Patent Application
20210298852
This application is directed to robotic medical systems, and more particularly to heat indicators configured for use with robotic medical systems.
Medical procedures, such as laparoscopy or endoscopy, may involve accessing and visualizing an internal region of a patient. In a laparoscopic procedure, for example, a medical instrument can be inserted into an internal region through a laparoscopic access port. Robotically-enabled medical system can be used to perform such medical procedures. The robotically-enabled medical systems may include several robotic components, including, for example, robotic arms, robotic instrument manipulators, and robotic medical instruments, such as robotically controllable laparoscopes or endoscopes. The robotically-enabled medical systems can be controlled using a user console that may include one or more hand operated inputs as well as one or more foot operated inputs.
The systems, methods and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.
In one aspect, a robotic medical system is provided. The robotic medical system can include a medical instrument including a distal end configured to be inserted into a patient and apply heat to tissue within the patient. The robotic medical system can further include a robotic manipulator engaged with the medical instrument and configured to operate the medical instrument. The robotic medical system can also include a temperature sensor configured to take one or more temperature readings of the medical instrument. The robotic medical system can include a viewer configured to display an image of the medical instrument and an image overlay conveying information indicative of a temperature of the medical instrument. The information conveyed by the image overlay can be based on the one or more temperature readings taken by the temperature sensor. In some configurations, the image overlay can be displayed over at least a portion of the image of the medical instrument. In some configurations, the image overlay is displayed over at least the distal end of the medical instrument of the image.
In some configurations, the medical instrument further includes a wrist. The image overlay can be displayed over at least the wrist of the medical instrument of the image. The image overlay can be displayed around at least a portion of the image of the medical instrument. The image overlay can be displayed around a second image overlay associated with the medical instrument.
The second image overlay can convey a state or an identity of the medical instrument. The image overlay can include a temperature meter indicating a temperature of the medical instrument.
The image overlay can be capable of displaying multiple colors. The multiple colors can include a first color indicating that the medical instrument is heated and a second color indicating that the medical instrument is cooled. The image overlay can display multiple colors that continually transition from the first color to the second color. The image overlay can display the first color until the medical instrument reaches a temperature threshold. The image overlay can display the second color once the medical instrument reaches the temperature threshold. In some configurations, the image overlay can include a number indicating the temperature of the medical instrument. The image overlay can include a time until the medical instrument reaches a temperature threshold.
In some configurations, the viewer is on a physician console. In some configurations, the viewer is on a tower. In some configurations, the viewer is on the medical instrument.
In some configurations, the information can be based on a direct measurement of temperature of the distal end of the medical instrument. In some configurations, the medical instrument can include a wrist. The information can be based on a direct measurement of temperature of the wrist of the medical instrument. The image overlay can convey information based on known characteristics of the medical instrument including one or more of a firing time, a thermal decay constant, and an external body temperature. In some configurations, the temperature sensor is located within the medical instrument.
In another aspect, a method of controlling a robotic medical instrument can be provided. The method can include operating the robotic medical instrument with a robotic manipulator engaged with the robotic medical instrument. The method can further include measuring a temperature at a distal end of the robotic medical instrument. The method can further include limiting a functionality of the robotic medical instrument based on the measured temperature.
In some configurations, the method can further include displaying an image of the robotic medical instrument and an image overlay that conveys information regarding the measured temperature. The functionality can be limited until the measured temperature falls below a temperature threshold. In some configurations, limiting the functionality can include limiting a speed of the robotic medical instrument. In some configurations, limiting the functionality can include preventing actuation of the robotic medical instrument. In some configurations, the method can further include generating one or more of a visual, audible, or haptic alarm to indicate the measured temperature. The alarm can indicate the temperature is above a temperature threshold.
The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements.
Aspects of the present disclosure may be integrated into a robotically-enabled medical system capable of performing a variety of medical procedures, including both minimally invasive, such as laparoscopy, and non-invasive, such as endoscopy, procedures. Among endoscopic procedures, the system may be capable of performing bronchoscopy, ureteroscopy, gastroscopy, etc.
In addition to performing the breadth of procedures, the system may provide additional benefits, such as enhanced imaging and guidance to assist the physician. Additionally, the system may provide the physician with the ability to perform the procedure from an ergonomic position without the need for awkward arm motions and positions. Still further, the system may provide the physician with the ability to perform the procedure with improved ease of use such that one or more of the instruments of the system can be controlled by a single user.
Various embodiments will be described below in conjunction with the drawings for purposes of illustration. It should be appreciated that many other implementations of the disclosed concepts are possible, and various advantages can be achieved with the disclosed implementations. Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such concepts may have applicability throughout the entire specification.
The robotically-enabled medical system may be configured in a variety of ways depending on the particular procedure.
With continued reference to
The endoscope 13 may be directed down the patient's trachea and lungs after insertion using precise commands from the robotic system until reaching the target destination or operative site. In order to enhance navigation through the patient's lung network and/or reach the desired target, the endoscope 13 may be manipulated to telescopically extend the inner leader portion from the outer sheath portion to obtain enhanced articulation and greater bend radius. The use of separate instrument drivers 28 also allows the leader portion and sheath portion to be driven independently of each other.
For example, the endoscope 13 may be directed to deliver a biopsy needle to a target, such as, for example, a lesion or nodule within the lungs of a patient. The needle may be deployed down a working channel that runs the length of the endoscope to obtain a tissue sample to be analyzed by a pathologist. Depending on the pathology results, additional tools may be deployed down the working channel of the endoscope for additional biopsies. After identifying a nodule to be malignant, the endoscope 13 may endoscopically deliver tools to resect the potentially cancerous tissue. In some instances, diagnostic and therapeutic treatments can be delivered in separate procedures. In those circumstances, the endoscope 13 may also be used to deliver a fiducial to “mark” the location of the target nodule as well. In other instances, diagnostic and therapeutic treatments may be delivered during the same procedure.
The system 10 may also include a movable tower 30, which may be connected via support cables to the cart 11 to provide support for controls, electronics, fluidics, optics, sensors, and/or power to the cart 11. Placing such functionality in the tower 30 allows for a smaller form factor cart 11 that may be more easily adjusted and/or re-positioned by an operating physician and his/her staff. Additionally, the division of functionality between the cart/table and the support tower 30 reduces operating room clutter and facilitates improving clinical workflow. While the cart 11 may be positioned close to the patient, the tower 30 may be stowed in a remote location to stay out of the way during a procedure.
