Abstract: The present invention describes a hands-free system for controlling the movement of a cursor on one or more display devices. A tracking device including a traceable marker and one or more accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to track position and acceleration of the marker relative to a target of interest. A processing means processes the motion signals from the tracking device to determine the location of the cursor on the operator's monitor, which may also be displayed on more monitors. The tracking device is worn by the operator, optimally on the operator's head. The operator's head movements determine movement of the cursor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hands-free system for controlling the movement of a cursor on one or more display devices. A tracking device including a traceable marker and one or more accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to track position and acceleration of the marker relative to a target of interest. A processing means processes the motion signals from the tracking device to determine the location of the cursor on the operator's monitor, which may also be displayed on more monitors. The tracking device is worn by the operator, optimally on the operator's head. The operator's head movements determine movement of the cursor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools.

Abstract: The present invention describes a hands-free system for controlling the movement of a cursor on one or more display devices. A tracking device including a traceable marker and one or more accelerometers and gyroscopes are used to track position and acceleration of the marker relative to a target of interest. A processing means processes the motion signals from the tracking device to determine the location of the cursor on the operator's monitor, which may also be displayed on more monitors. The tracking device is worn by the operator, optimally on the operator's head. The operator's head movements determine movement of the cursor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools.