Boon K. Tay

Bio: Boon K. Tay is an academic researcher from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Haptic technology & Instructional simulation. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 211 citations.

Transatlantic touch: a study of haptic collaboration over long distance

Abstract: The extent to which the addition of haptic communication between human users in a stared virtual environment (SVE) contributes to the shared experience of the users has not received much attention in the literature, In this paper we describe a demonstration of and an expenmental study on haptic interaction between two users over a network of significant physical distance and a number of Network hops. A number of techniques to mitigate instability of the haptic interactions induced by network latency are presented An experiment to evaluate the use of haptics in a coilborative situation mediated by a networked virtual environment is examined The experimental subjects were to cooperate in lifting a virtual box together under one of four conditions in a between-groups design. Questionnaires were used to report the ease with which they could perform the task and the subjective levels of presence ants copresence experienced This extends earlier work by the authors to consider the possibility of haptic collaboration under real network conditions with a Number of improvements. Using the technology described in-this paper, transatlantic touch was successfully demonstrated between the Touch lab at Massachusetts Instatute of Technology, USA and Virtual Environments and Computer Graphics (VECG) lab at University Collegc London (UCL), UK in 2000, It as also presented at the Internet II demonstration meeting in 2002 between University of Southern California and the Massachusetts Instrtute of Technology.

Characterization of Intra-abdominal Tissues from in vivo Animal Experiments for Surgical Simulation

Abstract: The lack of data on in vivo material properties of soft tissues is one of the impediments in the development of realistic surgical simulators The measurement of these properties is not a trivial task, due to the difficulty of the testing itself and the complexity of tissue mechanical behavior We have developed a system for measuring the mechanical properties of soft tissues in vivo using a robotic device fitted with a force transducer We measured the response of soft tissues in intra-abdominal organs including the liver and lower esophagus of pigs by using both static and dynamic indentations We characterize these properties using nonlinear models as well as a linear model These material models can be effectively integrated into a simulator to provide the user with realistic visual and haptic feedback

Measurement of in-vivo force response of intra-abdominal soft tissues for surgical simulation.

Abstract: The lack of data on in-vivo material properties of soft tissues has been a significant impediment in the development of virtual reality based surgical simulators that can provide the user with realistic visual and haptic feedback. As a first step towards characterizing the mechanical behavior of organs, this work presents in-vivo force response of the liver and lower esophagus of pigs when subjected to ramp and hold, and sinusoidal indentations delivered using a haptic feedback device, Phantom, employed as a mechanical stimulator. The results show that pulse significantly affects the reaction forces and that the lower esophagus is 2 to 2.5 times stiffer than the liver.

Haptics in minimally invasive surgical simulation and training

Abstract: Haptics is a valuable tool in minimally invasive surgical simulation and training. We discuss important aspects of haptics in MISST, such as haptic rendering and haptic recording and playback. Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized many surgical procedures over the last few decades. MIS is performed using a small video camera, a video display, and a few customized surgical tools. In procedures such as gall bladder removal (laparoscopic cholesystectomy), surgeons insert a camera and long slender tools into the abdomen through small skin incisions to explore the internal cavity and manipulate organs from outside the body as they view their actions on a video display. Because the development of minimally invasive techniques has reduced the sense of touch compared to open surgery, surgeons must rely more on the feeling of net forces resulting from tool-tissue interactions and need more training to successfully operate on patients.

A Systematic Review of Social Presence: Definition, Antecedents, and Implications.

Abstract: Social presence, or the feeling of being there with a “real” person, is a crucial component of interactions that take place in virtual reality. This paper reviews the concept, antecedents, and implications of social presence, with a focus on the literature regarding the predictors of social presence. The article begins by exploring the concept of social presence, distinguishing it from two other dimensions of presence—telepresence and self-presence. After establishing the definition of social presence, the article offers a systematic review of 222 separate findings identified from 150 studies that investigate the factors (i.e., immersive qualities, contextual differences, and individual psychological traits) that predict social presence. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of heightened social presence and when it does and does not enhance one’s experience in a virtual environment.

Modeling of tool-tissue interactions for computer-based surgical simulation: A literature review

Abstract: Surgical simulators present a safe and potentially effective method for surgical training, and can also be used in robot-assisted surgery for pre-and intra-operative planning. Accurate modeling of the interaction between surgical instruments and organs has been recognized as a key requirement in the development of high-fidelity surgical simulators. Researchers have attempted to model tool-tissue interactions in a wide variety of ways, which can be broadly classified as (1) linear elasticity-based, (2) nonlinear (hyperelastic) elasticity-based finite element (FE) methods, and (3) other techniques not based on FE methods or continuum mechanics. Realistic modeling of organ deformation requires populating the model with real tissue data (which are difficult to acquire in vivo) and simulating organ response in real time (which is computationally expensive). Further, it is challenging to account for connective tissue supporting the organ, friction, and topological changes resulting from tool-tissue interactions during invasive surgical procedures. Overcoming such obstacles will not only help us to model tool-tissue interactions in real time, but also enable realistic force feedback to the user during surgical simulation. This review paper classifies the existing research on tool-tissue interactions for surgical simulators specifically based on the modeling techniques employed and the kind of surgical operation being simulated, in order to inform and motivate future research on improved tool-tissue interaction models.