Method and device to assist with the operation of an instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method to assist with the operation of an instrument by means of said device, the device and the method using leverage effects in order to calculate the data relative to any point of an instrument axis, instead of using low-accuracy sensors. Other improvements are also described that allow higher-quality usage performance for the operator, which reduces the risk of errors and simplifies the operations.

Claims

1. A method to assist with the manipulation of an instrument by means of an assistance device (1) in manipulating the instrument (20), the device (1) comprising a hinged arm (10) designed to be attached to a frame (B) and manipulable by an operator, to which an instrument (20) can be attached at an attachment point (P) of said hinged arm (10) forming a passive ball joint between the hinged arm (10) and the instrument (20), the hinged arm comprising motors (M1, M2, . . . ) for displacing the attachment point (P) in a reference frame (R) bound to the frame (B), the instrument (20) being manipulable around a fulcrum (F) having a known and fixed position in the reference frame (R), a processing unit (U) comprising a processor (U1) configured to control the motors (M1, M2, . . . ); the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: determining (E1) data relating to a position and/or a velocity of the attachment point (P) in the reference frame (R); determining (E2, E3, E4) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to be applied to the attachment point (P) as a function of said data relating to the attachment point, the position of the fulcrum, the known distance (PQ) from the attachment point (P) to an arbitrary point of an instrument axis connecting the attachment point (P) to the fulcrum (F), and a given impedance to be conferred to the arbitrary point (Q), controlling (E5) the motors (M1, M2, . . . ) to transmit the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to the instrument (20) at the attachment point (P) so as to produce the impedance at the arbitrary point (Q).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the force (Fp) to be applied to the attachment point comprises the following steps: determining (E2) data regarding the velocity and/or the position of a point (Q) of the instrument situated on an instrument axis (X-X) passing through the attachment point (P) and the fulcrum (F), by means of said data relating to the attachment point (P) and the position of the fulcrum (F); determining (E3) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) to be applied to the point Q as a function of an impedance to be conferred to the instrument (20) at said point (Q) of the instrument (20) and as a function of the data determined regarding said point (Q) of the instrument (20); determining (E4) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to be applied to the attachment point (P) as a function of the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) to be applied to the arbitrary point and the data relating to the attachment point P and to the position of the fulcrum (F).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the impedance comprises a viscosity and the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) applied to the attachment point (P) is a resistance force in the opposite direction to its displacement.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the impedance comprises a stiffness and the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) applied to the attachment point (P) is a force in the same direction or in the opposite direction to its displacement, depending on the sign of the stiffness.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the position of the attachment point (P) in the reference frame (R) is determined by means of sensors (C1, C2, C3) in the hinged arm (10), the hinged arm comprising three hinges (A1, A2, A3) each actuated by a motor (M1, M2, M3) and each comprising one of the sensors (C1, C2, C3).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the instrument axis (X-X) is known, the method comprising a preliminary step (E0) of determining the position of the fulcrum (F) in said reference frame (R), and the following sub-steps obtaining (E01), in the reference frame, a plurality of straight lines () defined by the instrument axis (X-X), the straight lines corresponding to a plurality of positions of said instrument (20) around the fulcrum (F), estimating (E02) an intersection zone (V.sub.ol) of said plurality of straight lines (), obtaining (E03) the position of the center of said zone (V.sub.ol), which corresponds to the fulcrum (F).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the orientation of the instrument axis (X-X) is obtained by means of two angular position sensors (C4, C5) at the attachment point (P).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the impedance comprises a viscosity, and wherein the step (E3) of determining the force (Fq) at said point (Q) comprises the following sub-steps for determining the impedance to be conferred: determining (E1) the instantaneous velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q)) of said point (Q) of the instrument, determining (E21) a first viscosity as a decreasing function of said instantaneous velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q)), determining (E22) a second velocity from the first viscosity thanks to a filtering method having at least one parameter allowing the dynamics of the method to be regulated; determining (E3) the force at said point of the instrument, as a function: of said velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q)), and of the second viscosity value allowing the dynamics of the method to be adjusted.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the instantaneous velocity of the point (Q) is filtered.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: having a point of the instrument coincide (E01) with points in space and determining the position of said points in space in the reference frame bound to the assistance device; constructing (E03) a geometric constraint defined by said points in space by means of said positions.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the impedance comprises a stiffness, the method comprising a preliminary step of constructing a plane, said point of the instrument being a distal end, said step comprising the following sub-steps: pointing (E01) with the distal end to at least three non-collinear points and determination of their position, and determination (E02) of their position in the reference frame (R), construction (E03) of a plane (PLAN1) passing through the three points by means of the three positions, the step (E3) of determining the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) at the attachment point (P) comprising the following sub-steps: determining (E31) the distance between said point (Q) of the instrument (20) and the plane by orthogonal projection, determining (E32) the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) as a function of a stiffness and of said distance, so that the step (E5) of controlling the motors constrains the instrument to position itself with respect to the plane (PLAN1) by causing the attraction or the repulsion of said point (Q) of the instrument axis (X-X) with respect to said plane (PLAN1).

