Remote control apparatus and remote surgical system

A remote control apparatus may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The apparatus may comprise a movable operating handle positioned within an operation area. The movable operating handle may receive the movement type instruction. The apparatus may further comprise a support mechanism that supports and transforms the operating handle between a first posture in which the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned and held at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-242726 filed on Dec. 11, 2015, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate to a remote control apparatus and a remote surgical system.

BACKGROUND ART

Minimally invasive surgical systems having a handle for operating a surgical manipulator have been known.

For example, the system disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0087238 (Patent Document 1) includes a cabinet having handles used by an operator in a standing position. The operator operates the robot arms by operating the handles while in the standing position.

On the other hand, the system disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0195010 (Patent Document 2), for example, is provided with handles used by an operator in a seated position. The operator operates an end effector by using the handles while in the seated position.

SUMMARY

However, systems, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and apparatuses, such as the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, may require operators to use the handles either in the standing position or in the seated position, and do not allow operators to take a particular desired position.

A remote control apparatus according to one or more embodiments may be directed to a remote control apparatus which transmits, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. A remote control apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments may include: an operating handle configured to be movable within a predetermined operation area, and configured to be used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator; and a support mechanism which supports the operating handle.

The support mechanism may be configured to be capable of transforming or translating between a first posture in which the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned and held at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A remote control apparatus according to one or more embodiments, may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The remote control apparatus may comprise an operating handle configured to be movable within a predetermined operation area, and to be used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator; and a support mechanism that supports the operating handle. The support mechanism may be configured to transform or to be capable of transforming between a first posture in which the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned and held at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

In the disclosed configuration or configurations, the remote control apparatus in the first posture may allow the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the stand-up position. Further, the remote control apparatus in the second posture allows the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the sitting-on-chair position. Providing the first posture and the second posture may allow an operator to change a position between a standing position and a seated position while operating the remote control apparatus, and to operate the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

In the first posture of the remote control apparatus, the support mechanism may hold the operating handle so that the operating handle at the center position of the operation area can be positioned at the first vertical position located at a height of 99 centimeters or more from the floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed.

In the disclosed configuration, e.g. having the first vertical position, a large number of operators having different body sizes can operate the operating handle comfortably while in the standing position.

In the second posture of the remote control apparatus, the support mechanism may shift the operating handle down by 50 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to the second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

In the disclosed configuration, e.g., having the first vertical position and the second vertical position, a large number of operators having different body sizes can operate the operating handle comfortably while in the standing position or in the seated position.

A remote control apparatus, according to one or more additional embodiments may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The remote control apparatus may comprise: an operating handle configured to be movable within a predetermined operation area, and configured to be used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator; and a support mechanism that supports the operating handle. The support mechanism may be configured to transform or to be capable of transforming between a first posture in which the operating handle is held such that the operation area of the operating handle is included in a clean zone that is set at and above a predetermined height from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is held such that at least part of the operation area of the operating handle is located in a zone below the clean zone.

In the disclosed configuration, e.g., having the first and second postures in which the operation area of the operating handle is included or located relevant to the clean zone, the remote control apparatus may transform between the first posture and the second posture according to how a surgery is carried out. That is, the remote control apparatus in the first posture may prevent the contamination of the operating handle and the hands of the operator allowing the operator to switch from the operating handle to a surgical instrument as necessary, and to continue the surgery without a cleaning procedure. Further, the transformation of the remote control apparatus between the first posture and the second posture allows the operator to change position while operating the remote control apparatus, and thus to operate the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the clean zone may be set at and above 70 centimeters from the floor surface.

In a disclosed configuration in which the clean zone is set relative to the floor surface, contamination of the operating handle and the hands of the operator may be advantageously prevented.

In the second posture of the remote control apparatus, a vertical position of a lower limit of the operation area of the operating handle may be at least 48 centimeters lower than a vertical position of a lower limit of the operation area of the operating handle in the first posture of the remote control apparatus.

