Tactile amplification instrument and method of use
AssigneesMcGill University, Queen's University at Kingston
InventorsRandy E. Ellis, Vincent Hayward, Hsin-Yun Yao
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Abstract
The invention relates to a tool comprising a handle and a tip, which provides amplified tactile feedback to a user regarding the material with which the tip of the tool is in contact. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided to the user via the handle of the tool, in the form of movements which correspond at least partially to those experienced by the tip of the tool as it interacts with the material. The tool optionally provides audio and/or visual feedback regarding the material. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is a surgical instrument.
Claims24
A tool for obtaining tactile information about a material, comprising:
- a tip for interacting with the material to produce a vibration;
- a handle attached to the tip;
- a sensor in mechanical communication with the tip, the sensor receiving vibration from the tip and producing an electrical signal from the vibration;
- an amplifier for receiving and amplifying the electrical signal to produce an amplified signal;
- and
- an actuator disposed in the handle for receiving the amplified signal and producing related output motion;
- wherein the output motion of the handle is in a direction different from that of the vibration at the tool tip.
The system of 12, wherein the tool is a surgical instrument.
A method for obtaining tactile information about a material, comprising:
- providing a tool having a handle and a tip for interacting with the material to produce a vibration;
- contacting the material with the tip;
- sensing vibration of the tip and converting the vibration into an electrical signal;
- amplifying the signal to produce an amplified signal;
- and
- producing output motion in the handle using the amplified signal, the output motion related to the vibration of the tip;
- wherein the output motion of the handle is in a direction different from that of the vibration at the tool tip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.