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of switching modes is implemented in the processing unit (U), each mode having a predetermined impedance, the method comprising switching automatically from one control mode to another when a criterion is verified.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said at least one criterion only involves the data relating to the assistance device (1).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein two impedances are configured to define respectively a free mode and a locked mode, wherein a locking criterion makes it possible to transition from the free mode to the locked mode and an unlocking criterion makes it possible to transition from the locked mode to the free mode.

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the locking criterion is an immobility of the instrument (20) for a predetermined period and the unlocking criterion is a translation of the instrument (2) along the instrument axis (X-X).

16. A device to assist with the manipulation of an instrument (20), comprising: a hinged arm (10) designed to be attached to a frame (B) and operable by an operator, to which an instrument (20) can be attached at an attachment point (P) of said hinged arm (10) forming a passive ball joint between the hinged arm (10) and the instrument (20), the hinged arm comprising motors (M1, M2, . . . ) for displacing the attachment point (P) in a reference frame (R) bound to the frame (B), the instrument (20) being operable around a fulcrum (F) having a known and fixed position in the reference frame (R), a processing unit (U) comprising a processor (U1) configured to control the motors (M1, M2, . . . ); the device being characterized in that it is configured for determining (E1) the data relating to a position and/or a velocity of the attachment point (P) in the reference frame (R); and in that the processing unit is configured to implement the steps of determining (E2, E3, E4) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to be applied to the attachment point (P) as a function of said data relating to the attachment point, the position of the fulcrum, the known distance (PQ) from the attachment point (P) to an arbitrary point of an instrument axis connecting the attachment point (P) to an arbitrary point of an instrument axis connecting the attachment point (P) to the fulcrum (F), and a given impedance to be conferred to the arbitrary point (Q), the device also being configured to control (E5) the motors (M1, M2, . . . ) to transmit the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to the instrument (20) at the attachment point (P), so as to produce the impedance at the arbitrary point (Q).

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit (U) is configured to implement the step of determining the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to be applied to the attachment point in the following manner: determining (E2) data regarding the velocity and/or the position of a point (Q) of the instrument situated on an instrument axis (X-X) passing through the attachment point (P) and the fulcrum (F), by means of said data relating to the attachment point (P) and the position of the fulcrum (F); determining (E3) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) to be applied to the point Q as a function of an impedance to be conferred to the instrument (20) at said point (Q) of the instrument (20) and as a function of the data determined regarding said point (Q) of the instrument (20); determining (E4) a force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) to be applied to the attachment point (P) as a function of the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) to be applied to the arbitrary point and the data relating to the attachment point P and to the position of the fulcrum (F).

18. The device according to claim 16, configured so that the impedance comprises a viscosity and the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) applied to the attachment point (P) is a resistance force in the opposite direction to its displacement.

19. The device according to claim 16, configured so that the impedance comprises a stiffness and the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) applied to the attachment point (P) is a force in the same direction or in the opposite direction to its displacement, depending on the sign of the stiffness.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the hinged arm (10) comprises three hinges (A1, A2, A3) each actuated by a motor (M1, M2, M3) and each comprising a sensor (C1, C2, C3) so as to determine the position of the attachment point (P) in the reference frame (R).

21. The device according to claim 16, wherein the direction of the instrument axis (X-X) is known, and wherein the processing unit (U) is configured to implement a preliminary step (E0) of determining the position of the fulcrum (F) in said reference frame (R) in the following manner: obtaining (E01), in the reference frame, a plurality of straight lines () defined by the instrument axis (X-X), the straight lines corresponding to a plurality of positions of said instrument (20) around the fulcrum (F), estimating (E02) an intersection zone (V.sub.ol) of said plurality of straight lines (), obtaining (E03) the position of the center of said zone (V.sub.ol), which corresponds to the fulcrum (F).