In the disclosed configuration of the first and the second postures, a large number of operators having different body sizes can operate the operating handle comfortably while in the standing position or in the seated position.

A remote control apparatus according to one or more additional embodiments, may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The remote control apparatus may comprise a support mechanism that comprises: a support base; a lower support having a proximal end attached to the support base via a first axis extending in a horizontal direction, and that is able to pivot about the first axis; and an upper support having a proximal end attached to a distal end of the lower support via a second axis extending in the horizontal direction, and that is able to pivot about the second axis; and an operating handle attached to the lower support so as to be located behind the lower support, and used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator.

In the above disclosed configuration, the vertical positions of the operating handle and the display section can be changed by the pivotal movements of the lower support and the upper support allowing the operator to change position while operating the remote control apparatus. As a result, the operator can operate the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

In accordance with one or more of embodiments, such as those disclosed above, the lower support may be configured so as to be able to pivot between a standing angle position where the lower support extends obliquely upward and forward from the support base, and a leaning angle position to which the lower support is rotated forward from the standing angle position. The upper support may be able to pivot between a wide angle position where the upper support extends obliquely upward and backward from the distal end of the lower support at the standing angle position, and a narrow angle position where the upper support forms a smaller angle with respect to the lower support than when the upper support is positioned at the wide angle position.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the vertical positions of the operating handle and the display section can be changed by the pivotal movement of the lower support between the standing angle position and the leaning angle position, and by the pivotal movement of the upper support between the wide angle position and the narrow angle position, allowing the operator to change position while operating the remote control apparatus. As a result, the operator can operate the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the first axis and the second axis may be approximately parallel to each other.

In a configuration in which the first axis and the second axis are approximately parallel, the remote control apparatus can be advantageously configured.

The operating handle may be configured to be able to move within a predetermined operation area. In a first posture of the remote control apparatus, in which the lower support is positioned at the standing angle position and the upper support is positioned at the wide angle position, the support mechanism may position and hold the operating handle at a center position of the operation area at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed. In a second posture of the remote control apparatus, in which the lower support is positioned at the leaning angle position and the upper support is positioned at the narrow angle position, the support mechanism may position and hold the operating handle at the center position of the operation area at a second vertical position located at least 48 centimeters lower than the first vertical position.

In the above disclosed configuration, the remote control apparatus in the first posture allows the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the stand-up position. Further, the remote control apparatus in the second posture allows the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the sitting-on-chair position. Providing the first posture and the second posture allows the operator to change position while operating the remote control apparatus, and to operate the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

The operating handle may be configured to be able to move within a predetermined operation area. In a first posture of the remote control apparatus, in which the lower support is positioned at the standing angle position and the upper support is positioned at the wide angle position, the support mechanism may hold the operating handle such that the operation area of the operating handle is included in a clean zone that is set at and above a predetermined height from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed. In a second posture of the remote control apparatus, in which the lower support is positioned at the leaning angle position and the upper support is positioned at the narrow angle position, the support mechanism may hold the operating handle such that at least part of the operation area of the operating handle is located in a zone below the clean zone.

In the above disclosed configuration, the remote control apparatus in the first posture can prevent the contamination of the operating handle and the hands of the operator during a surgery in which a treatment using a surgical manipulator and a treatment manually provided by the operator are alternately conducted. Preventing contamination therefore allows the operator to switch from the operating handle to a surgical instrument as necessary, and continue the surgery without a cleaning procedure.

The clean zone may be set at and above 70 centimeters from the floor surface.

In the above-disclosed configuration, contamination of the operating handle and the hands of the operator can be advantageously prevented.

