GB2630608A

GB2630608A - Low-cost virtual reality ultrasound simulator

Info

Publication number: GB2630608A
Application number: GB2308124.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Catto Alastair
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-05-31
Filing date: 2023-05-31
Publication date: 2024-12-04
Also published as: GB202308124D0

Abstract

Virtual reality based ultrasound simulation system for medical training comprising a VR headset 104, a VR controller 106, a 3D probe attachment 108 connected to the VR controller 106, a 3D needle attachment 110, a 3D body model 102, and a spatial anchor 112 to stabilise the 3D body model 102. The spatial anchor 112 may be a software component that locks the body model in place. The ultrasound exam procedure is simulated by interacting with the anchored model using the 3D probe or needle. The ultrasound images generated during simulation may be streamed in real-time. The controller 106 may communicate with the headset 104. The headset 104 tracks the location of the probe and needle. The body model 102 may present a human body or specific anatomical region. The needle 110 may simulate the feeling and action of applying a real needle. It may also comprise a method of using the system and a step of displaying ultrasound image on third screen. It may be made using 3D printing. It may be compatible with various manikins. It may be integrated with real ultrasound.

Description

Low-Cost Virtual Reality Ultrasound Simulator

Background

The present invention relates to medical training, specifically to an ultrasound simulator system that utilizes virtual reality technology and remote access capabilities for cost-effective and accessible skill development in ultrasound diagnostics.

Ultrasonic technology, often referred to as ultrasound, has been widely used in many fields, such as medicine, industry, and consumer electronics. Ultrasound has been widely used in the medical field for diagnostic imaging and procedures. It utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate images of internal body structures. Ultrasound is commonly used in areas such as obstetrics, cardiology, and radiology.

Traditional ultrasound training often relies on expensive mannikins with built-in anatomical structures or complex tracking equipment, such as magnets, to simulate ultrasound examinations. These systems can be costly and may not be available in all training settings, especially in resource-limited areas.

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates immersive, computer-generated environments that simulate real-world experiences. VR headsets have been used for gaming, training, and other immersive experiences. These headsets typically contain sensors and displays to create a virtual environment for the user. VR has gained significant attention and application in various fields, including healthcare and medical training.

The combination of ultrasonic technology and VR in medical training holds great potential. It allows learners to practice ultrasound procedures in a realistic and controlled virtual environment. By integrating VR, medical professionals can enhance their training experience by simulating different scenarios, manipulating virtual ultrasound probes, and receiving immediate feedback on their technique.

There is prior ad related to the combination of Ultrasonic Technology and VR. For example, CN110400499A, CN114038259A, CN110400499A and CN110400499A, but still these inventions are expensive and not accessible.

In light of this prior art, there is a need for a more accessible and affordable ultrasound training solution that can be easily deployed and used from anywhere.

Statement of invention

To overcome the difficulties explained above, the present invention proposes a low-cost, virtual reality-based ultrasound simulation system that enables remote access for medical training and skill development. The system comprises a virtual reality headset, a 3D probe attachment connected to a VR controller, the 3D Needle attachment and a 3D body model anchored in space using a spatial anchor.

The spatial anchor enables precise positioning and stability of the 3D model on a real-life object, such as a person or a mannikin. Ultrasound examination procedures are simulated by interacting with the anchored 3D model using the ultrasound probe or probe-shaped attachment. The ultrasound images generated during the simulation are streamed in real-time to a remote screen via an intemet or cable connection.

Advantages The purpose of the invention is to provide an accessible, cost-effective, and portable solution for medical personnel to develop and practice ultrasound skills through istic and user-friendly virtual ultrasound simulation experiences, overcoming the limitations of traditional manikin-based simulators that rely on optical and electromagnetic tracking systems.

Preferably, the proposed invention includes the integration of virtual or mixed reality headsets and controllers with custom-made, 3D printed attachments while the process aspect involves the method of utilizing the system to create a realistic, cost-effective, and portable virtual ultrasound simulation experience for medical personnel to develop and practice their ultrasound skills.

Introduction to drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: FIG 1: A schematic diagram of he virtual reality ultrasound simulator system.

Reference numerals in the drawings For a complete understanding of the present invention parts, reference is

now made to the following descriptions:

100. Virtual reality ultrasound simulator system.

102. 3D body model.

104 Virtual reality headset.

106. VR controller.

108. 3D probe attachment.

110, 3D Needle attachment.

112. Spatial anchor.

114. Monitor.

116. The VR headset stand.

118. Cable.

Detailed description

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, as numbers refer to elements throughout, and the thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

Moreover. although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.

It should be noted that the terms i "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance but are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the temis "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

Referring to FIG.1, the proposed invention 100 consists of a 3D body model 102, a virtual reality headset 104: a VR, controller 106 3D probe attachment 108, a 3D Needle attachment 110, a spatial anchor 112, a monitor 114, the VR headset stand 116 and cables 118.

In the following part will explain the functionality of every part in detail.

3D body model 102, manikin or person: It represents a human body or specific anatomical region, complete with accurate internal structures. The model is created using computer-aided design software and can be customized to include different anatomies or pathologies. It serves as the physical body to practice and apply the 3D probe attachment 108 and 3D Needle attachment 110.

Virtual Reality Headset 104: The virtual reality headset 104 is a commercially available device that provides an immersive visual experience for the user. It is capable of tracking the user's head movements and adjusting the displayed visuals accordingly.

The VR headset 104 enables the tracking of the 3D Needle attachment 110 and 3D probe attachment 108 attachments in space for calculating the image, the VR headset 104 just sits on the stand 116, they don't need to be worn. As it says in the text, its primary purpose is tracking the location of the 3D probe attachment 108 which is attached to the controllers.

