiple anatomical models and procedural types. The system automatically adapts to different simulation scenarios by loading corresponding calibration parameters, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated simulators and reducing setup time between different training modules.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration by skilled personnel is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs calibration by capturing sensor data during trainee manipulation and computing calibration parameters through the calibration unit. This eliminates the need for skilled personnel to manually perform calibration while maintaining high accuracy through automated data processing and algorithmic computation of calibration parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the trainee during calibration through on-screen instructions and visual guidance. The calibration unit continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts calibration parameters based on captured movements, ensuring high precision while making the process simple for trainees to follow without requiring expert knowledge.
4Reliability
If VR/AR simulation is implemented, then training effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to dedicated hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical haptic hardware with a software-based calibration system that uses standard position and orientation sensors. Instead of requiring specialized haptic devices with mobile members and force feedback mechanisms, the system achieves realistic simulation through accurate virtual model alignment using the calibration unit and standard sensors already present in many VR/AR systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Simulation systems and methods may enable virtual imaging. A data processing unit may receive data from a calibration unit indicating a position and/or orientation of a position and orientation sensor relative to a physical model. The data processing unit may also receive data from the position and orientation sensor indicating a position and/or orientation of the physical model. The data processing unit may generate a virtual image using the data from the position and orientation sensor and the data from the calibration unit. The data processing unit may render the virtual image to a display.