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the device (1) comprises two angular position sensors (C4, C5) at the attachment point (P) for obtaining the orientation of the instrument axis (X-X).

23. The device according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit (U) is configured so that the impedance comprises a viscosity, and wherein the step (E3) of determining the force (Fq) at said point (Q) is implemented in the following manner to determine the impedance to be conferred: determining (E1) the instantaneous velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q)) of said point (Q) of the instrument, determining (E21) a first viscosity as a decreasing function of said instantaneous velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q), determining (E22) a second viscosity from the first viscosity thanks to a filtering method having at least one parameter allowing the dynamics of the method to be regulated; determining (E3) the force at said point of the instrument, as a function: of said velocity ({right arrow over (v)}(Q)), and of the second viscosity value allowing the dynamic to be adjusted.

24. The device according to claim 23, wherein the processing unit (U) is configured so that the instantaneous velocity at the point (Q) is filtered.

25. The device according to claim 16, wherein the processing unit (U) is also configured to implement the steps of: having a point of the instrument coincide (E01) with points in space and determining the position of said points in space in the reference frame bound to the assistance device; constructing (E03) a geometric constraint defined by said points in space by means of said positions.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the processing unit (U) is configured so that the impedance comprises a stiffness, and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement a preliminary step of constructing a plane, said point of the instrument being a distal end, said step comprising the following sub-step: pointing (E01) with the distal end to at least three non-collinear points and determination of their position, and determination (E02) of their position in the reference frame (R), construction (E03) of a plane (PLAN1) passing through the three points by means of the three positions, the step (E3) of determining the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.P)}) at the attachment point (P) comprising the following sub-steps: determining (E31) the distance between said point (Q) of the instrument (20) and the plane by orthogonal projection, determining (E32) the force ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}) as a function of a stiffness and of said distance, so that the step of controlling (E5) the motors constrains the instrument to position itself with respect to the plane (PLAN1) by causing the attraction or the repulsion of said point (Q) of the instrument axis (X-X) with respect to said plane (PLAN1).

27. The device according to claim 16, wherein a plurality of switching modes is implemented in the processing unit (U), each mode having a predetermined impedance, the processing unit (U) being configured to implement steps of switching automatically from one control mode to another when a criterion is verified.

28. The device according to the claim 27, wherein at least one criterion only involves the data relating to said assistance device in the implementation of the method.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the processing unit (U) is configured to implement two impedances which are configured to define respectively a free mode and a locked mode, and implement a locking criterion which to transition from the free mode to the locked mode and an unlocking criterion to transition from the locked mode to the free mode.

30. The device according to claim 29 wherein the locking criterion is an immobility of the instrument (20) for a predetermined period and the unlocking criterion is a translation of the instrument (20) along the instrument axis (X-X).

Description

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Other features, aims and advantages of the invention will be revealed by the description that follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which must be read with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an assistance device conforming to one embodiment of the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic representation illustrating flows of information passing within the device,

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates different characteristic points of an instrument manipulated by means of the device,

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the velocity of the attachment point with different models of viscosity, for an instrument manipulated with the device,

(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate different manipulation positions using the device, with in particular one tangential displacement per lever arm of the instrument, and one translation displacement,

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of straight lines passing through a cannula in which is inserted an instrument manipulated by means of the device,

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a set of planes defied by means of the device,

(9) FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate unlocking criteria for a locked mode of the device.

(10) In all the figures, similar elements bear identical numerical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) In the present application, the positions are defined with respect to a reference frame bound to the frame to which the device is attached, which means that the robot can be displaced without any reconfiguration being necessary.

(12) As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the assistance device 1 comprises a hinged arm 10 attached to a frame B. An instrument 20 is attached to an attachment point P of said arm.

(13) The instrument 20 is co-manipulated by an operator and by the device 1. This can for example be a laparoscopic surgical instrument such as a needle holder, a clamp or scissors.

(14) The hinged arm 10 is driven by three motors M1, M2, M3, at the three hinges A1, A2, A3, which makes it possible to move the attachment point P in three degrees of freedom in translation in a reference frame R bound to the frame B.

