Karl Storz-gmbh & Co. Kg

Karl Storz Se Co. & Kg

Björn Speiser

Klaus M Irion

André Ehrhardt

Thomas Hinding

Bernhard Glöggler

The invention relates to a virtual OP simulator () for training for minimal-invasive operations, in particular for endourological interventions, having a simulation calculator unit (), at least one instrument (), at least one instrument input unit () for picking up the instrument (), with the instrument input unit () allowing and recording movement of the instrument () in a predetermined number of degrees of freedom, and a force feedback unit () which is associated with the instrument input unit () and applies variable forces to the instrument () directly or indirectly via the instrument input unit (). A monitoring control unit () is provided, which is connected to the simulation computer unit () and to the instrument input unit (), with the monitoring control unit () having a first interface () which provides communication of parameters between the monitoring control unit () and the simulation computer unit () at a speed in the region of the video framing rate, and having a second interface () which provides communication of parameters with the instrument input unit () at a speed which is higher than, in particular a multiple of, the video framing rate, and with the instrument input unit () allowing at least four degrees of freedom, detecting movements of the instrument () within these degrees of freedom, supplying corresponding signals to the monitoring control unit () and receiving signals for the force feedback unit (), at least some of which are generated by the simulation computer unit ().

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Rottweil, Germany

Björn Speiser