In support of the robotic systems described above, the tower 30 may include component(s) of a computer-based control system that stores computer program instructions, for example, within a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a persistent magnetic storage drive, solid state drive, etc. The execution of those instructions, whether the execution occurs in the tower 30 or the cart 11, may control the entire system or sub-system(s) thereof. For example, when executed by a processor of the computer system, the instructions may cause the components of the robotics system to actuate the relevant carriages and arm mounts, actuate the robotics arms, and control the medical instruments. For example, in response to receiving the control signal, the motors in the joints of the robotics arms may position the arms into a certain posture.
The tower 30 may also include a pump, flow meter, valve control, and/or fluid access in order to provide controlled irrigation and aspiration capabilities to the system that may be deployed through the endoscope 13. These components may also be controlled using the computer system of the tower 30. In some embodiments, irrigation and aspiration capabilities may be delivered directly to the endoscope 13 through separate cable(s).
The tower 30 may include a voltage and surge protector designed to provide filtered and protected electrical power to the cart 11, thereby avoiding placement of a power transformer and other auxiliary power components in the cart 11, resulting in a smaller, more moveable cart 11.
The tower 30 may also include support equipment for the sensors deployed throughout the robotic system 10. For example, the tower 30 may include optoelectronics equipment for detecting, receiving, and processing data received from the optical sensors or cameras throughout the robotic system 10. In combination with the control system, such optoelectronics equipment may be used to generate real-time images for display in any number of consoles deployed throughout the system, including in the tower 30. Similarly, the tower 30 may also include an electronic subsystem for receiving and processing signals received from deployed electromagnetic (EM) sensors. The tower 30 may also be used to house and position an EM field generator for detection by EM sensors in or on the medical instrument.
The tower 30 may also include a console 31 in addition to other consoles available in the rest of the system, e.g., console mounted on top of the cart. The console 31 may include a user interface and a display screen, such as a touchscreen, for the physician operator. Consoles in the system 10 are generally designed to provide both robotic controls as well as preoperative and real-time information of the procedure, such as navigational and localization information of the endoscope 13. When the console 31 is not the only console available to the physician, it may be used by a second operator, such as a nurse, to monitor the health or vitals of the patient and the operation of the system 10, as well as to provide procedure-specific data, such as navigational and localization information. In other embodiments, the console 30 is housed in a body that is separate from the tower 30.
The tower 30 may be coupled to the cart 11 and endoscope 13 through one or more cables or connections (not shown). In some embodiments, the support functionality from the tower 30 may be provided through a single cable to the cart 11, simplifying and de-cluttering the operating room. In other embodiments, specific functionality may be coupled in separate cabling and connections. For example, while power may be provided through a single power cable to the cart 11, the support for controls, optics, fluidics, and/or navigation may be provided through a separate cable.
The carriage interface 19 is connected to the column 14 through slots, such as slot 20, that are positioned on opposite sides of the column 14 to guide the vertical translation of the carriage 17. The slot 20 contains a vertical translation interface to position and hold the carriage 17 at various vertical heights relative to the cart base 15. Vertical translation of the carriage 17 allows the cart 11 to adjust the reach of the robotic arms 12 to meet a variety of table heights, patient sizes, and physician preferences. Similarly, the individually configurable arm mounts on the carriage 17 allow the robotic arm base 21 of the robotic arms 12 to be angled in a variety of configurations.
In some embodiments, the slot 20 may be supplemented with slot covers that are flush and parallel to the slot surface to prevent dirt and fluid ingress into the internal chambers of the column 14 and the vertical translation interface as the carriage 17 vertically translates. The slot covers may be deployed through pairs of spring spools positioned near the vertical top and bottom of the slot 20. The covers are coiled within the spools until deployed to extend and retract from their coiled state as the carriage 17 vertically translates up and down. The spring-loading of the spools provides force to retract the cover into a spool when the carriage 17 translates towards the spool, while also maintaining a tight seal when the carriage 17 translates away from the spool. The covers may be connected to the carriage 17 using, for example, brackets in the carriage interface 19 to ensure proper extension and retraction of the cover as the carriage 17 translates.
The column 14 may internally comprise mechanisms, such as gears and motors, that are designed to use a vertically aligned lead screw to translate the carriage 17 in a mechanized fashion in response to control signals generated in response to user inputs, e.g., inputs from the console 16.
The robotic arms 12 may generally comprise robotic arm bases 21 and end effectors 22, separated by a series of linkages 23 that are connected by a series of joints 24, each joint comprising an independent actuator, each actuator comprising an independently controllable motor. Each independently controllable joint represents an independent degree of freedom available to the robotic arm 12. Each of the robotic arms 12 may have seven joints, and thus provide seven degrees of freedom. A multitude of joints result in a multitude of degrees of freedom, allowing for “redundant” degrees of freedom. Having redundant degrees of freedom allows the robotic arms 12 to position their respective end effectors 22 at a specific position, orientation, and trajectory in space using different linkage positions and joint angles. This allows for the system to position and direct a medical instrument from a desired point in space while allowing the physician to move the arm joints into a clinically advantageous position away from the patient to create greater access, while avoiding arm collisions.
The cart base 15 balances the weight of the column 14, carriage 17, and robotic arms 12 over the floor. Accordingly, the cart base 15 houses heavier components, such as electronics, motors, power supply, as well as components that either enable movement and/or immobilize the cart 11. For example, the cart base 15 includes rollable wheel-shaped casters 25 that allow for the cart 11 to easily move around the room prior to a procedure. After reaching the appropriate position, the casters 25 may be immobilized using wheel locks to hold the cart 11 in place during the procedure.
Positioned at the vertical end of the column 14, the console 16 allows for both a user interface for receiving user input and a display screen (or a dual-purpose device such as, for example, a touchscreen 26) to provide the physician user with both preoperative and intraoperative data. Potential preoperative data on the touchscreen 26 may include preoperative plans, navigation and mapping data derived from preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans, and/or notes from preoperative patient interviews. Intraoperative data on display may include optical information provided from the tool, sensor and coordinate information from sensors, as well as vital patient statistics, such as respiration, heart rate, and/or pulse. The console 16 may be positioned and tilted to allow a physician to access the console 16 from the side of the column 14 opposite the carriage 17. From this position, the physician may view the console 16, robotic arms 12, and patient while operating the console 16 from behind the cart 11. As shown, the console 16 also includes a handle 27 to assist with maneuvering and stabilizing the cart 11.
