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 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.