A remote control apparatus according to one or more additional embodiments may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator, and which receives an image taken by an endoscope camera probe. The remote control apparatus may comprise: an operating handle used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator; a display section which displays the image taken by the endoscope camera probe; and a support mechanism which supports the operating handle and the display section. The remote control apparatus may be configured to transform or to be able to transform between a first posture suitable for an operator in a standing position to operate the remote control apparatus, and a second posture suitable for an operator in a seated position to operate the remote control apparatus. The support mechanism supports the display section such that a relative position of the display section with respect to the operating handle is changeable in each of the first and second postures.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the position of the display section can be changed according to whether the operator is in the standing position or the seated position.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the display section may be attached to the support mechanism so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in a horizontal direction.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the position of the display section can be changed more advantageously according to whether the operator is in the standing position or the seated position.

A remote control apparatus according to one or more additional embodiments may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator, and which receives an image taken by an endoscope camera probe. The remote control apparatus may comprise a display device which receives the image taken by the endoscope camera probe and displays the received image. The remote control apparatus may be configured to transform or to be able to transform between a first posture suitable for an operator in a standing position to operate the remote control apparatus, and a second posture suitable for an operator in a seated position to operate the remote control apparatus. The display device may be provided at a height suitable for the operator to view the image on the display device in the first posture, and an additional display device other than the display device may be used in the second posture.

In the above disclosed configuration, the operator operating the remote control apparatus can use the operating handle while watching a display device and an additional display device instead of the display section. Thus, if the operator feels tired during a surgery, from watching the display device for a long time, the operator can switch to watching the additional display device instead of the display device in the surgery, which may reduce the fatigue of the operator.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the additional display device may be attached such that an angle thereof is adjustable.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the remote control apparatus can be configured more advantageously.

A remote surgical system according to one or more embodiments, may comprise: the above described remote control apparatus; and the above described additional display device as an external device of the remote control apparatus.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the operator operating the remote control apparatus of the remote surgical system can use the operating handle while watching a display device and an additional display device instead of the display section. Thus, if the operator feels tired during a surgery, from watching the display device for a long time, the operator can switch to watching the additional display device instead of the display device in the surgery, which can reduce the fatigue of the operator.

A remote control apparatus according to one or more additional embodiments, may transmit, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The remote control apparatus may comprise an operating handle configured to be movable within a predetermined operation area, and used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator. The remote control apparatus may be configured to transform or to be able to transform between a first posture suitable for an operator in a standing position to operate the remote control apparatus, and a second posture suitable for an operator in a seated position to operate the remote control apparatus. While the postures are changed between the first posture and the second posture, either operation by the operating handle or transmission of the movement type instruction is invalidated.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the movement type instruction to be executed by a surgical manipulator can be prevented from being transmitted to the surgical manipulator, and hence be prevented from activating the surgical manipulator unintentionally, when the remote control apparatus transforms between the first posture and the second posture.

A remote surgical system according to one or more additional embodiments, may comprise a remote control apparatus which transmits, to a surgical manipulator, a movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator, and a patient-side surgery apparatus which includes the surgical manipulator and moves the surgical manipulator in response to the movement type instruction. The remote control apparatus may comprise: an operating handle configured to be movable within a predetermined operation area, and used to input the movement type instruction to be executed by the surgical manipulator; and a support mechanism which supports the operating handle. The support mechanism may be configured to transform or to be able to transform between a first posture in which the operating handle is held such that the operating handle at a center position of the operation area is positioned at a first vertical position located at a height of 85 centimeters or more from a floor surface where the remote control apparatus is placed, and a second posture in which the operating handle is shifted down by 48 centimeters or more from the first vertical position to a second vertical position at which the operating handle at the center position of the operation area is positioned and held.

In the above-disclosed configuration, the remote control apparatus in the first posture allows the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the stand-up position. Further, the remote control apparatus in the second posture allows the operator to operate the remote control apparatus while in the sitting-on-chair position. Providing the first posture and the second posture allows the operator to change position between the standing position and the seated position while operating the remote control apparatus, and to operate the remote control apparatus while in a position the operator desires, prefers or likes.

One or more embodiments of a remote control apparatus and a remote surgical system are described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to be limiting in scope. Also, in the following description, the same reference characters will be used to designate the same or equivalent elements throughout the drawings, and redundant explanations of the same or equivalent elements will be omitted herein.