After insertion into the urethra, using similar control techniques as in bronchoscopy, the ureteroscope 32 may be navigated into the bladder, ureters, and/or kidneys for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications. For example, the ureteroscope 32 may be directed into the ureter and kidneys to break up kidney stone build up using a laser or ultrasonic lithotripsy device deployed down the working channel of the ureteroscope 32. After lithotripsy is complete, the resulting stone fragments may be removed using baskets deployed down the ureteroscope 32.
Embodiments of the robotically-enabled medical system may also incorporate the patient's table. Incorporation of the table reduces the amount of capital equipment within the operating room by removing the cart, which allows greater access to the patient.
The robotic arms 39 may be mounted on the carriages 43 through a set of arm mounts 45 comprising a series of joints that may individually rotate and/or telescopically extend to provide additional configurability to the robotic arms 39. Additionally, the arm mounts 45 may be positioned on the carriages 43 such that, when the carriages 43 are appropriately rotated, the arm mounts 45 may be positioned on either the same side of the table 38 (as shown in
The column 37 structurally provides support for the table 38, and a path for vertical translation of the carriages 43. Internally, the column 37 may be equipped with lead screws for guiding vertical translation of the carriages, and motors to mechanize the translation of the carriages 43 based the lead screws. The column 37 may also convey power and control signals to the carriages 43 and the robotic arms 39 mounted thereon.
The table base 46 serves a similar function as the cart base 15 in the cart 11 shown in
With continued reference to
In some embodiments, a table base may stow and store the robotic arms when not in use.
In a laparoscopic procedure, through small incision(s) in the patient's abdominal wall, minimally invasive instruments may be inserted into the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, the minimally invasive instruments comprise an elongated rigid member, such as a shaft, which is used to access anatomy within the patient. After inflation of the patient's abdominal cavity, the instruments may be directed to perform surgical or medical tasks, such as grasping, cutting, ablating, suturing, etc. In some embodiments, the instruments can comprise a scope, such as a laparoscope.
To accommodate laparoscopic procedures, the robotically-enabled table system may also tilt the platform to a desired angle.
For example, pitch adjustments are particularly useful when trying to position the table in a Trendelenburg position, i.e., position the patient's lower abdomen at a higher position from the floor than the patient's upper abdomen, for lower abdominal surgery. The Trendelenburg position causes the patient's internal organs to slide towards his/her upper abdomen through the force of gravity, clearing out the abdominal cavity for minimally invasive tools to enter and perform lower abdominal surgical or medical procedures, such as laparoscopic prostatectomy.
The adjustable arm support 105 can provide several degrees of freedom, including lift, lateral translation, tilt, etc. In the illustrated embodiment of
The surgical robotics system 100 in
The adjustable arm support 105 can be mounted to the column 102. In other embodiments, the arm support 105 can be mounted to the table 101 or base 103. The adjustable arm support 105 can include a carriage 109, a bar or rail connector 111 and a bar or rail 107. In some embodiments, one or more robotic arms mounted to the rail 107 can translate and move relative to one another.
The carriage 109 can be attached to the column 102 by a first joint 113, which allows the carriage 109 to move relative to the column 102 (e.g., such as up and down a first or vertical axis 123). The first joint 113 can provide the first degree of freedom (Z-lift) to the adjustable arm support 105. The adjustable arm support 105 can include a second joint 115, which provides the second degree of freedom (tilt) for the adjustable arm support 105. The adjustable arm support 105 can include a third joint 117, which can provide the third degree of freedom (“pivot up”) for the adjustable arm support 105. An additional joint 119 (shown in
In some embodiments, one or more of the robotic arms 142A, 142B comprises an arm with seven or more degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, one or more of the robotic arms 142A, 142B can include eight degrees of freedom, including an insertion axis (1-degree of freedom including insertion), a wrist (3-degrees of freedom including wrist pitch, yaw and roll), an elbow (1-degree of freedom including elbow pitch), a shoulder (2-degrees of freedom including shoulder pitch and yaw), and base 144A, 144B (1-degree of freedom including translation). In some embodiments, the insertion degree of freedom can be provided by the robotic arm 142A, 142B, while in other embodiments, the instrument itself provides insertion via an instrument-based insertion architecture.
The end effectors of the system's robotic arms may comprise (i) an instrument driver (alternatively referred to as “instrument drive mechanism” or “instrument device manipulator”) that incorporates electro-mechanical means for actuating the medical instrument and (ii) a removable or detachable medical instrument, which may be devoid of any electro-mechanical components, such as motors. This dichotomy may be driven by the need to sterilize medical instruments used in medical procedures, and the inability to adequately sterilize expensive capital equipment due to their intricate mechanical assemblies and sensitive electronics. Accordingly, the medical instruments may be designed to be detached, removed, and interchanged from the instrument driver (and thus the system) for individual sterilization or disposal by the physician or the physician's staff. In contrast, the instrument drivers need not be changed or sterilized, and may be draped for protection.
For procedures that require a sterile environment, the robotic system may incorporate a drive interface, such as a sterile adapter connected to a sterile drape, that sits between the instrument driver and the medical instrument. The chief purpose of the sterile adapter is to transfer angular motion from the drive shafts of the instrument driver to the drive inputs of the instrument while maintaining physical separation, and thus sterility, between the drive shafts and drive inputs. Accordingly, an example sterile adapter may comprise a series of rotational inputs and outputs intended to be mated with the drive shafts of the instrument driver and drive inputs on the instrument. Connected to the sterile adapter, the sterile drape, comprised of a thin, flexible material such as transparent or translucent plastic, is designed to cover the capital equipment, such as the instrument driver, robotic arm, and cart (in a cart-based system) or table (in a table-based system). Use of the drape would allow the capital equipment to be positioned proximate to the patient while still being located in an area not requiring sterilization (i.e., non-sterile field). On the other side of the sterile drape, the medical instrument may interface with the patient in an area requiring sterilization (i.e., sterile field).
