Tool position and identification indicator displayed in a boundary area of a computer display screen
US9718190B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/45123
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope captures images of a surgical site for display in a viewing area of a monitor. When a tool is outside the viewing area, a GUI indicates the position of the tool by positioning a symbol in a boundary area around the viewing area so as to indicate the tool position. The distance of the out-of-view tool from the viewing area may be indicated by the size, color, brightness, or blinking or oscillation frequency of the symbol. A distance number may also be displayed on the symbol. The orientation of the shaft or end effector of the tool may be indicated by an orientation indicator superimposed over the symbol, or by the orientation of the symbol itself. When the tool is inside the viewing area, but occluded by an object, the GUI superimposes a ghost tool at its current position and orientation over the occluding object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.