In an operating room, a cleaning procedure is carried out to prevent surgery incisions and medical equipment from being infected and contaminated with pathogenic bacteria or foreign substances. A clean zone and a contaminated zone, which is a zone other than the clean zone, are defined in this cleaning procedure. A zone covering a range with a certain height from the floor surface where foreign substances, e.g., dust or dirt, are highly likely to be present is generally treated as the contaminated zone, and excluded from the clean zone. In general, the contaminated zone covers a range up to a height of 70 centimeters (cm) from the floor surface.

Surgery team members, including an operator, take good care so that only a disinfected object is placed in the clean zone during the surgery, and sterilize the object placed in the contaminated zone when it needs to be moved to the clean zone. Similarly, if the surgery team members, including the operator, have put their hands in the contaminated zone, they sterilize their hands before they directly touch an object placed in the clean zone. One or more embodiments described below are related to such an observation about the cleaning procedure.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example configuration of a remote surgical system100according to one or more embodiments.

Example Configuration of Remote Surgical System

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the remote surgical system100may be configured to perform surgery, such as a minimally invasive surgery. The remote surgical system100may include a patient-side surgery apparatus1and a remote control apparatus2. The remote control apparatus2receives, from an operator O (e.g., a surgeon), a movement type instruction to be executed by the patient-side surgery apparatus1, and transmits the movement type instruction to the patient-side surgery apparatus1. The patient-side surgery apparatus1then handles surgical instruments and other tools in response to the movement type instruction transmitted from the remote control apparatus2. The remote surgical system100may perform a minimally invasive surgery by remotely operating instrument arms3and other tools from the remote control apparatus2.

Example Configuration of Patient-Side Surgery Apparatus

The patient-side surgery apparatus1may constitutes an interface between the remote surgical system100and a patient P. The patient-side surgery apparatus1may be arranged beside a surgical table111on which the patient lies.

The patient-side surgery apparatus1may include one or more instrument arms3, one or more camera arms4, and a positioner5, which supports and positions the respective instrument arms3and camera arms4. The instrument arms3and the camera arms4may serve as a surgical manipulator. The positioner5is supported on a base7placed on the floor of the operating room. In a general example, two or more instrument arms3and one camera arm4may be provided.

The instrument arms3may each be configured such that a holder at the tip thereof holds an instrument12. The instrument12may be configured as a long shaft having an end effector at the tip end. Examples of the end effector include a forceps, a high-frequency knife, and a snare wire, but are not limited thereto, and may include various types of treatment tools. In a surgery using the remote surgical system100, each of the instrument arms3may be introduced into the body of the patient P through a sleeve (e.g., a cannula sleeve or the like) retained on the body surface of the patient P, so that the end effector of the instrument12is positioned close to a surgical site.

The camera arm4has an endoscope camera probe13(seeFIG. 4) attached to the tip end thereof. The endoscope camera probe13takes images of the surgical site in the body of the patient P. The images taken are output to the remote control apparatus2. In one or more embodiments, the endoscope camera probe13is a 3D endoscope capable of taking three-dimensional images. In a surgery using the remote surgical system100, the camera arm4is introduced into the body of the patient P through a trocar retained on the body surface of the patient P, so that the endoscope camera probe13is positioned close to the surgical site.

Example Configuration of Remote Control Apparatus

The remote control apparatus2constitutes an interface between the remote surgical system100and the operator O, and serves as a device through which the operator O operates the respective instrument arms3, the instruments12, the camera arm4, and the endoscope camera probe13(see e.g.,FIG. 4). That is, the remote control apparatus2is configured to be able to transmit, to the patient-side surgery apparatus1, the movement type instruction that has been input by the operator O and that should be executed by the instrument arms3, the instruments12, the camera arm4, and the endoscope camera probe13. The remote control apparatus2is also configured to be able to display the images taken by the endoscope camera probe13. The remote control apparatus2is installed, for example, beside the surgical table111, or may also be installed in a separate room.