(15) The hinged arm can, thanks to its motors M1, M2, M3, bring the attachment point P anywhere in space within the reach of the device 1.

(16) Consequently, the hinged arm 10 is adapted to transmit a force in the three spatial directions at the attachment point P.

(17) It is possible to use more than three motors and three hinges to position the point P and transmit a force to point P.

(18) According to the first aspect of the invention, the connection at the attachment point P is a connection of the passive ball joint type.

(19) Consequently, the hinged arm 10 cannot transmit a moment at point P to the instrument 20, which is free to rotate around the point P with respect to the hinged arm 10.

(20) This connection can be accomplished for example by three successive bodies, each of the bodies being connected to the body preceding it by a pivot connection and the axes. In this case, the axis of the instrument X-X can advantageously coincide with the axis of the last pivot.

(21) A processing unit U, comprising a processor U1 and a storage memory U2, controls the motors M1, M2, M3 and processes the different data relating to the use of the device 1.

(22) The instrument 20 has an elongated shape and extends along a principal axis called the instrument axis X-X.

(23) Sensors C1, C2, C3, at each of the three hinges make it possible to know the movement of each hinge and as a result, thanks to the processing unit U, to know the position of the attachment point P. This knowledge can be quasi-continuous.

(24) It is technically possible to use in these hinges sensors which offer very good accuracy and little noise. In fact, generally, the motorized hinges have a transmission stage which increases torque while reducing velocity. Thus, a sensor placed on the motor shaft will have a greater resolution than if it had to be placed directly on the output shaft of the hinge.

(25) Advantageously, the device 1 comprises at least two angular position sensors C4, C5 at the attachment point P which measure, in combination with the sensors C1, C2, C3, the orientation of the instrument axis X-X in the reference frame bound to the frame B. Only two sensors are necessary because the rotation of the instrument 20 along its instrument axis X-X does not change the orientation of the instrument axis X-X. When the passive ball joint is implemented with three successive pivot connections, the axis of the last pivot connection coinciding with the instrument axis X-X, it is advantageous to use C4 to measure the angle of the first pivot connection and C5 to measure the angle of the second pivot connection.

(26) For technical reasons, these angular sensors C4, C5 offer a low-accuracy, noisy signal. It is currently difficult to implement better-quality sensors at this location because, to increase resolution, it would be necessary for example to integrate a reduction stage which would increase the volume and the weight of the passive ball joint device.

(27) For example, the angular sensors C4, C5 are generally potentiometers.

(28) In addition, it is possible to provide another sensor C6 which measures the rotation of the instrument 20 on its axis X-X. This makes it possible to calculate, in combination with C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5, the position of any points of the instrument which would not be on the instrument axis X-X. This has an advantage in surgery for example in the case of oriented or flexible instruments.

(29) In the same manner, it is possible to provide a motor M6 applying a torque along the instrument axis X-X, which makes it possible, in combination with the motors M1, M2 and M3, and in the case where the instrument axis X-X passes through a known fixed fulcrum F, to apply forces at any point of the instrument which does not belong to its axis X-X.

(30) The instrument 20 is adapted to penetrate into the body of a patient 60 at a cannula 30. The cannula 30 serves as a fulcrum F around which the instrument is manipulated.

(31) Consequently, at the cannula 30, the instrument 20 is free to slip in translation, and free to pivot around the fulcrum F defined by the cannula 30.

(32) By definition, the fulcrum F is substantially fixed in the base B but can move along the instrument 20 during operations.

(33) Several points of interest can be observed on such an instrument 20 (see FIG. 3): The attachment point P, presented previously, wherein the hinged arm can transmit forces (no torque), and reciprocally, The point relating to the handle H (hand), which corresponds to the place where the operator is holding the tool, that is the proximal end of the instrument, The point relating to the tip T, which corresponds to the distal end of the instrument and which acts on the patient, The fulcrum F, presented previously.

(34) To improve the utilization rendering to the operator, the assistance device 1 makes it possible to apply impedances to the instrument, that is it simulates a viscosity, a stiffness or an inertia (or a combination) applied to the instrument 20 and which the operator must feel.

(35) Ultimately, the device applies forces to the instrument 20 at the attachment point P.

(36) The position and/or the velocity observed on the instrument 20 are sent to the processing unit U, which in exchange sends a force to be applied (see FIG. 2).

(37) The applicable impedances depend on several parameters, such as the utilization mode or the gesture that the operator is carrying out.

