Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a medical model of a physical system is disclosed. One disclosed system includes a graphical user interface configured to display at least one parameter associated with the medical model and receive a modification of the at least one parameter. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the modification of the at least one parameter from the graphical user interface and execute a simulation of a part of the medical model including the modification of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound simulation using depth peeling are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal including a position and an orientation of a simulated ultrasound device, the position and orientation associated with a virtual physical environment comprising a first virtual object; determining a first peel associated with the first virtual object; determining a second peel associated with the first virtual object; determining a first characteristic of a pixel located between the first peel and the second peel; generating a display signal based on the first characteristic, the display signal configured to cause a visual display of the virtual physical environment; and outputting the display signal to a display device.

Abstract: An interface device capable of communicating with a computer running a simulation program, such as a surgical simulation program, comprises an instrument capable of being manipulated by a user. The instrument is receivable within an orifice in an instrument receiving member, the instrument receiving member comprising a capture member engageable with the instrument and a sensor to sense a position of the instrument. The position of the instrument is then used by the computer to control a graphic image related to the simulation. In one version, the simulation is a simulation of a surgical instrument insertion procedure, such as an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasound simulation using depth peeling are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, a method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal including a position and an orientation of a simulated ultrasound device, the position and orientation associated with a virtual physical environment comprising a first virtual object; determining a first peel associated with the first virtual object; determining a second peel associated with the first virtual object; determining a first characteristic of a pixel located between the first peel and the second peel; generating a display signal based on the first characteristic, the display signal configured to cause a visual display of the virtual physical environment; and outputting the display signal to a display device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a manipulandum, a housing, a sensor and an actuator. The housing has a palpation region spaced apart from the manipulandum. The sensor is coupled to the palpation region of the housing. The sensor is configured to send a signal based on a palpation of the palpation region of the housing. The actuator is coupled to the manipulandum. The actuator is configured to send haptic output to the manipulandum based on the signal.

Abstract: An interface device capable of communicating with a computer running a simulation program, such as a surgical simulation program, comprises an instrument capable of being manipulated by a user. The instrument is receivable within an orifice in an instrument receiving member, the instrument receiving member comprising a capture member engageable with the instrument and a sensor to sense a position of the instrument. The position of the instrument is then used by the computer to control a graphic image related to the simulation. In one version, the simulation is a simulation of a surgical instrument insertion procedure, such as an endoscopy procedure.