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AssigneePresident and Fellows of Harvard College
InventorsJohn F. Ranta, Walter A. Aviles, R. Bruce Donoff, Linda P. Nelson
Estimating the term…
A training system using haptically enhanced simulations of dental procedures to provide the sensorimotor involvement needed for dental training. To provide touch feedback in combination with a realistic visual experience, the system integrates a haptic stylus interface for simulating the movement and feel of the tool-tip with a three-dimensional, stereoscopic display. The haptic stylus enables the dental student to orient and operate simulated dental tools. Working on a virtual model viewed in a stereo display, dental students can use a simulated pick to probe a tooth, or a simulated drill to prepare a tooth for cavity repair. The touch feedback is simulated by representing these dental instruments as force-to-a-point tools which map to haptic simulation procedures executed on a computer workstation that also provides the visual display.
The method for simulating dental procedures for training dental students comprising, in combination, the steps of:
The method set forth in claim 12 wherein said model of a tooth is subdivided into different regions simulating different materials said materials including enamel, dentin and pulp.
Apparatus for simulating dental procedures for training a dental student comprising, in combination, a digital computer consisting of at least a processor, a display device, a haptic interface including a moveable stylus manipulatable by said student, and storage means for storing:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.