Abstract: A system (1) comprises a physical surgical simulator (11) which transmits data concerning physical movement of training devices to an analysis engine (12). The engine (12) automatically generates rules for a rule base (13a) in a learning system (13). The learning system (13) also comprises content objects (13b) and 3D scenario objects (13c). A linked set of a 3D scenario object (13c), a rule base (13a), and a content object (13b) are together a lesson (10). Another simulator (14) is operated by a student. This transmits data concerning physical movement of training devices by a student to a verification engine (15). The verification engine (15) interfaces with the rule base (13a) to display the lesson in the manner defined by the lesson rule base (13a). It calculates performance measures defined in the lesson rule base (13a). It also records the performance measures into a lesson record (18) and it adapts the display of the lesson in line with the parameters defined in the lesson rule base (13a).

Abstract: A surgical simulator is disclosed. The simulator includes at least one tracking system configured to track movement within a body form, including movement of an instrument located partially within the body form, and a computer receiving data from the tracking system and outputting data to a display. A display displays a virtual background including a virtual image of at least a portion of the instrument, virtual movement of the instrument, and a virtual image of at least one organ. The simulator also includes a physical model corresponding to the at least one organ and located within the body form, the physical model providing haptic feedback when contacted by the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical training device, includes a body form, at least two cameras configured to obtain image data of at least one implement located within the body form, and a magnetic tracking system operative to transmit signals, the signals corresponding to position and alignment information of the at least one implement. The surgical training device also includes a computer configured to receive the image data from the at least two cameras, receive the signals from the magnetic tracking system, and generate position and alignment data of the at least one implement from the image data and the signals. A display is operatively coupled to the computer and operative to display at least one image of the at least one implement and a virtual background, the virtual background depicting a portion of a body cavity.

Abstract: A system (1) comprises a physical surgical simulator (11) which transmits data concerning physical movement of training devices to an analysis engine (12). The engine (12) automatically generates rules for a rule base (13a) in a learning system (13). The learning system (13) also comprises content objects (13b) and 3D scenario objects (13c). A linked set of a 3D scenario object (13c), a rule base (13a), and a content object (13b) are together a lesson (10). Another simulator (14) is operated by a student. This transmits data concerning physical movement of training devices by a student to a verification engine (15). The verification engine (15) interfaces with the rule base (13a) to display the lesson in the manner defined by the lesson rule base (13a). It calculates performance measures defined in the lesson rule base (13a). It also records the performance measures into a lesson record (18) and it adapts the display of the lesson in line with the parameters defined in the lesson rule base (13a).

Abstract: A simulator (1) has a body form apparatus (2) with a skin-like panel (4) through which laproscopic instruments (5) are inserted. Cameras (10) capture video images of internal movement of the instruments (5) and a computer (6) processes them. 3D positional data is generated using stereo triangulation and is linked with the associated video images. A graphics engine (60) uses the 3D data to generate graphical representations of internal scenes. A blending function (70) blends real and recorded images, or real and simulated images to allow demonstration of effects such as internal bleeding or suturing.