초록 ▼

An interface device capable of communicating with a computer running a simulation program, such as a surgical simulation program, comprises an instrument capable of being manipulated by a user. The instrument is receivable within an orifice in an instrument receiving member, the instrument receiving

An interface device capable of communicating with a computer running a simulation program, such as a surgical simulation program, comprises an instrument capable of being manipulated by a user. The instrument is receivable within an orifice in an instrument receiving member, the instrument receiving member comprising a capture member engageable with the instrument and a sensor to sense a position of the instrument. The position of the instrument is then used by the computer to control a graphic image related to the simulation. In one version, the simulation is a simulation of a surgical instrument insertion procedure, such as an endoscopy procedure.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus, comprising: an instrument-receiving member defining an orifice and configured to receive an instrument having a distal end portion; a capture mechanism disposed within the instrument-receiving member, the capture mechanism configured to releasably engage the dis

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus, comprising: an instrument-receiving member defining an orifice and configured to receive an instrument having a distal end portion; a capture mechanism disposed within the instrument-receiving member, the capture mechanism configured to releasably engage the distal end portion of the instrument and to move in an arcuate path of the instrument-receiving member, the instrument configured to slidably move along the arcuate path of the instrument receiving member, wherein the capture mechanism includes a shaft, the shaft coupled to the sensor, the sensor configured to detect a rotational motion of the shaft; and a sensor configured to detect a position of the instrument and output a position signal responsive to the position of the instrument. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator coupled to the instrument-receiving member and configured to provide force feedback to the instrument-receiving member responsive to the position signal. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instrument-receiving member is configured to allow the instrument to be selectively inserted and removed therefrom. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to send the position signal to a medical simulation system associated with a simulation of a medical procedure. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to send the position signal to a medical simulation system associated with a simulation of an endoscopic procedure. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capture mechanism includes a bendable shaft. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator configured to apply force feedback to the capture mechanism when the instrument is engaged by the capture mechanism. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a wheel coupled to the capture mechanism and configured to rotate, the arcuate path defined by rotation of the wheel. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a wheel coupled to the capture mechanism and configured to rotate, rotation of the wheel defining the arcuate path; a groove disposed in the wheel; and a belt configured to cover the groove of the wheel. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a wheel configured to rotate, rotation of the wheel defining the arcuate path; and a belt configured to drivingly engage the wheel. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a wheel configured to rotate, rotation of the wheel defining the arcuate path; a belt configured to drivingly engage the wheel; and an actuator coupled to the belt and configured to apply force feedback to the instrument.