The elongated shaft 71 is designed to be delivered through either an anatomical opening or lumen, e.g., as in endoscopy, or a minimally invasive incision, e.g., as in laparoscopy. The elongated shaft 71 may be either flexible (e.g., having properties similar to an endoscope) or rigid (e.g., having properties similar to a laparoscope) or contain a customized combination of both flexible and rigid portions. When designed for laparoscopy, the distal end of a rigid elongated shaft may be connected to an end effector extending from a jointed wrist formed from a clevis with at least one degree of freedom and a surgical tool or medical instrument, such as, for example, a grasper or scissors, that may be actuated based on force from the tendons as the drive inputs rotate in response to torque received from the drive outputs 74 of the instrument driver 75. When designed for endoscopy, the distal end of a flexible elongated shaft may include a steerable or controllable bending section that may be articulated and bent based on torque received from the drive outputs 74 of the instrument driver 75.
Torque from the instrument driver 75 is transmitted down the elongated shaft 71 using tendons along the elongated shaft 71. These individual tendons, such as pull wires, may be individually anchored to individual drive inputs 73 within the instrument handle 72. From the handle 72, the tendons are directed down one or more pull lumens along the elongated shaft 71 and anchored at the distal portion of the elongated shaft 71, or in the wrist at the distal portion of the elongated shaft. During a surgical procedure, such as a laparoscopic, endoscopic or hybrid procedure, these tendons may be coupled to a distally mounted end effector, such as a wrist, grasper, or scissor. Under such an arrangement, torque exerted on drive inputs 73 would transfer tension to the tendon, thereby causing the end effector to actuate in some way. In some embodiments, during a surgical procedure, the tendon may cause a joint to rotate about an axis, thereby causing the end effector to move in one direction or another. Alternatively, the tendon may be connected to one or more jaws of a grasper at the distal end of the elongated shaft 71, where tension from the tendon causes the grasper to close.
In endoscopy, the tendons may be coupled to a bending or articulating section positioned along the elongated shaft 71 (e.g., at the distal end) via adhesive, control ring, or other mechanical fixation. When fixedly attached to the distal end of a bending section, torque exerted on the drive inputs 73 would be transmitted down the tendons, causing the softer, bending section (sometimes referred to as the articulable section or region) to bend or articulate. Along the non-bending sections, it may be advantageous to spiral or helix the individual pull lumens that direct the individual tendons along (or inside) the walls of the endoscope shaft to balance the radial forces that result from tension in the pull wires. The angle of the spiraling and/or spacing therebetween may be altered or engineered for specific purposes, wherein tighter spiraling exhibits lesser shaft compression under load forces, while lower amounts of spiraling results in greater shaft compression under load forces, but limits bending. On the other end of the spectrum, the pull lumens may be directed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft 71 to allow for controlled articulation in the desired bending or articulable sections.
In endoscopy, the elongated shaft 71 houses a number of components to assist with the robotic procedure. The shaft 71 may comprise a working channel for deploying surgical tools (or medical instruments), irrigation, and/or aspiration to the operative region at the distal end of the shaft 71. The shaft 71 may also accommodate wires and/or optical fibers to transfer signals to/from an optical assembly at the distal tip, which may include an optical camera. The shaft 71 may also accommodate optical fibers to carry light from proximally-located light sources, such as light emitting diodes, to the distal end of the shaft 71.
At the distal end of the instrument 70, the distal tip may also comprise the opening of a working channel for delivering tools for diagnostic and/or therapy, irrigation, and aspiration to an operative site. The distal tip may also include a port for a camera, such as a fiberscope or a digital camera, to capture images of an internal anatomical space. Relatedly, the distal tip may also include ports for light sources for illuminating the anatomical space when using the camera.
In the example of
Like earlier disclosed embodiments, an instrument 86 may comprise an elongated shaft portion 88 and an instrument base 87 (shown with a transparent external skin for discussion purposes) comprising a plurality of drive inputs 89 (such as receptacles, pulleys, and spools) that are configured to receive the drive outputs 81 in the instrument driver 80. Unlike prior disclosed embodiments, the instrument shaft 88 extends from the center of the instrument base 87 with an axis substantially parallel to the axes of the drive inputs 89, rather than orthogonal as in the design of
When coupled to the rotational assembly 83 of the instrument driver 80, the medical instrument 86, comprising instrument base 87 and instrument shaft 88, rotates in combination with the rotational assembly 83 about the instrument driver axis 85. Since the instrument shaft 88 is positioned at the center of instrument base 87, the instrument shaft 88 is coaxial with instrument driver axis 85 when attached. Thus, rotation of the rotational assembly 83 causes the instrument shaft 88 to rotate about its own longitudinal axis. Moreover, as the instrument base 87 rotates with the instrument shaft 88, any tendons connected to the drive inputs 89 in the instrument base 87 are not tangled during rotation. Accordingly, the parallelism of the axes of the drive outputs 81, drive inputs 89, and instrument shaft 88 allows for the shaft rotation without tangling any control tendons.
The instrument handle 170, which may also be referred to as an instrument base, may generally comprise an attachment interface 172 having one or more mechanical inputs 174, e.g., receptacles, pulleys or spools, that are designed to be reciprocally mated with one or more torque couplers on an attachment surface of an instrument driver.
In some embodiments, the instrument 150 comprises a series of pulleys or cables that enable the elongated shaft 152 to translate relative to the handle 170. In other words, the instrument 150 itself comprises an instrument-based insertion architecture that accommodates insertion of the instrument, thereby minimizing the reliance on a robot arm to provide insertion of the instrument 150. In other embodiments, a robotic arm can be largely responsible for instrument insertion.
Any of the robotic systems described herein can include an input device or controller for manipulating an instrument attached to a robotic arm. In some embodiments, the controller can be coupled (e.g., communicatively, electronically, electrically, wirelessly and/or mechanically) with an instrument such that manipulation of the controller causes a corresponding manipulation of the instrument e.g., via master slave control.
In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 182 is configured to allow manipulation of two medical instruments, and includes two handles 184. Each of the handles 184 is connected to a gimbal 186. Each gimbal 186 is connected to a positioning platform 188.
As shown in
In some embodiments, one or more load cells are positioned in the controller. For example, in some embodiments, a load cell (not shown) is positioned in the body of each of the gimbals 186. By providing a load cell, portions of the controller 182 are capable of operating under admittance control, thereby advantageously reducing the perceived inertia of the controller while in use. In some embodiments, the positioning platform 188 is configured for admittance control, while the gimbal 186 is configured for impedance control. In other embodiments, the gimbal 186 is configured for admittance control, while the positioning platform 188 is configured for impedance control. Accordingly, for some embodiments, the translational or positional degrees of freedom of the positioning platform 188 can rely on admittance control, while the rotational degrees of freedom of the gimbal 186 rely on impedance control.
