MICADO: Models of Interactive Constraints for the Assembling of 1D Deformable Objects

This paper introduces a set of Lagrangian constraints, allowing most needed interaction and combinations of one-dimensional deformable elements for creating complex structures. The proposed tools can potentially be used with a large set of available 1D-models. All constraints formulation are compatible with linear, displacement-based, integration schemes. The proposed constraints allow for real-time complex structure simulation, and also novel interactions between simulated objects. Various examples are provided, illustrating the benefit of the proposed numerical tools

Vector offset operators for deformable organic objects.

Many natural materials and most of living tissues exhibit complex deformable behaviours that may be characteriseda s organic. In computer animation, deformable organic material behaviour is needed for the development of characters and scenes based on living creatures and natural phenomena. This study addresses the problem of deformable organic material behaviour in computer animated objects. The focus of this study is concentrated on problems inherent in geometry based deformation techniques, such as non-intuitive interaction and difficulty in achieving realism. Further, the focus is concentrated on problems inherent in physically based deformation techniques, such as inefficiency and difficulty in enforcing spatial and temporal constraints. The main objective in this study is to find a general and efficient solution to interaction and animation of deformable 3D objects with natural organic material properties and constrainable behaviour. The solution must provide an interaction and animation framework suitable for the creation of animated deformable characters. An implementation of physical organic material properties such as plasticity, elasticity and iscoelasticity can provide the basis for an organic deformation model. An efficient approach to stress and strain control is introduced with a deformation tool named Vector Offset Operator. Stress / strain graphs control the elastoplastic behaviour of the model. Strain creep, stress relaxation and hysteresis graphs control the viscoelastic behaviour of the model. External forces may be applied using motion paths equipped with momentum / time graphs. Finally, spatial and temporal constraints are applied directly on vector operators. The suggested generic deformation tool introduces an intermediate layer between user interaction, deformation, elastoplastic and viscoelastic material behaviour and spatial and temporal constraints. This results in an efficient approach to deformation, frees object representation from deformation, facilitates the application of constraints and enables further development

NOViSE: a virtual natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery simulator

Purpose: Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is a novel technique in minimally invasive surgery whereby a flexible endoscope is inserted via a natural orifice to gain access to the abdominal cavity, leaving no external scars. This innovative use of flexible endoscopy creates many new challenges and is associated with a steep learning curve for clinicians. Methods: We developed NOViSE - the first force-feedback enabled virtual reality simulator for NOTES training supporting a flexible endoscope. The haptic device is custom built and the behaviour of the virtual flexible endoscope is based on an established theoretical framework – the Cosserat Theory of Elastic Rods. Results: We present the application of NOViSE to the simulation of a hybrid trans-gastric cholecystectomy procedure. Preliminary results of face, content and construct validation have previously shown that NOViSE delivers the required level of realism for training of endoscopic manipulation skills specific to NOTES Conclusions: VR simulation of NOTES procedures can contribute to surgical training and improve the educational experience without putting patients at risk, raising ethical issues or requiring expensive animal or cadaver facilities. In the context of an experimental technique, NOViSE could potentially facilitate NOTES development and contribute to its wider use by keeping practitioners up to date with this novel surgical technique. NOViSE is a first prototype and the initial results indicate that it provides promising foundations for further development