Surgical Robot Interface Mode Progression and Ergonomic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical systems have user interfaces that are less than ideal, being less intuitive and requiring numerous user inputs for setup and treatment planning, which can increase setup time and potentially lead to user fatigue and errors.
Innovation Solution
A user interface for surgical systems is configured to proceed through a series of modes and sub-modes, displaying the current mode and sub-mode, and automatically generating images from image sources with overlaid markers and instructions to facilitate the use of the system. The interface includes a control panel partitioned from the image display area, with frequently used inputs located below the centerline of the display to improve ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the user interface requires numerous user inputs for setup and treatment planning, then the system can perform comprehensive surgical procedures, but the setup time increases and user fatigue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating treatment plans, configuring imaging views, and preparing surgical parameters before the user begins the procedure. The processor automatically processes imaging data and generates treatment plans, eliminating the need for users to manually configure multiple settings and reducing setup time while maintaining comprehensive surgical planning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically configuring imaging device views, generating treatment plans from imaging data, and adjusting system parameters without requiring numerous user inputs. The processor autonomously processes medical images, identifies anatomical structures, and prepares surgical protocols, allowing the system to reduce dependency on manual user configuration while maintaining comprehensive surgical functionality
2Ease of operation
If the user interface is designed with multiple screens for setup and planning procedures, then the system can guide users through comprehensive procedures, but the user loses track of remaining steps and overall progress
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time status indicators that show users their current position in the surgical workflow, remaining steps to complete, and overall progress. The user interface displays progress information and automatically updates users on the current mode and remaining procedures, preventing loss of orientation despite multiple setup and planning screens being used
Solution Approach 2:
The comprehensive surgical procedure is segmented into distinct modes and stages, with each mode displaying its specific tasks and progress separately. The system divides the complex setup and planning process into manageable segments with clear visual indicators for each stage, allowing users to understand their progress within each segment while maintaining awareness of the overall procedure timeline
3Area of stationary object
If the control panel is integrated with the image display area, then the interface occupies less space, but the user experience becomes less intuitive and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: an image display area for visualizing medical images and a separate control panel area for user interactions. This spatial segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function, with the control panel positioned for ergonomic access and the image display area providing sufficient visualization space, thereby maintaining user intuitiveness while managing overall interface space
4Adaptability or versatility
If the user must frequently reconfigure imaging device views for different setup steps, then the system can adapt to different procedural requirements, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of imaging device views automatically based on the detected surgical procedure type and current workflow stage. The processor analyzes the surgical plan and pre-configures appropriate imaging views before the user begins setup, eliminating the need for frequent manual reconfiguration while maintaining adaptability to different procedural requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging view configuration is made dynamic and automatic, with the system automatically adjusting and switching between different imaging views based on the current procedural stage and surgical plan. The processor dynamically selects and configures appropriate imaging perspectives without requiring manual user intervention, allowing the system to adapt to different setup requirements while reducing the time users spend manually reconfiguring views
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a surgical system is configured to proceed through a plurality of modes and display a current mode among the plurality of modes. Each of the plurality of modes is associated with one or more sub-modes, and the user interface is configured to proceed through the plurality of modes and the plurality of sub-modes in sequence. The user interface is configured to automatically generate an image from an image source for each of the modes and sub-modes and overlay one or more markers on the image along with instructions to the user. The user interface is configured to provide a control panel comprising plurality of frequently used user inputs below a centerline of a display for ergonomics, and to highlight a current mode of the sequence on a display relative to the other modes to show progression through the sequence of modes.