Traditional endoscopy may involve the use of fluoroscopy (e.g., as may be delivered through a C-arm) and other forms of radiation-based imaging modalities to provide endoluminal guidance to an operator physician. In contrast, the robotic systems contemplated by this disclosure can provide for non-radiation-based navigational and localization means to reduce physician exposure to radiation and reduce the amount of equipment within the operating room. As used herein, the term “localization” may refer to determining and/or monitoring the position of objects in a reference coordinate system. Technologies such as preoperative mapping, computer vision, real-time EM tracking, and robot command data may be used individually or in combination to achieve a radiation-free operating environment. In other cases, where radiation-based imaging modalities are still used, the preoperative mapping, computer vision, real-time EM tracking, and robot command data may be used individually or in combination to improve upon the information obtained solely through radiation-based imaging modalities.
As shown in
The various input data 91-94 are now described in greater detail. Preoperative mapping may be accomplished through the use of the collection of low dose CT scans. Preoperative CT scans are reconstructed into three-dimensional images, which are visualized, e.g. as “slices” of a cutaway view of the patient's internal anatomy. When analyzed in the aggregate, image-based models for anatomical cavities, spaces and structures of the patient's anatomy, such as a patient lung network, may be generated. Techniques such as center-line geometry may be determined and approximated from the CT images to develop a three-dimensional volume of the patient's anatomy, referred to as model data 91 (also referred to as “preoperative model data” when generated using only preoperative CT scans). The use of center-line geometry is discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/523,760, the contents of which are herein incorporated in its entirety. Network topological models may also be derived from the CT-images, and are particularly appropriate for bronchoscopy.
In some embodiments, the instrument may be equipped with a camera to provide vision data (or image data) 92. The localization module 95 may process the vision data 92 to enable one or more vision-based (or image-based) location tracking modules or features. For example, the preoperative model data 91 may be used in conjunction with the vision data 92 to enable computer vision-based tracking of the medical instrument (e.g., an endoscope or an instrument advance through a working channel of the endoscope). For example, using the preoperative model data 91, the robotic system may generate a library of expected endoscopic images from the model based on the expected path of travel of the endoscope, each image linked to a location within the model. Intraoperatively, this library may be referenced by the robotic system in order to compare real-time images captured at the camera (e.g., a camera at a distal end of the endoscope) to those in the image library to assist localization.
Other computer vision-based tracking techniques use feature tracking to determine motion of the camera, and thus the endoscope. Some features of the localization module 95 may identify circular geometries in the preoperative model data 91 that correspond to anatomical lumens and track the change of those geometries to determine which anatomical lumen was selected, as well as the relative rotational and/or translational motion of the camera. Use of a topological map may further enhance vision-based algorithms or techniques.
Optical flow, another computer vision-based technique, may analyze the displacement and translation of image pixels in a video sequence in the vision data 92 to infer camera movement. Examples of optical flow techniques may include motion detection, object segmentation calculations, luminance, motion compensated encoding, stereo disparity measurement, etc. Through the comparison of multiple frames over multiple iterations, movement and location of the camera (and thus the endoscope) may be determined.
The localization module 95 may use real-time EM tracking to generate a real-time location of the endoscope in a global coordinate system that may be registered to the patient's anatomy, represented by the preoperative model. In EM tracking, an EM sensor (or tracker) comprising one or more sensor coils embedded in one or more locations and orientations in a medical instrument (e.g., an endoscopic tool) measures the variation in the EM field created by one or more static EM field generators positioned at a known location. The location information detected by the EM sensors is stored as EM data 93. The EM field generator (or transmitter), may be placed close to the patient to create a low intensity magnetic field that the embedded sensor may detect. The magnetic field induces small currents in the sensor coils of the EM sensor, which may be analyzed to determine the distance and angle between the EM sensor and the EM field generator. These distances and orientations may be intraoperatively “registered” to the patient anatomy (e.g., the preoperative model) in order to determine the geometric transformation that aligns a single location in the coordinate system with a position in the preoperative model of the patient's anatomy. Once registered, an embedded EM tracker in one or more positions of the medical instrument (e.g., the distal tip of an endoscope) may provide real-time indications of the progression of the medical instrument through the patient's anatomy.
Robotic command and kinematics data 94 may also be used by the localization module 95 to provide localization data 96 for the robotic system. Device pitch and yaw resulting from articulation commands may be determined during preoperative calibration. Intraoperatively, these calibration measurements may be used in combination with known insertion depth information to estimate the position of the instrument. Alternatively, these calculations may be analyzed in combination with EM, vision, and/or topological modeling to estimate the position of the medical instrument within the network.
As
The localization module 95 may use the input data 91-94 in combination(s). In some cases, such a combination may use a probabilistic approach where the localization module 95 assigns a confidence weight to the location determined from each of the input data 91-94. Thus, where the EM data may not be reliable (as may be the case where there is EM interference) the confidence of the location determined by the EM data 93 can be decrease and the localization module 95 may rely more heavily on the vision data 92 and/or the robotic command and kinematics data 94.
As discussed above, the robotic systems discussed herein may be designed to incorporate a combination of one or more of the technologies above. The robotic system's computer-based control system, based in the tower, bed and/or cart, may store computer program instructions, for example, within a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a persistent magnetic storage drive, solid state drive, or the like, that, upon execution, cause the system to receive and analyze sensor data and user commands, generate control signals throughout the system, and display the navigational and localization data, such as the position of the instrument within the global coordinate system, anatomical map, etc.
Robotic medical systems, such as those described above with reference to
For example, a robotic medical system can include one or more indicators (such as visual, audible, or haptic indicators, among others) which can be configured to communicate or provide information about the system to a user or other medical personnel in an operating room.
Such indicators can be particularly useful for robotic medical systems that include a plurality of robotically controlled moveable components. In particular, the robotic medical systems can include medical instruments that change in temperature. The indicators can be configured to provide various functions as will be described below, including, for example, providing thermal information regarding the robotic system and/or components thereof. In some examples, other information may also be conveyed, such as information related to the identity or type of the medical instrument or related to a state of the medical instrument.