(38) A viscosity is an impedance which relates a force to a velocity:
{right arrow over (F)}={right arrow over (v)}

(39) A stiffness k is an impedance which relates a force to a deviation with respect to a reference position (depending on the sign of the stiffness, a return force or a repulsion force will result):
{right arrow over (F)}=k({right arrow over (x)}.sub.0{right arrow over (x)})

(40) A mass m is an impedance which relates a force to an acceleration:

(41) $\stackrel{->}{F}=-m\frac{d\stackrel{->}{v}}{\mathrm{dt}}$

(42) There are different pre-established laws, which determine which impedance values apply. These impedance values can for their part be functions of the position or of the velocity of a point on the instrument 20.

(43) As mentioned in the introduction, the attachment point P which corresponds directly to the force application point of the device 1 to the instrument 20 seems to be the natural point for applying an impedance.

(44) Yet, for the purpose of improving the use of the device 1, it is possible for example to decide that the stiffness felt by the operator be the same at the handle H, regardless of the position of the fulcrum F on the instrument 20, that is to say regardless of the depth of insertion of the instrument 20 into the body of the patient.

(45) Consequently, it is necessary to be able to define the viscosity practically at every instant at the point relating to the handle H.

(46) Another example can be taken: it is possible to wish to define the viscosity at the point T.

(47) In any case, to apply a force which is relevant and helps the operator to manipulate the instrument 20, it is necessary to obtain data relating to the position or to the velocity of these points (H or T or another point of the instrument axis X-X), which are different from the attachment point P.

(48) Lever Arm Method

(49) One of the proposed methods makes it possible to obtain these data for an arbitrary point Q located on the instrument axis X-X. For this purpose, it is assumed that the instrument 20 is installed in the cannula 30 and has said fulcrum F. Consequently, the instrument axis X-X passes through the attachment P and fulcrum F points.

(50) It is also assumed that the position of the fulcrum F is known. There exist several methods for knowing this position. It is possible for example to carry out a calibration routine beforehand, or enter the coordinates, or apply a method which will be described later.

(51) The method for obtaining said data of a point located on the instrument axis X-X consists of carrying out the following steps, by means of the processing unit U: determining E1 data relating to a position and/or a velocity of the attachment point P in the reference frame bound to the device 1, determining E2 velocity or position data of a point Q of the instrument 20 located on the instrument axis X-X using said data relating to the attachment point P, the known distance PQ of the attachment point P to the arbitrary point Q on the instrument axis X-X, and the position of the fulcrum F, which is known, determining E3 a force {right arrow over ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} )} by means of an impedance to be conferred to the instrument at said point Q of the instrument 20, and by means of the data determined in step E2 of said point Q of the instrument 20, determining E4 a force {right arrow over (F.sub.P)} to be applied to the attachment point P by means of the foregoing force {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} at the arbitrary point Q, and by means of data relating to the attachment point P and to the position of the fulcrum F, controlling E5 motors M1, M2, M3 to transmit the force {right arrow over (F.sub.P)} to be applied to the attachment point P of the instrument at the attachment point P.

(52) The step E1 thus comprises data acquisition coming from the sensors with processing by the processing unit U, steps E2 through E4 are steps consisting of processing by the processing unit U, and finally step E5 comprises instructions for actuating motors.

(53) Such a method does not require knowing the orientation of the axis of the instrument 20, and consequently does not require using the angular sensors C4, C5 at the ball joint of the attachment point P.

(54) As mentioned previously, such sensors are of bad quality, contrary to the sensors C1, C2, C3 of the hinges A1, A2, A3, which offer an accurate signal with little noise.

(55) During step E2, to determine the position of the point Q from the position of the point P, the position of the point F, and the distance d=PQ from P to Q along the instrument axis X-X, it is possible to proceed in the following fashion: calculate first the unit vector {right arrow over (x)}.sub.I from the instrument axis X-X:
{right arrow over (x)}.sub.I=(1/{right arrow over (PF)}){right arrow over (PF)},
then calculate the position of the point Q with respect to the point P:
PQ=d{right arrow over (x)}.sub.I.

(56) During the same step E2, knowing the position of the point P, the velocity of the point P, the position of F, and {right arrow over (x)}.sub.I makes it possible to calculate the velocity of a given point Q of the instrument axis located at a known distance d=PQ from P, thanks to a lever model known to a person skilled in the art:

(57) $\stackrel{->}{v}\left(Q\right)=\left(\stackrel{->}{v}\left(P\right).Math.{\stackrel{->}{z}}_I\right){\stackrel{->}{z}}_I+\left(\frac{\stackrel{\_}{\mathrm{FQ}}}{\stackrel{\_}{\mathrm{FP}}}\right)\left(\stackrel{->}{v}\left(P\right)-\left(\stackrel{->}{v}\left(P\right).Math.{\stackrel{->}{z}}_I\right){\stackrel{->}{z}}_I\right),$
where FP and {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} ={right arrow over (FP)}+d are the signed distances from the points F to P and from F to Q respectively.

(58) In a dual fashion, during step E4, knowing the force {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} which would need to be applied to the point Q makes it possible, thanks to a lever model known to a person skilled in the art, to apply the force equivalent to that to be applied to the point P:

(59) ${\stackrel{->}{F}}_P=\left({\stackrel{->}{F}}_Q.Math.{\stackrel{->}{x}}_I\right){\stackrel{->}{x}}_I+\left(\frac{\stackrel{\_}{\mathrm{FQ}}}{\stackrel{\_}{\mathrm{FP}}}\right)\left({\stackrel{->}{F}}_Q-\left({\stackrel{->}{F}}_Q.Math.{\stackrel{->}{x}}_I\right){\stackrel{->}{x}}_I\right)$

(60) For a pure rotation movement around the fulcrum F, the knowledge of the lever arm and of a velocity of a single point (point P) is sufficient (see FIG. 5a). For a translation movement along the axis X-X, all the points of the instrument 20 have the same velocity (see FIG. 5b).

(61) FIG. 3 presents the distances which occur in the calculations, in particular the lengths I.sub.HP, I.sub.PF and I.sub.PT if the point Q corresponds to the handle or the tip.

(62) Once the force that needs to be applied to the arbitrary point Q is obtained, the lever arm makes it possible to recover the force that the motors M1, M2, M3 must apply to the attachment point P.

(63) The following logical chain is obtained, when for example the impedance involves only the velocity:

(64) $\stackrel{->}{v}\left(P\right)\stackrel{E2\left(\mathrm{lever}\right)}{}\stackrel{->}{v}\left(Q\right)\stackrel{E3\left(\mathrm{impedance}\mathrm{at}Q\right)}{}\stackrel{.fwdarw.}{F_Q}\stackrel{E4\left(\mathrm{lever}\right)}{}\stackrel{.fwdarw.}{F_P}$

(65) According to a preferred embodiment, the point Q corresponds to the point T relating to the tip, or to the point H relating to the handle.

(66) This has an advantage in the quality of the interaction. For example, of the impedance is a simple coefficient of viscosity and the arbitrary point Q coincides with the point T, then by this method an isotropic viscosity will be obtained at point T, that is to say that the force at T, {right arrow over ({right arrow over (F.sub.T)} )}, will always be parallel to the velocity of T, {right arrow over (v)}(T) to which it opposes.

(67) On the other hand, if the arbitrary point Q coincided with the point P, as it is conventional to proceed without invoking steps (E2) and (E4), then there would be an isotropic viscosity at point T, that is to say that the force at T, {right arrow over (F.sub.T)}, would not necessarily be parallel to the velocity of T, {right arrow over (v)}(T).

(68) Moreover, the detailed three-step calculations above can be applied, after reformulation, in a single step in which the velocity of Q {right arrow over (v)}(Q) and the force to be applied to the arbitrary point Q do not appear explicitly, which amounts to writing a direct function relating the position and the velocity of the attachment point P to the force to be applied to the attachment point P, using only the knowledge of the position of F, the impedance to be applied at the arbitrary point Q, and the distance defining the known position of the point Q on the instrument axis X-X.

(69) Consequently, steps E2 through E4 can be reduced to a processing step wherein a force to be applied to the attachment point is determined as a function of said data related to the attachment point, and the known distance from the attachment point P to the arbitrary point Q, for the purpose of conferring a given impedance to the arbitrary point Q.

(70) Self-Calibration Method

(71) First of all, the self-calibration method makes it possible to know if the instrument 20 is actually positioned in a cannula 30 and therefore possesses a fulcrum F and, if so, to know the position of said fulcrum F.

