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WO1998008062A1 - Appareil de signalisation a commande manuelle - Google Patents

Appareil de signalisation a commande manuelle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998008062A1
WO1998008062A1 PCT/GB1997/002170 GB9702170W WO9808062A1 WO 1998008062 A1 WO1998008062 A1 WO 1998008062A1 GB 9702170 W GB9702170 W GB 9702170W WO 9808062 A1 WO9808062 A1 WO 9808062A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuating means
user
finger
devices
signals
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/002170
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Robert Hewit
Robert Dermot Smith
Alan Peter Slade
Alfred Cuschieri
Timothy Graham Frank
Original Assignee
The University Court Of The University Of Dundee
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The University Court Of The University Of Dundee filed Critical The University Court Of The University Of Dundee
Priority to AU39474/97A priority Critical patent/AU3947497A/en
Publication of WO1998008062A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998008062A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/25—Selecting one or more conductors or channels from a plurality of conductors or channels, e.g. by closing contacts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/25—Selecting one or more conductors or channels from a plurality of conductors or channels, e.g. by closing contacts
    • G01D5/251—Selecting one or more conductors or channels from a plurality of conductors or channels, e.g. by closing contacts one conductor or channel
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
    • G06F2203/0331—Finger worn pointing device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to signalling apparatus which is manually operable by a user for transmitting signals to some type of apparatus, computer system or the like adapted to receive input signals from the user.
  • the signals may comprise command signals for controlling the operation of the apparatus, computer etc., or data signals for supplying information to apparatus, computer etc.
  • the invention is particularly intended for use by surgeons in controlling the operation of assistive machinery and instrumentation, most particularly in the field of minimal access surgery (MAS).
  • MAS minimal access surgery
  • the invention is also useful in other fields of application.
  • manually operated signalling apparatus comprising: a signalling device including actuating means and being adapted to generate at least one output signal in response to operation of said actuating means; and means for removably attaching said actuating means to at least one finger or thumb of a user.
  • the actuating means may comprise any type of device which can generate a signal in response to movement of a finger or relative movement of or contact between two or more fingers so as to provide at least a simple toggle or binary (i.e. "on/off") signal.
  • the actuating means may comprise at least one type of device selected from the following: pressure sensitive devices; contact sensitive devices; proximity sensitive devices; velocity sensitive devices; acceleration sensitive devices.
  • Pressure and/or contact sensitive devices suitable for the purposes of the invention may include, for example, switches, miniature joysticks, track-balls, pressure- pads or tactile elements.
  • Other types of devices may include electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or optical devices (including infra-red devices).
  • the signalling device may include first actuating means located on the thumb tip of the user and at least second actuating means located on at least one other finger of the user, the apparatus being adapted to generate signals in response to mutual contact between said first and second actuating means.
  • Second actuating means may be located on more than one finger, such that different signals may be generated by contact between the thumb and different fingers.
  • multiple actuating means may be located on a single finger tip, each of said actuating means being adapted to generate a different signal.
  • the means for removably attaching said actuating means to a first finger or thumb of a user is preferably adapted to locate the actuating means such that it may be operated by pressure applied by an opposed thumb or finger of the user.
  • the actuating means is adapted to be located at the tip of said at least one finger or thumb of the user.
  • the means for removably attaching said actuating means preferably comprises a sheath configured to fit on at least one fingertip of the user, the signalling device being secured to the sheath.
  • the actuating means may be incorporated into a glove (such as a surgical glove).
  • the actuating means may be mounted on a flexible circuit board secured to or incorporated within the sheath, glove or the like.
  • the apparatus preferably further includes means for transmitting signals from the signalling device to other apparatus adapted to receive input signals from the user.
  • the signal transmission means preferably includes wireless communication means including a wireless transmission module connected to said signalling device and adapted to transmit wireless signals to said other apparatus in response to signals received from said signalling device.
  • the wireless transmission may be by radio, optical or ultrasonic means, or by any other suitable wireless transmission medium.
  • the wireless transmission module is preferably portable and is adapted to be carried by the user. Most preferably, said wireless communication means is adapted to be secured to the wrist or arm of the user.
  • the wireless communication means preferably also includes receiver means connected to or forming part of said other apparatus.
  • Fig. 1(a) is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of signalling apparatus in accordance with the invention
  • Figs. 1(b), 1(c) and 1(d) are schematic illustrations of details of the embodiment of Fig. 1(a);
  • Fig . 2 is a schematic illustration of further embodiments and features of the invention .
  • the apparatus includes actuating means in the form of a miniature joystick 10, configured as a thimble-type device for fitment to the tip of a finger 12 of the user's hand 14.
  • the joystick 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body 16 which fits onto the fingertip and having an upper end face 18.
  • a resilient rod-like member 20 projects upwards from the end face 18, and has a disk-shaped member 22 attached to the upper end thereof.
  • the disk 22 may be manipulated by the thumb 24 of the user to selectively contact individual ones of the contacts A, B, C, D.
  • the disk 22 and rod 20 include electrically conductive means (not shown), so as to constitute a fifth electrical contact E. Accordingly, the joystick acts as an array of switches (see Fig. 1(d)), in which manipulation of the joystick selectively closes individual switches.
  • Wiring 26 connects the joystick 10 to a miniature transmitter unit 28, which generates different signals in response to operation of the various joystick switches.
  • the transmitted signals can be detected at a remote location and used as data or command signals for any required purpose.
  • a joystick of this type might typically be employed to control the direction of movement of robot apparatus.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a number of variations on the invention, including different types of finger-mounted signalling device which are described in greater detail below.
  • signals from the devices are transmitted from a transmitter unit 30, similar to the unit 28 of the first embodiment, to a remote receiver unit 32.
  • the signals are preferably transmitted by wireless means, which may be of any suitable type such as radio, optical or ultrasonic means.
  • the signals received by the receiver unit 32 are passed to a controller unit 34, such as a computer, where the signals are processed and converted into control or data signals for any required purpose; e.g. for controlling a robot manipulator or other apparatus 36.
  • the receiver 32, the controller 34 and the apparatus, device, or the like 36, constituting the "end-user" of the signals may comprise separate or integrated units as required by the particular application of the invention.
  • a programmable controller unit would be provided allowing the invention to be adapted for use with any required "end-user" apparatus.
  • the apparatus comprises a signalling device in the form of a tactile sensor 38, such as a microswitch, pressure sensor, or other actuating means responsive to applied force, for example, on the index finger of the user's left hand and actuated by pressure applied by the user's left thumb to the actuating means.
  • the signalling device may thus be operated by a simple pincer-like movement of the right thumb and middle finger.
  • the invention may also employ other types of switches, sensors and the like, including devices which operate on the basis of proximity, relative velocity or acceleration etc. by means of electrical or magnetic fields, optical signals (including infra-red) etc.
  • a simple toggle switch of this type may be used to generate a simple on/off signal which might be used, for example, to control a surgical cauterising instrument.
  • Apparatus of this type is conventionally controlled by means of a foot-operated switch, which is awkward and cumbersome in comparison with the present invention.
  • more sophisticated signals may be generated, besides simply on/off signals.
  • actuating elements 40 might be mounted on the same finger-tip, allowing a plurality of different signals to be transmitted by operation of different elements (or, possibly, different combinations of elements).
  • An array of four actuating means 40 can provide functionality equivalent to a joystick.
  • a miniature joystick 42 might differ in construction from that of Fig. 1.
  • the joystick may be of the "analog" type, generating a signal which varies with both the direction and magnitude of the applied force; e.g by means of strain gauges.
  • Such a device could control, for example, both the direction and speed of movement of a robot device.
  • the actuating means might comprise a miniature "track-ball” device 44, of the type which is well known as a pointing device for personal computing applications employing graphical user interfaces.
  • first actuating means 46 on the thumb of the user's hand and second actuating means 48 on the finger, so that a signal is generated only by mutual contact (or proximity etc) of both actuating means.
  • Second actuating means 48 could be provided on more than one finger, allowing different signals to be generated. The relevant signals could be generated in response to electrical contact between the respective actuating means 46, 48 completing a circuit, but this may lead to problems arising from inadvertent earthing. It is preferable that the system operates by correlating signals generated independently by contact pressure between or proximity between the respective actuating means 46, 48. Multiple actuating means may again be provided on one or more of the user's fingertips.
  • the actuating means 38 to 48 are preferably mounted on a flexible circuit board 50 which is secured to the user's finger.
  • the circuit board might suitably be secured by being incorporated into a sheath which fits over an individual finger, or into the finger portion of a glove.
  • the relevant signalling device When the relevant signalling device is actuated, the signal generated by the signalling device is received by the transmitter and encoded prior to transmission, together (preferably) with an address code identifying the transmitter, to the receiver 32 situated remote from the user.
  • the controller 34 decodes the signal and forwards appropriate signals to the relevant apparatus 36 (e.g “turn off the cauterising current”; “move the robot gripper left at speed 0.1 s "1 , etc.).
  • This wireless system allows the surgeon to control machinery and instruments without the need for trailing wires and cables.
  • the signals provided by the present invention might be employed in combination with commands etc. generated by other means, such as voice control employing known voice recognition systems.
  • the invention is particularly suited for minimal access surgery applications, but is also suited generally for remote control applications where the hands and arms are being constantly employed in other tasks (e.g. nuclear glove-box manipulation, computer-based interactive games, etc.).
  • the location of the actuating means on the fingertips of the user is especially suited to MAS applications, since the surgeon's fingertips are generally free even while manipulating conventional MAS instruments.
  • the invention provides a number of advantages over conventional command and control systems, being simple and unobtrusive, not requiring trailing wires or cables, employing fingertip operation which is "natural" for surgeons and other potential users, and allowing the hands and arms to remain free for other tasks.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Manipulator (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de signalisation à commande manuelle pouvant servir, par exemple, à commander un appareil utilisé dans les opérations de chirurgie avec effraction minimale. Ledit appareil de signalisation comprend un dispositif de commande (10) destiné à être placé sur un doigt (12) de la main de l'utilisateur et à être manoeuvré par un autre doigt ou par le pouce (24), et des moyens de transmission sans fil pour transmettre les signaux de commande et/ou de données à l'appareil commandé à distance. Le dispositif de commande peut être sensible notamment au contact, à la pression, à la proximité, à la vitesse ou l'accélération relative, et comprendre un dispositif à choisir entre plusieurs dispositifs mécaniques, électriques, électroniques, magnétiques, électromagnétiques ou optiques adéquats. On peut placer plusieurs dispositifs de commande sur un ou plusieurs doigts et les monter sur des gaines venant recouvrir des doigts individuels, ou dans un gant tel qu'un gant chirurgical.
PCT/GB1997/002170 1996-08-16 1997-08-13 Appareil de signalisation a commande manuelle WO1998008062A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU39474/97A AU3947497A (en) 1996-08-16 1997-08-13 Manually operated signalling apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9617288.7A GB9617288D0 (en) 1996-08-16 1996-08-16 Manually operated signalling apparatus
GB9617288.7 1996-08-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998008062A1 true WO1998008062A1 (fr) 1998-02-26

Family

ID=10798611

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/002170 WO1998008062A1 (fr) 1996-08-16 1997-08-13 Appareil de signalisation a commande manuelle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3947497A (fr)
GB (1) GB9617288D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998008062A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6435894B2 (en) 1998-07-15 2002-08-20 Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag Connector for airbag gas generator
EP1253509A1 (fr) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-30 Jacques Andre Dispositif pour commander un mouvement tridimensionnel
WO2002088918A2 (fr) * 2001-05-02 2002-11-07 Midwest Research Institute Interface ergonomique a fonctions multiples
WO2005059734A2 (fr) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 Research Machines Plc Dispositif de saisie a usage multiple avec une tablette de numerisation
EP1804151A1 (fr) * 2005-12-28 2007-07-04 DePuy Products, Inc. Système pour une interface utilisateur pour chirurgie assistée par ordinateur
WO2008047172A2 (fr) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Mate Rimac Gant en tant qu'unité d'entrée de commande d'ordinateur
FR2920891A1 (fr) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-13 Atelier D Etudes De Formes Soc Dispositif de commande orthetique, moteur et aeronef equipes d'un tel dispositif
WO2012138943A1 (fr) * 2011-04-05 2012-10-11 Kim Gabriel Système d'éclairage chirurgical automatisé
DE102014105509A1 (de) * 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 MAQUET GmbH Bediengerät zum Steuern einer medizinischen Einrichtung