The indicators can be configured to provide or communicate thermal information about the system and/or its components. In some examples, the indicators can be configured to provide information related to a temperature state of the system or component(s) thereof. For example, an indicator can communicate that one or more components of the system is at an increased temperature. The indicator can serve to notify users in the vicinity of the system about the temperature of a component, so that the user knows to wait before moving the component or to wait before delivering additional energy to the component. This can advantageously prevent contact at unacceptable temperatures between the component and the patient, user, or other parts of the system. This can increase safety for those using these components delivering heat or energy. As will be described in more detail below, the indicators can advantageously be communicated in a number of ways and positioned in various components of the robotic system.
The robotic system 200 can include a temperature sensor configured to take one or more temperature readings of the medical instrument 250. The temperature sensor can be positioned in various places in the system 200. In some examples, the temperature sensor can be located within or near the medical instrument 250. In some examples, the temperature sensor can be configured to take a direct measurement of temperature of the distal end of the medical instrument 250. The distal end can include, for example, one or more of an end effector, jaws, a wrist, and/or a portion of a shaft of the medical instrument 250. In an example where the medical instrument 250 includes a wrist, the temperature measurement can be based on a direct measurement of the temperature of the wrist of the medical instrument 250. In some examples, the temperature measurement can be based on a direct measurement of the temperature of various parts of the medical instrument 230, such as the end effector, the jaws, and/or the shaft.
The temperature data from the temperature sensor can be received by one or more components of the robotic system 200, such as, for example, the tower console 204, the viewer 206 and/or other systems (s) in communication with the robotic system 200. For example, the tower console 204 or viewer 206 can include a screen or display configured to display one or more indicators. The one or more indicators can convey information related to a temperature of the medical instrument 250, based on the one or more temperature readings taken by the temperature sensor. The viewer 206 can be at various places within the robotic system 200. In some examples, the viewer 206 can be a screen or a display that is part of a physician/user console, a tower, a cart, and/or the medical instrument 250 itself.
As discussed below, the display can include a rendering of an image or representation (graphical or otherwise) of the medical instrument 250. The display can also include an image overlay over the image of the medical instrument 250. The display can also include an indicator in the form of an image overlay that conveys information based on the one or more temperature readings taken by the temperature sensor(s).
The medical instrument 250 may comprise a number of medical instruments. For example, the medical instrument 250 can be used for a variety of surgical tasks such as dissection, cutting, ligation, and/or sealing. The medical instrument 250 can perform these functions by applying thermal energy to tissue. The medical instrument 250 can includes jaws, which are heated by electrical current, and in turn deliver thermal energy to the tissue. Energy devices that act in this manner include monopolar electrocautery instruments and advanced energy instruments, such as vessel sealers. A common issue with these types of medical instruments is that there is a typically a cool-down period associated with each firing of the medical instrument, as the end effectors of the instrument need to fully disperse the generated heat before the next contact with tissue. This can limit the speed or frequency with which the medical instrument can be used, since the user may have to wait for the medical instrument to cool before attempting the next firing. This can also lead to serious consequences for the patient, including inadvertent injury to adjacent structures or vessel rupture if the medical instrument is moved incorrectly or inadvertently before the instrument is adequately cooled. The indicators described herein are advantageously provided to alert a surgeon of when a medical instrument 250 has been adequately cooled.
The end effector includes an upper jaw 282 and a lower jaw 284 configured to, among other things, grasp tissue. The upper jaw 282 has an upper pad 286 and a conductive line 292 adjacent to the upper pad 286. Likewise, the lower jaw 284 has a lower pad 288 and a conductive line 294 adjacent to the lower pad 288. In some examples, the upper pad 286 and lower pad 288 can be formed entirely of a ferrous material. In other examples, the upper pad 286 and the lower pad 288 can be formed of a non-ferrous material that is coated at least in part by a ferrous material. In some examples, the conductive lines 292, 294 can form a loop or coil that extends substantially around a perimeter of the upper and lower pads 286, 288. In other examples, the conductive lines 292, 294 are not in the form of a loop or coil, but is simply a straight, linear, wavy, or zig-zagged line that extends adjacent the pads 286, 288.
Current can be delivered through the conductive lines 292, 294 from a power source (not shown) to generate heat within the upper and lower pads 286, 288. Current is delivered through the conductive lines 292, 294, thereby generating heat in the upper and lower pads 286, 288 via magnetic induction. While the instrument described is heated at the end effector or jaws, medical instruments can be heated in multiple areas, including the multi degree of freedom wrist 230 or shaft 252. Advantageously, the heat can be monitored and modulated via a processor or controller, as described above, thereby allowing for different functions, such as cauterization, hemostasis or cutting. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the instrument embodiment in
To avoid risk of injury to a patient, the medical instrument 250 after heating should be cooled prior to engaging tissue again or prior to firing the medical instrument 250 again. In some examples, the medical instrument 250 should be cooled to a temperature, such as approximately 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35 or 30 degrees Celsius. In some examples, a certain temperature and/or time between firings can be set as threshold for subsequent activation of the medical instrument.
As previously described, the medical instrument 250 can include a temperature sensor. The temperature information can be captured by direct measurement of the temperature of the end effector of the medical instrument. The temperature can also be determined based on inputs, such as known characteristics of the medical instrument, including, e.g., firing time, thermal decay constant(s), external or intracorporeal body temperature, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., an infrared, CCD, CMOS, or the like) can be coupled to one of the tools (e.g., the laparoscope). In an embodiment in which the sensor (e.g., infrared sensor) is attached to a laparoscope, the laparoscope is capable of sensing temperature of a multiple of sites within the view of the camera.
The system can use indicators to inform a user, such as a clinician, when the medical instrument is or will be available for safe use. Note that while the indicator(s) can be used and illustrated with respect to the end effector of the medical instrument, the indicator(s) can also be used and illustrated with respect to the wrist, shaft, or anywhere else on the instrument that may be heated. The indicators can include be communicated in a variety of ways, such as visually, audibly, haptically, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the indicators can be communicated visually and positioned on a graphical user interface or on the instrument itself. Other locations for the indicators are also possible, such as on a patient table or bed, a cart, or one or more robotic arms.