(72) It is assumed that the processing unit U can know the equation of the axis of the instrument. This is made possible thanks to the five sensors of the hinged arm C1, C2, C3, C4, C5.

(73) It is recalled again that it is not necessary to have a sixth sensor.

(74) The method comprises the following steps: Obtaining E01, in the reference frame of the device, a plurality of straight lines defined by the instrument axis X-X, the straight lines corresponding to a plurality of configurations of the instrument, Estimating E02 the existence of an intersection zone V.sub.ol of said plurality of straight lines , obtaining E03 the central position of said zone V.sub.ol if it exists, said zone then corresponding to the fulcrum F of the instrument.

(75) In this method, it is not necessary to have motors M1, M2, M3. In fact, to know said straight lines, it is sufficient to have sufficient sensors, in the present case the five sensors C1 through C5.

(76) FIG. 6 shows in superposition straight lines resulting from a displacement of said instrument 20. As illustrated in this figure, they intersect at a zone corresponding to the fulcrum F.

(77) In fact, the lack of accuracy of the angular sensors C4, C5 is compensated by the plurality of the measurements taken, either due to averaging or to filtering, or to both. The acquisition time is on the order of a millisecond, which means that in one second approximately, a sufficient quantity of information is assembled to obtain a reliable result as to the existence or not of an intersection zone and its possible position.

(78) Algorithms for solving a linear matrix system are known in the literature. In particular, due to the inaccuracy of the measurements and the lack of complete immobility of the cannula 30, the intersection zone is a volume V.sub.ol. Depending on the selected criteria (size, etc.), it is possible to validate or not the presence of a fulcrum.

(79) For example, the resolution of the linear system can be accomplished by a least squares approach.

(80) The position of the fulcrum F corresponds for example to the center of such a volume V.sub.ol.

(81) Practically, when the operator seizes the instrument, the unit U calculates at regular intervals the equation of the straight line of the instrument axis X-X (every millisecond for example). The unit U can also wait, before calculating a new straight line equation, not for a given time but for a given displacement of the point P to ensure that all the straight lines are not superimposed. As long as the operator has not inserted the instrument 20 into the cannula 30, the unit U will not find an intersection zone and consequently will not know that the instrument 20 is not inserted into a cannula 30.

(82) Once the operator has inserted the instrument 20 into a cannula 30, the unit U determines, with a time scale on the order of a second, the existence of such a zone and thus knows the position of the fulcrum F.

(83) The method can comprise a supplementary step E05 of applying a force at the fulcrum P using a predetermined impedance, when no intersection zone is identified.

(84) It is possible for example to apply a fairly low viscosity to the attachment point P in such a manner that the operator easily moves the instrument 20.

(85) This method for automatically detecting the fulcrum F, unlike pre-existing routines, does not need to be carried out beforehand. The operator can thus directly use the instrument 20.

(86) This provides important advantages: when the patient moves, or when the operator causes the patient to move (a shock to the operating table), the position of the fulcrum F changes and the device 1 can then alert the operator to it, when the operator changes cannulas 30, there is no need to carry out a new calibration, hence a time saving and a reduction in risk.

(87) Such a method can be used independently of the lever arm method described previously.

(88) Filtered Viscosity Model Method

(89) This method relates to the case where the impedance is a viscosity and it is desired to avoid the effects of instability mentioned in the introduction (see curve 70 in FIG. 4, with respect to the reference curve 71).

(90) It is assumed that the position of a point Q is known (to that end, it is possible if necessary to use the method mentioned above during the description of the lever arm method).

(91) The method comprises the following steps: (E1) determining the instantaneous velocity {right arrow over (v)}(Q) of a point Q of the instrument 20 in the reference frame bound to the assistance device 1, (E21) determining a first viscosity which is a decreasing function of said instantaneous velocity {right arrow over (v)}(Q), (E22) determining a second viscosity from the first viscosity thanks to a filtering method having at least one parameter allowing the dynamics of the method to be regulated, (E3) determining a force {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} at said point Q of the instrument 20, a function: of said velocity {right arrow over (v)}(Q), of the second viscosity value,

(92) Finally, the step of controlling the motors is conventional.

(93) When the point Q is different from the attachment point P, the lever arm model can be used both for calculating the velocities ({right arrow over (v)}(P){right arrow over (v)}(Q)) and for calculating the forces ({right arrow over (F.sub.Q)}{right arrow over (F.sub.P)}).

