Abstract: A method and a system to simulate ultrasound images and hence for simulating the evaluation of a subject with such images as a diagnostic tool. For the purpose of simulating ultrasound images, these images may be considered to be planar slices of a given geometry. These slices are generated from the surface geometry of the portion of the subject which would receive the ultrasound waves if the ultrasound diagnostic procedure was actually be performed. Simulating such ultrasound images may therefore be performed by determining such images from surface models, and then rendering those ultrasound images at the desired position. The rendering of such simulated ultrasound images also optionally and preferably includes the simulation of the “grainy” quality of such images.

Abstract: A device system and method for simulating laparoscopic procedures, particularly for the purposes of instruction and/or demonstration. The system comprises one or more virtual organs to be operated on. The organ comprises a plurality of elements, each element having neighboring elements; and a plurality of tensioned connections connecting neighboring elements over said organ, such that force applied at one of said elements propagates via respective neighboring elements provides a distributed reaction over said organ. In addition there is a physical manipulation device for manipulation by a user; and a tracking arrangement for tracking said physical manipulation device and translating motion of said physical manipulation device into application of forces onto said virtual organ. The system is capable of simulating organs moving, cutting, suturing, coagulations and other surgical and surgery-related operations.

Abstract: A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy as closely as possible by providing both a simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy. In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the papilla for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the bilio-pancreatic organ system in the presence of the duodenoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback.

Abstract: A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of urological endoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of urological endoscopy as closely as possible by providing botha simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy, the simulation of the effect of the beating heart on the urethra as it crosses the illiac vessel, and the simulated operation of a guidewire within the urethra In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the urethra for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the urological organ system in the presence of the endoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback.

Abstract: A system for simulating a medical procedure performed on a subject, featuring: (a) a simulated organ; (b) a simulated instrument for performing the medical procedure on the simulated organ; (c) a locator for determining a location of the simulated instrument within the simulated organ; and (d) a visual display for displaying images from the medical procedure, such that the images simulate visual data received during the medical procedure as performed on an actual subject, the visual display including: (i) a three-dimensional model of the simulated organ, the model being divided into a plurality of segments; (ii) a loader for selecting at least one of the plurality of segments for display, the at least one of the plurality of segments being selected according to the location of the simulated instrument within the simulated organ; (iii) a controller for selecting each image from the selected segment according to the location of the simulated instrument; and (iv) a displayer for displaying the image according to

Abstract: A system for simulating a medical procedure performed on a subject, featuring a simulated organ, a simulated medical instrument and a locator for determining the location of the instrument in the organ. The system further features a visual display for displaying images from the medical procedure. The visual display also includes a three-dimensional mathematical model for modeling the organ, which is divided into a plurality of linear segments. The location of the instrument in the organ is used to select the segment, which in turn is used to select the images for display on the visual display.

Abstract: A device system and method for simulating laparoscopic procedures, particulary for the purposes of instruction and/or demonstration. The system comprises one or more virtual organs to be operated on. The organ comprises a plurality of elements, each element having neighboring elements; and a plurality of tensioned connections connecting neighboring elements over said organ, such that force applied at one of said elements propagates via respective neighboring elements provides a distributed reaction over said organ. In addition there is a physical manipulation device for manipulation by a user; and a tracking arrangement for king said physical manipulation device and translating motion of said physical manipulation device into application of form onto said virtual organ. The system is capable of simulating organs moving, cutting, suturing, coagulations and other surgical and surgery-related operations.

Abstract: A method and a system to simulate ultrasound images and hence for simulating the evaluation of a subject with such images as a diagnostic tool. For the purpose of simulating ultrasound images, these images may be considered to be planar slices of a given geometry. These slices are generated from the surface geometry of the portion of the subject which would receive the ultrasound waves if the ultrasound diagnostic procedure was actually be performed. Simulating such ultrasound images may therefore be performed by determining such images from surface models, and then rendering those ultrasound images at the desired position. The rendering of such simulated ultrasound images also optionally and preferably includes the simulation of the “grainy” quality of such images.

Abstract: A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of bilio-pancreatic duodenoscopy as closely as possible by providing both a simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy. In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the papilla for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the bilio-pancreatic organ system in the presence of the duodenoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback.

Abstract: A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of urological endoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of urological endoscopy as closely as possible by providing both a simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy, the simulation of the effect of the beating heart on the urethra as it crosses the illiac vessel, and the simulated operation of a guidewire within the urethra In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the urethra for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the urological organ system in the presence of the endoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback.

Abstract: A method for using multi-spline models for data mapping, particularly for more efficiently transmitting data over a network. Three-dimensional data can be mapped to a model in which one dimension is time. Such data is then transmitted only as required to the user, for example according to the position of the viewed data in time. Thus, the present invention is more efficient and requires lower bandwidth in order to transmit large amounts of data over a network.