The illustrated positions of the indicators are provided by way of example, not limitation. Further, not all indicators need be included in all embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the indicators may be omitted from the viewer 300. Features and functionality of the visual indicators will be described in this section with reference to the example embodiments illustrated in
The viewer 300 can be configured to allow the user to view images of a treatment site 600 from one or more imaging devices (e.g., cameras) of the robotic system in order to facilitate control of the system to perform a robotic medical procedure. For example, a robotically-controllable endoscope of the robotic system can include a camera positioned at a distal tip thereof. The user can view an image from the camera of the endoscope in the viewer 300 in order to facilitate control of the endoscope and/or other components of the robotic medical system. As another example, the robotic system may include one or more cameras laparoscopically or endoscopically inserted into a patient. The user can view images from the inserted cameras in order to facilitate control of one or more additional robotically-controlled medical instruments, such as one or more additional laparoscopically inserted medical instruments, such as the medical instruments 250. 500, 550 as shown. The viewer 300 can comprise a screen for viewing the images from the one or more cameras. In some embodiments, the viewer 300 includes a stereographic or stereoscopic viewer.
With continued reference to
In
As noted above, the system can include one or more controllers configured to be operated by the user in order to provide control of various aspects or components of the robotic medical system. The one or more controllers can include gimbals or pedals. Examples of such controllers 182 have been described above with reference to
As described above, the system 200 may be configured to control more than one medical instruments as well as more than one modalities of each of the medical instruments. For example, as shown in
In some examples, the menu or series of tabs may be image overlays positioned on an image or representation of a treatment site 600 within a patient of the viewer 300. The associated image overlay or tab of a certain medical instrument can be bolded, highlighted, enlarged, or otherwise differentiated when a user input (e.g. controller 182) is selectively coupled to the associated medical instrument. For example, the “Vessel Sealer” tab 320 can be bolded when the medical instrument 250 is selectively coupled to a user input. In some examples, the tab associated with the vessel sealer may be highlighted, bolded, enlarged, or otherwise differentiated to indicate the vessel sealer instrument is active, actuated, in motion, or heated. In some examples, each of the series of tabs may be selectable or clickable, where selecting or clicking a particular tab, the associated medical device can be selectively coupled to a user input. The menu or series of tab can be positioned anywhere on the viewer 300. As shown in the illustrated example in
In
In
As shown in
In some examples, the indicators can be displayed or communicated unassociated with the medical instrument. In
Furthermore, although only one indicator is shown in each of the illustrated embodiments below, other numbers of indicators are also possible. For example, the indicator 310 shown in
Furthermore, although visual indicators are displayed in these figures, other types of indicators can be used in combination with or in lieu of the visual indicators. For example, audio indicators can include various tones or volumes to indicate the temperature of the medical instrument. The audio indicators can be positioned in various positions in the system, such as at a tower console, a head-in viewers (2D or 3D), operating room monitors, console monitors, touchscreens, tower consoles, user input displays, or patient side interfaces.
Similarly, a haptic indicator may be used, which can include different patterns of vibration or resistance to indicate the temperature of the medical instrument. For example, an instrument handle, an instrument, or a user input (such as a gimbal, pedal, or controllers such as controller 182) can vibrate when the temperature of the medical instrument has reached a certain threshold. In another example, the user input or medical instrument can provide resistance until the temperature of the medical instrument has reached a certain threshold. The user input can also include indicators related to the thermal information of the medical instrument. In some examples, while a user input is selectively coupled to a medical instrument 250 that is configured to deliver heat, the user input can be configured to provide haptic indicators to the user to indicate the medical instrument 250 is at or above a certain temperature. For example, the controller 182 can vibrate or provide a haptic pattern to indicate the temperature is above or below a threshold. The user input can also provide haptic resistance if the temperature is above a threshold, thus preventing the user from moving the coupled medical instrument until the temperature falls below a temperature threshold. The user input can provide haptic feedback that a medical instrument 250 is sufficiently cooled to move or engage tissue. The user input can also provide haptic feedback that the medical instrument is ready to or is not ready to be fired or heated.
The indicators described herein can be considered “dynamic” because, in some examples, the indicators can change based on a variety of factors, including, for example, a user input, a state of the robotic system, a state of a component of the robotic system (such as a state of a robotic arm, a state of a robotic medical instrument, etc.), and/or a type of medical procedure being performed, among other factors. In some examples, the system is configured to determine a state of the robotic system and adjust the dynamic indicators accordingly based on the determined state. In some examples, the indicators can be used to indicate when a medical instrument has changed from one state to another (e.g., from a first temperature to a second temperature or from a non-operational state to an operational state). Thus, in certain situations, the indicators on the viewer 300 may display in one way, and in different situations, the indicators on the viewer 300 may display in a different way. For example, the indicators on the viewer 300 can be displayed around the image of the medical instrument when the controllers 182 are selectively coupled to the medical instrument. This offers improved functionality and control over previous systems, which have generally relied on a user's expertise and judgement.
In some examples, the indicators can be visual indicators, such as image overlays, as described above. The visual indicator can also be on a viewer as described herein (e.g. the viewers 300 as shown in
The visual indicators can be positioned in various places. In some examples, the indicators can be displayed on viewers, which may be a display or screen for displaying text, images or other symbols. The viewers as described can be positioned on a number of locations, such as a head-in viewers (2D or 3D), operating room monitors, console monitors, touchscreens, tower consoles, user input displays, or patient side interfaces. In some examples, the visual indicators can be displayed directly on a medical instrument 250, such as by a ring of light positioned on or within the medical instrument 250. The indicators can be directly on the medical instrument 250, such as the distal end, wrist 230, or shaft 252 of the medical instrument 250. The medical instrument 250 can also include a screen configured to displaying text or other symbols. The medical instrument 250 can include lights positioned on the medical instrument 250. Further, a ring or light can be positioned in any number of locations in the robotic system, such as on a user input, a controller, a robotic arm, an instrument base, or a bed rail. Other visual indicators can include light emitting diodes, lasers, or moveable colored markers. For example, the medical instrument 250 may include an associated light, which may be positioned anywhere on the medical instrument 250, such as the wrist 230 or distal shaft 252. The associated light may be a ring light or a light positioned on a surface of the medical instrument 250. The color or pattern of the light may indicate a temperature of the medical instrument 250. In some examples, a viewer (such as viewers 300 as shown in
Further, although only one viewer 300 is shown in each of the illustrated embodiments in
The indicators can convey information related to the temperature of the medical instrument in a variety of ways. The indicators can be capable of displaying multiple colors or patterns. In some examples, a first color or pattern can be used to indicate the medical instrument is heated and a second color or pattern can be used to indicate the medical instrument is cooled. In some examples, opacity, intensity, or brightness of the colors or patterns can also be used to indicate temperature. In some examples, the indicator can display multiple colors or patterns that continually transition from a first color or pattern to a second color or pattern. In some examples, the indicator can display a first color or pattern until the medical instrument reaches a temperature threshold and a second color or pattern reaches the temperature threshold.
In one example, the indicator can start with one color (e.g., red) and then continually change color until a safe color (e.g., green) is reached. In another example, the indicator can start with one color (e.g., red) and then only change to a safe color (e.g., green) when a desired temperature is reached. In addition, it is possible to add a temperature number (e.g., 70 degrees) adjacent to the visual indicators that can change.
In some examples, the indicator can include text (e.g. “cool down”) to indicate the progress of the temperature of the medical instrument. For example, the indicator can include a temperature meter to indicate the temperature of the medical instrument. The indicator can also include a number indicating the temperature of the medical instrument. The indicator can include a time until the medical instrument is estimated to reach a temperature threshold. The indicator can also include a time that has elapsed since the medical instrument has been fired to provide resistive heat.
In addition, while the type of communication can be visual, audible, or haptic, these types of communications can also be combined. For example, an indicator can go from red to green, and upon reaching green, an audible signal is generated to the clinician or a corresponding haptic vibration can be generated in the medical instrument or controller.
The indicator may be communicated at various times. In some examples, the indicator can be communicated at all times. In some examples, the indicator may be communicated when a medical instrument is selectively engaged or coupled with a user input. In other examples, the indicator may be communicated when the medical instrument has been fired or activated to deliver heat. The indicator may be communicated when other instruments are activated. The indicator may be communicated when a temperature of a medical instrument is above, below, or is at a certain threshold. This threshold may comprise or otherwise relate to the threshold temperature at which the medical instrument is ready to activated or may be a different threshold.
Different types of indicators may be used together, e.g., simultaneously. For example, when a visual indicator is changed from one pattern or color to another pattern or color, it can be accompanied by an audio indicator or a change in audio indicator from a first tone to a second tone. In some examples, different types of visual indicators can be used, such as multiple image overlays or image overlay and lights.
At block 404, the method 400 includes determining a temperature at a distal end of the robotic medical instrument. In some examples, the temperature of the distal end of the robotic medical instrument can be measured by a temperature sensor. As described herein, the temperature sensor can be placed in various positions in the system, such as at the distal end of the medical instrument to directly measure the temperature. In some examples, the temperature can be measured directly at the jaws, the wrist, or the shaft of the medical instrument. In some examples, the temperature can also be based on other variables, such as known characteristics of the medical instrument, including firing time, thermal decay constant, or external or intracorporeal body temperature. In some examples, the temperature can be compared to a threshold. For example, the threshold can be a predetermined temperature at which the medical instrument is safe to engage tissue or fire again. In some examples, the threshold can be 60 degrees Celsius. In some examples, the threshold can be about 75, 70, 65, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35 or 30 degrees Celsius.
At block 406, the method 400 includes generating one or more indicators to indicate the determined temperature. As described above, the one or more indicators can be visual, haptic, or audible or any combination thereof. For example, in some examples, the indicators can be visually displayed on a viewer (e.g., as shown in
At block 454, the method 450 includes determining at temperature at a distal end of the robotic medical instrument. The temperature can be determined in a number of different ways, such as those described above.
At block 456, the method 450 includes limiting a functionality of the robotic medical instrument based on the determined temperature from block 454. For example, functionality can be limited or resistive. In some examples, limiting a functionality of the robotic medical instrument can be considered haptic feedback. For example, the robotic medical instrument can resist movement as a form of limited functionality, which can also cause resistance in the controller being operated by a user. The functionality can be limited after a certain amount of time or until the determined temperature falls below a temperature threshold. In some embodiments, limiting a functionality of the robotic medical instrument can also include turning on or off the instrument, or modifying its ability to generate energy.
In some examples, a feature of the instrument can be adjusted or modified based on the determined temperature. For example, an availability of the feature of the instrument may be reduced or modified based on the determined temperature. This limited functionality may be temporary, such as based on the determined temperature or based on a predetermined amount of time. The functionality or feature to be limited can include the speed, direction, movement of the robotic medical instrument. In some examples, limiting functionality can include preventing actuation of the robotic medical instrument, such as preventing movement of the jaws or portion of the medical instrument or preventing firing of the medical instrument.
In some examples, a controller or processor of the system can receive a signal including the determined temperature of the distal end of the robotic medical instrument. The controller or processor may then determine the determined temperature is above or below a certain threshold. Based on this determination, the controller or processor may then generate and send a signal to limit the functionality of the medical instrument. In some examples, the signal may be sent to the medical instrument to prevent movement, actuation, heat generation, activation, or any other features of the medical instrument. In some examples, the signal may be sent to a user input, such as a controller, to prevent a user from moving, actuating, or activating the medical instrument with the user input. In some examples, the signal may be sent to a user input to generate haptic resistance of the user input. For example, haptic resistance in the user input can prevent or inhibit movement of the user input (and thereby preventing or inhibiting movement of the medical instrument).
Furthermore, although limiting functionality and generating indicators are described in different methods, these features may be used simultaneously. For example, an indicator in the form of a visual or audible alarm can be generated while functionality of the medical instrument is limited when the temperature is above a certain threshold.
Implementations disclosed herein provide systems, methods and apparatus associated with indicators configured to provide information for use with robotic medical systems.
It should be noted that the terms “couple,” “coupling,” “coupled” or other variations of the word couple as used herein may indicate either an indirect connection or a direct connection. For example, if a first component is “coupled” to a second component, the first component may be either indirectly connected to the second component via another component or directly connected to the second component.
Any phrases referencing specific computer-implemented processes/functions described herein may be stored as one or more instructions on a processor-readable or computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or processor. By way of example, and not limitation, such a medium may comprise random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. It should be noted that a computer-readable medium may be tangible and non-transitory. As used herein, the term “code” may refer to software, instructions, code or data that is/are executable by a computing device or processor.
The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the method that is being described, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.
As used herein, the term “plurality” denotes two or more. For example, a plurality of components indicates two or more components. The term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and, therefore, “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like.
The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on.”
The previous description of the disclosed implementations is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these implementations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to employ a number corresponding alternative and equivalent structural details, such as equivalent ways of fastening, mounting, coupling, or engaging tool components, equivalent mechanisms for producing particular actuation motions, and equivalent mechanisms for delivering electrical energy. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/994,178, filed Mar. 24, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62994178 | Mar 2020 | US |