(94) If the velocity signal {right arrow over (v)}(Q) is noisy, it is possible to add a step consisting of filtering said velocity {right arrow over (v)}(Q) between step E1 and step E21.

(95) Such a method slows the dynamics of the viscosity variation and offers a stability not previously possible (see curve 72 in FIG. 4).

(96) The configurable coefficient is typically a time constant which can be adjusted to optimize the dynamics of the method.

(97) Such a method can be used independently of the lever arm and self-calibration methods described previously.

(98) Pointing Instrument Method

(99) Another method will now be described. Likewise, it can advantageously be applied in combination with the method allowing a force to be applied to the attachment point P.

(100) For example, it is desired to establish a geometric constraint using elastic force fields, such as an attraction or repulsion plane, to establish a guide for the instrument 20. For example, if a zone in the patient must not be reached, being able to define a repulsion plane makes it possible to limit the risks for the operator.

(101) More generally, to establish the constraint a point of interest of the instrument is defined: this point of interest is advantageously its distal end.

(102) To this end, the method comprises the following steps: have the point of interest coincide E01 with points in space and determine E02 their position in the reference frame bound to the assistance device 1, construct E03 a geometric constraint defined by said points in space by means of said positions.

(103) When the point of interest is the distal end, the method consists, for the operator, in designating points in space with said end.

(104) Once this is accomplished, it is possible to define several types of geometric constraints.

(105) For example, the geometric constraint can be a plane, and in this case it is advantageous to point three non-coplanar points, the plane then being determined as that which passes through said three points.

(106) The geometric constraint can also be a straight line, and in this case it is advantageous to point two distinct points, the straight line then being determined as that which passes through said two points.

(107) The geometric constraint can also be a sphere, and in this case it is advantageous to point two distinct points, the sphere then being defined as being that whose center is the first of said two points and which passes through the second of said two points.

(108) The constraint can be reduced to a single point, and in this case it is advantageous to define it by pointing directly to this point.

(109) Several planes PLAN1, . . . , PLAN 5 are shown in FIG. 7, defining a space wherein the instrument is prompted to remain (repulsion planes), by using an appropriate stiffness for each of the planes PLAN1, . . . , PLAN 5.

(110) In this example, the point of interest defined for the pointing method and the arbitrary point Q defined by the lever arm method are the same unique point. The method then comprises the following steps following the determination of the plane: determination E31 of the distance between said point Q of the instrument 20 and the plane PLAN1, by orthogonal projection, determination E32 of the force {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} at said point Q, said force {right arrow over (F.sub.Q)} being a function of a stiffness coefficient and of said distance.

(111) The steps consisting of determining the force E4 at the attachment point P and of controlling E5 the motors M1, M2, M3 are those conventionally used or those previously described.

(112) Change of State Method

(113) This method makes it possible to improve the comfort and the intuitiveness of the use of the device for the operator.

(114) To that end, the processing unit U has been configured to comprise several control modes, each control mode having a predetermined impedance and a predetermined switching criterion.

(115) The method consists of switching between modes when one predetermined switching criterion is verified.

(116) Automatic switching is then obtained requiring no action other than the operation of the instrument by the operator.

(117) Advantageously, the predetermined criteria depend only on the measurements supplied by the hinged arm.

(118) The changing method can be applied at any time during the other methods described.

(119) According to one embodiment, the method consists of changing state between two control modes called the locked mode (designed to hold the instrument in position even if the operator lets it go) and the free mode (designed to leave the operator free to manipulate the instrument).

(120) The method can then comprise the following steps: verification E6 of a locking criterion and switching into locked mode for which a predetermined locking impedance is applied to the instrument, if the verification is positive, verification E7 of an unlocking criterion and switching into free mode for which a predetermined free impedance is applied to the instrument, if the verification is positive.

(121) One advantageous embodiment defines the free impedance as a low-value viscosity to allow its manipulation by the operator and/or the locking impedance comprises a sufficiently high stiffness to guarantee that the instrument will be held in position.

(122) The other methods, described previously, can then be applied.

(123) One advantageous embodiment defines the locking criterion as an immobility for a predetermined period (three seconds for example) and the unlocking criterion as a departing translation of the instrument along the instrument axis X-X (see FIG. 8a). These two criteria are independent. Two movements which, in the present case, would not unlock the locked mode are shown in FIGS. 8b and 8c.