A haptic device having a plurality of operational modes, including a first operational mode and a second operational mode is provided. The first operational mode is associated with a frequency range. The second operational mode is associated with a frequency range that is different from the frequency range of the first operational mode. A controller is coupled to the haptic device, and is configured to send the haptic device a plurality of control schemes. Each control scheme is uniquely associated with an operational mode from the plurality of operational modes. Another embodiment provides a method that includes providing power to a haptic device configured to cause the haptic device to provide a haptic sensation above a pre-determined sensation threshold. A voltage pulse that is configured to change the haptic sensation output by the haptic device by a pre-determined amount within a pre-determined time period is also applied to the haptic device.

System and method for controlling haptic devices having multiple operational modes

A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.

On-board tool tracking system and methods of computer assisted surgery

A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, articles, etc. for mobile device locating in conjunction with localized environments. For certain example implementations, a method may comprise obtaining at a mobile device one or more signals comprising information indicative of a location thereof. The information may be transmitted to one or more servers. A location context identifier (LCI) may be received responsive to the transmitting, with the LCI corresponding to a localized environment at which the mobile device is located. The LCI may be transmitted to the one or more servers. Location-based data may be received responsive to the transmitting of the LCI, with the location-based data being associated with the LCI and pertaining to the localized environment. The location of the mobile device may be determined with respect to the localized environment based, at least in part, on the location-based data. Other example implementations are described herein.

Mobile device locating in conjunction with localized environments

A system and method for design of experiments (DOE) using direct surface manipulation of a mesh model. The method includes the steps of selecting a geometric model in a computer-aided design (CAD) format, converting the geometric model into a mesh model and evaluating the mesh model using a computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method also includes the steps of determining whether to continue generating the design of experiments response, and modifying a surface of the mesh model by varying a predetermined parameter, wherein the surface is modified using direct surface manipulation (DSM), the mesh model is updated and the updated mesh model is used in continuing generating the design of experiments response, if determined to continue the design of experiments. The method further includes the steps of using the results of the CAE analysis for the design of experiments.

System and method for design of experiments using direct surface manipulation of a mesh model

A volumetric distance map of an object is generated from one or more depth images of the object. Each depth image is projected onto the object by casting parallel rays to the object. The parallel rays are cast perpendicular to the depth image. Sample points in a projected distance volume represent distances from the distance map to a surface of the object. The magnitude of a local gradient at each sample point of the projected distance volume is determined, and each distance at each sample point is divided by the magnitude of the corresponding local gradient at each sample point to obtain a scalar distance to a closest surface of the object.

Method for estimating volumetric distance maps from 2D depth images

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a method for speedily estimate a distance map from a depth image by using two-dimensional depth images which are projected and calculating the distances of projection from respective points in the depth images to an object model. SOLUTION: A completely projected distance map of an object 206 can be obtained by calculating depth maps 200, 202, and 203 as to the object 206. The distance at a point 208 in a distance map 210 which is projected complexly is calculated as the shortest distance which is calculated from distance values at respective points 212, 214, and 216 of depth images 218, 220, and 222 as to the point 208. To calculate a proper projection distance at the point 208 in a distance volume which is projected, distances in the depth information 218, 220, and 222 need to be interpolated and for the purpose, a bilinear interpolating method is used.

N. Perry Ronald

Papers

Method for estimating volumetric distance maps from 2D depth images

Method for estiimating volumetric distance map from two-dimensional depth image