The VR headset 104 can be connected to the monitor 14 or laptop by the cable 18 or wireless.VR Controller 106: The VR controller 106 communicates with the virtual reality headset 104 and the 3D probe attachment 108 or probe-shaped attachment, capturing user input and translating it into actions within the simulation environment.

3D probe attachment 108 is connected to the VR controller 106 and serves as the primary input device for the system 100. The user manipulates the 3D probe attachment 103 or attachment to interact with the 3D body model 102 during the simulation.

The 3D probe attachment 108 emulates the function of an actual ultrasound probe, enabling the user to practice scanning and interpreting ultrasound images.

The 3D probe attachment 108 can be connected to the monitor 114 or laptop by thf cable 118 or wireless.

3D Needle attachment 110: Simulates the feeling and action of applying an actual needle during an ultrasound-guided procedure. the 3D Needle attachment 110 simulates a needle and has a spring.

The 3D Needle attachment 1 can be connected to the mom or 114 or laptop by the cable 118 or wireless.

Spatial Anchor 112: The spatial anchor 112 is a software component that locks the 3D body model 102 in place relative to a real-life object, such as a person or a mannikin. This ensures that the 3D body model 102 remains stable during the simulation and accurately represents the position of the real-life object.

Monitor 114: Displays real-time ultrasound images, allowing the user to interpret the results without needing to wear the VR headset 104.

Remote Ultrasound Image Streaming The system can stream ultrasound images generated during the simulation in real-time to a remote screen, This allows for remote observation, supervision, and collaboration during the training process By providing a cost-effective and accessible solution for ultrasound training, the present invention addresses the limitations of traditional training methods and allows for more widespread skill development in the field of ultrasound diagnostics.

The system 100 connects to a monitor 114 laptop or srnartphone, enabling users to view ultrasound images without wearing the VR headset 104, and can be employed with a 3D body model 102 or manikin on a stand 116 for added realism. The 3D body model 102 can be a computer-generated anatomical model or comprised of real images stitched together. Additionally, the system 100 can be integrated with a real ultrasound device, using an attachment, to capture actual ultrasound images for diagnostic or training purposes. This innovative approach presents a more affordable and portable alternative to traditional manikin-based magnetic simulators, requiring fewer components while maintaining high-quality training experiences.

The system 100 primarily consists of third-party virtual or mixed reality headsets and controllers, which are typically made of plastic, metal, and electronic components. The custom-made attachments, such as ultrasound probes. simulated needles, body models of particular shapes. and transesophageal ultrasound attachments, are 3D printed, often using materials like plastic or resin. The software component of the invention is comprised of digital code and algorithms, which enable the system to function seamlessly and create a realistic simulation experience.

The system 100 is used to provide a realistic, cost-effective, and portable virtual ultrasound simulation experience for medical personnel to develop and practice their ultrasound skills. Users integrate the custorn-made, 3D printed attachments, such as ultrasound probes and simulated needles, with third-party virtual or mixed reality headsets and controllers. The system is compatible with various manikins and may or may not require an included body model. To use the invention, users set up virtual or mixed reality hardware and connect it to a laptop or smartphone. The software aligns the real and virtual environments using a spatial anchor 112, allowing the user to interact with the manikin and virtual elements simultaneously. Ultrasound images are displayed on a third screen, enabling the user to view the images without wearing the VR headset 104. This setup allows for a realistic and user-friendly ultrasound simulation experience, helping medical personnel improve their skills in a more accessible and affordable manner.

Although the present disclosure has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment(s) as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive aspects of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A low-cost, virtual reality-based ultrasound simulation system for medical training and skill development, comprising a. a virtual reality headset; b. a VR controller; c. a 3D probe attachment connected to said VR controller; d. a 3D Needle attachment; e. a 3D body model; and f. a spatial anchor to stabilize the 3D body model.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the spatial anchor is a software component that locks the 3D body model in place relative to a real-life object, such as a person or a mannikin, ensures that the 3D body model remains stable during the simulation and accurately represents the position of the real-life object.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein ultrasound examination procedures are simulated by interacting with the anchored 3D model using the 3D probe attachment or 3D Needle attachment.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the ultrasound images generated during the simulation are streamed in real-time to a remote screen via an Internet or cable connection.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the VR controller communicates with the virtual reality headset and the 3D probe attachment, capturing user input and translating it into actions within the simulation environment.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual reality headset tracks the location of the 3D probe attachment and the 3D Needle attachment in space for calculating the ultrasound image.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual reality headset, the 3D probe attachment, and the 3D Needle attachment can be connected to a monitor or laptop by a cable or wireless connection.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the virtual reality headset is not required to be worn to use the system, a user can keep it on the stand and the images can be seen on the monitor or any device screen.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the 3D body model represents a human body or specific anatomical region, complete with accurate internal structures.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the 3D Needle attachment simulates the feeling and action of applying an actual needle during an ultrasound-guided procedure.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the spatial anchor is a software component that locks the 3D body model in place relative to a real-life object.
12. A method of using the system of claim 1, comprising the steps of: connecting the virtual reality headset, the VR controller, the 3D probe attachment, and the 3D Needle attachment to the monitor, laptop, or smartphone they will use spatial anchor that is the software operating the system, all these components interacting with the 3D body model and virtual elements simultaneously to create a realistic and user-friendly ultrasound simulation experience.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of displaying ultrasound images on a third screen, enabling the user to view the images without wearing the VR headset.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the 3D body model, the 3D probe attachment, and the 3D Needle attachment are made using 3D printing technology.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is compatible with various manikins and may or may not require an included body model,
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is integrated with a real ultrasound device to capture actual ultrasound images for diagnostic or training purposes.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides a cost-effective and accessible solution for ultrasound training that overcomes the limitations of traditional training methods.