Selectable instruments with homing devices for haptic virtual reality medical simulation
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for using selectable instruments in virtual reality medical simulations comprising:
- (a) a virtual model of anatomy comprised of first memory means, a plurality of data generator and receptor means and at least one input device partially resembling a medical instrument for manual operation to create events in said virtual model;
(b) means for transmitting a plurality of signals between said at least one input device and said first memory means, said means for transmitting signals optionally comprising second memory means locally at said at least one input device;
(c) means for visually displaying actions of virtual medical instruments within said virtual model;
(d) means for electronically identifying at least one of (1) a selected input device in use, (2) a specific user of said at least one input device from among a plurality of users, and (3) the specific hand said specific user is using with said at least one input device;
(e) a plurality of force generating receptacles;
(f) a numerical three-dimensional grid for establishing the physical position of said at least one input device and of said plurality of force generating receptacles; and
(g) at least one means of target acquisition for homing on said input device and for positioning at least one of said plurality of force generating receptacles to dock with said at least one input device at a precise location derived from said virtual model and said numerical grid.
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Abstract
Invention is apparatus for using selectable instruments in virtual medical simulations with input devices actuated by user and resembling medical instruments which transmit various identifying data to the virtual computer model from said instruments which have been selected; then, said apparatus assist in creating full immersion for the user in the virtual reality model by tracking and homing to instruments with haptic, or force feedback generating, receptacles with which said instruments dock by means of a numerical grid, creating a seamless interface of instrument selection and use in the virtual reality anatomy.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for using selectable instruments in virtual reality medical simulations comprising:
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(a) a virtual model of anatomy comprised of first memory means, a plurality of data generator and receptor means and at least one input device partially resembling a medical instrument for manual operation to create events in said virtual model; (b) means for transmitting a plurality of signals between said at least one input device and said first memory means, said means for transmitting signals optionally comprising second memory means locally at said at least one input device; (c) means for visually displaying actions of virtual medical instruments within said virtual model; (d) means for electronically identifying at least one of (1) a selected input device in use, (2) a specific user of said at least one input device from among a plurality of users, and (3) the specific hand said specific user is using with said at least one input device; (e) a plurality of force generating receptacles; (f) a numerical three-dimensional grid for establishing the physical position of said at least one input device and of said plurality of force generating receptacles; and (g) at least one means of target acquisition for homing on said input device and for positioning at least one of said plurality of force generating receptacles to dock with said at least one input device at a precise location derived from said virtual model and said numerical grid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification