Operating pointer with interactive computergraphics
US5230623A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2217/005
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention relates to any operating pointer or arm apparatus whose position can be detected and read out on a computer and associated graphics display, and where the pointer can be changed from its pointer function to a "3D mouse" so as to alternately by use control the functionality of the computer as in calibration and display features. Specific embodiments of the invention are given, and one of them is a neurosurgical operating arm which has electronic readout for coupling to a computergraphic display which shows the position of the arm relative to patient anatomy. In one embodiment, the arm has five angular degrees of freedom to achieve a pointer position anywhere in space, at any angle. Electronic readout from the arm positions and joint angles are assimilated into a computegraphic display system. The display system displays anatomical image data taken from the patient with modern imaging techniques. Calibration steps are described to relate the initialization and the patient-related calibrations of the operating arm during surgery. A manual or footswitch control changes the operating arm from a space pointer to a "3D Mouse" that enables easy surgeon interaction with the c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.