Abstract
ObjectiveThe Development of a Novel Mixed Reality (MR) Simulation.An evolving training environment emphasizes the importance of simulation. Current haptic temporal bone simulators have difficulty representing realistic contact forces and while 3D printed models convincingly represent vibrational properties of bone, they cannot reproduce soft tissue. This paper introduces a mixed reality model, where the effective elements of both simulations are combined; haptic rendering of soft tissue directly interacts with a printed bone model.This paper addresses one aspect in a series of challenges, specifically the mechanical merger of a haptic device with an otic drill. This further necessitates gravity cancelation of the work assembly gripper mechanism. In this system, the haptic end-effector is replaced by a high-speed drill and the virtual contact forces need to be repositioned to the drill tip from the mid wand.Previous publications detail generation of both the requisite printed and haptic simulations.MethodCustom software was developed to reposition the haptic interaction point to the drill tip. A custom fitting, to hold the otic drill, was developed and its weight was offset using the haptic device. The robustness of the system to disturbances and its stable performance during drilling were tested. The experiments were performed on a mixed reality model consisting of two drillable rapid-prototyped layers separated by a free-space. Within the free-space, a linear virtual force model is applied to simulate drill contact with soft tissue.ResultsTesting illustrated the effectiveness of gravity cancellation. Additionally, the system exhibited excellent performance given random inputs and during the drill’s passage between real and virtual components of the model. No issues with registration at model boundaries were encountered.ConclusionThese tests provide a proof of concept for the initial stages in the development of a novel mixed-reality temporal bone simulator.
Highlights
Concern for patient safety and outcomes underscore the importance of the ever-increasing pace of development in medical simulation.Simulators are ubiquitous in training [Figure 1]
No issues with registration at model boundaries were encountered. These tests provide a proof of concept for the initial stages in the development of a novel mixed-reality temporal bone simulator
Owing to fundamental limitations in mechanical design, existing haptic simulations are unable to realistically reproduce the vibration and contact forces experienced during surgery
Summary
Concern for patient safety and outcomes underscore the importance of the ever-increasing pace of development in medical simulation. Simulators are ubiquitous in training [Figure 1]. Interactive computer-driven simulations provide a safe training environment for learning anatomy and procedures. Several haptic temporal bone simulators are currently available [1,2,3,4,5]. A haptic device is a robotic system designed to apply forces through an end-effector. As a virtual tool comes into contact with virtual tissues, reaction forces are simulated. Owing to fundamental limitations in mechanical design, existing haptic simulations are unable to realistically reproduce the vibration and contact forces experienced during surgery
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