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1480243A (en) * 1975-04-07 1977-07-20 Post Office Electrical signal initiating devices
US4414537A (en) * 1981-09-15 1983-11-08 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Digital data entry glove interface device
US4613139A (en) * 1984-12-10 1986-09-23 Robinson William Henry Ii Video control gloves
EP0315040A1 (fr) * 1987-11-02 1989-05-10 Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited Bio-photo detecteur
EP0646888A1 (fr) * 1993-10-01 1995-04-05 ANAPHASE UNLIMITED Inc. Appareil pour commander un jeu vidéo
EP0696014A1 (fr) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Dispositif d'entrée de données sensible à la pression portable sur un doigt humain

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1480243A (en) * 1975-04-07 1977-07-20 Post Office Electrical signal initiating devices
US4414537A (en) * 1981-09-15 1983-11-08 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Digital data entry glove interface device
US4613139A (en) * 1984-12-10 1986-09-23 Robinson William Henry Ii Video control gloves
EP0315040A1 (fr) * 1987-11-02 1989-05-10 Sumitomo Electric Industries Limited Bio-photo detecteur
EP0646888A1 (fr) * 1993-10-01 1995-04-05 ANAPHASE UNLIMITED Inc. Appareil pour commander un jeu vidéo
EP0696014A1 (fr) * 1994-07-28 1996-02-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Dispositif d'entrée de données sensible à la pression portable sur un doigt humain

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6435894B2 (en) 1998-07-15 2002-08-20 Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag Connector for airbag gas generator
EP1253509A1 (fr) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-30 Jacques Andre Dispositif pour commander un mouvement tridimensionnel
WO2002088918A2 (fr) * 2001-05-02 2002-11-07 Midwest Research Institute Interface ergonomique a fonctions multiples
WO2002088918A3 (fr) * 2001-05-02 2004-07-08 Midwest Research Inst Interface ergonomique a fonctions multiples
WO2005059734A2 (fr) * 2003-12-16 2005-06-30 Research Machines Plc Dispositif de saisie a usage multiple avec une tablette de numerisation
WO2005059734A3 (fr) * 2003-12-16 2005-08-25 Research Machines Plc Dispositif de saisie a usage multiple avec une tablette de numerisation
EP1804151A1 (fr) * 2005-12-28 2007-07-04 DePuy Products, Inc. Système pour une interface utilisateur pour chirurgie assistée par ordinateur
US7810504B2 (en) 2005-12-28 2010-10-12 Depuy Products, Inc. System and method for wearable user interface in computer assisted surgery
WO2008047172A2 (fr) * 2006-10-19 2008-04-24 Mate Rimac Gant en tant qu'unité d'entrée de commande d'ordinateur
WO2008047172A3 (fr) * 2006-10-19 2008-07-10 Mate Rimac Gant en tant qu'unité d'entrée de commande d'ordinateur
FR2920891A1 (fr) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-13 Atelier D Etudes De Formes Soc Dispositif de commande orthetique, moteur et aeronef equipes d'un tel dispositif
WO2009066030A1 (fr) * 2007-09-06 2009-05-28 A E F Atelier D'etudes De Formes Dispositif de commande orthetique, moteur et aeronef equipes d'un tel dispositif
WO2012138943A1 (fr) * 2011-04-05 2012-10-11 Kim Gabriel Système d'éclairage chirurgical automatisé
KR101553018B1 (ko) * 2011-04-05 2015-09-15 김가브리엘 수술 조명 시스템, 수술 조명 시스템의 작동 방법 및 수술을 수행하기 위한 방
DE102014105509A1 (de) * 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 MAQUET GmbH Bediengerät zum Steuern einer medizinischen Einrichtung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3947497A (en) 1998-03-06
GB9617288D0 (en) 1996-09-25

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