As used herein, the term “movement type” may refer to a movement, translation or transformation to be performed by the instrument arms3, which may include, for example, shifting and positioning of the instrument12. The positioning may include determination of the orientation of the instrument12.

The movement type to be performed by the instrument12is a type of movement executed by the function of the instrument12. For example, if the instrument12is a forceps, the movement type to be performed by the instrument12may be holding something, and releasing something. If the instrument12is a high-frequency knife, the movement type to be performed by the instrument12may be vibration of the high-frequency knife, specifically, by way of a current supply to the high-frequency knife. If the instrument12is a snare wire, the movement type to be performed by the instrument12may be tightening, and releasing from the tightening, or may further include a movement of burning off a target site of the surgery, using the snare wire to which an electric current is supplied.

Examples of the movement type to be performed by the camera arm4include shifting and positioning of the endoscope camera probe13. The positioning may include determination of the orientation of the endoscope camera probe13.

Examples of the movement type to be performed by the endoscope camera probe13further include setting of zoom magnification of the endoscope camera probe13.

In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the forward and backward directions may include directions as viewed from the operator O who is operating the remote control apparatus2, and will be simply called “front” or “fore” and “back” or “aft,” respectively, and the leftward and rightward directions may include directions as viewed from the operator O who is operating the remote control apparatus2will be simply called “left” and “right,” respectively.

The remote control apparatus2transmits the movement type instruction to be executed by the patient-side surgery apparatus1to the instrument arms3. The remote control apparatus2also receives the images taken by the endoscope camera probe13.

FIG. 2is diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus2.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the remote control apparatus2may include a support mechanism31, a remote control section32, a display section33, and a controller6(see e.g.,FIG. 4). The remote control apparatus2may further include an operation pedal36including an operation target switching section34, and a position control section35.

The support mechanism31may include a support base41, a lower support42, an upper support43, and a joint actuator44(see e.g.,FIG. 4).

FIG. 3Ais a diagram schematically illustrating a side view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus2in a standing position posture, which will be described later.FIG. 3Bis a diagram schematically illustrating a side view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus2in a seated position posture, which will be described later.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the support base41may comprise a pair of left and right legs extending in the fore-aft directions. The support base41of the remote control apparatus2installed in an operating room contacts on the floor surface of the operating room.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the lower support42has a proximal end42aattached approximately at the longitudinal middle of the support base41. The proximal end42aof the lower support42is attached to the support base41so that it is able to pivot about an axis (e.g., a first axis L1) extending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the leftward and rightward directions as viewed from the operator O). The proximal end42ais configured to be able to place the lower support42at least at any angle position between a standing angle position P1, where the lower support42extends obliquely upward and forward from the support base41as shown inFIG. 3A, and a leaning angle position P2as shown inFIG. 3B. To get to the leaning angle position P2, the lower support42is rotated forward from the standing angle position P1. The connecting portion between the support base41and the proximal end42aof the lower support42functions as a first joint JT1. The standing angle position P1and the leaning angle position P2are determined by the angle of the first joint JT1.

The upper support43has a proximal end43aattached to a distal end42bof the lower support42. The proximal end43aof the upper support43is attached to the distal end42bof the lower support42so that it is able to pivot about an axis (e.g., a second axis L2) extending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the leftward and rightward directions as viewed from the operator O). The proximal end43ais configured to be able to place the upper support43at least at any angle position between a wide angle position P3, where the upper support43extends obliquely upward and backward from the distal end42bof the lower support42at the standing angle position P1shown inFIG. 3A, and a narrow angle position P4shown inFIG. 3Bwhere a smaller angle is formed between the upper support43and the lower support42than when the upper support43is at the wide angle position P3. The connecting portion between the distal end42bof the lower support42and the proximal end43aof the upper support43functions as a second joint JT2. The wide angle position P3and the narrow angle position P4are determined by the angle of the second joint JT2.

The display section33is provided at the distal end43bof the upper support43so as to face the operator O. The display section33is configured to be rotatable about an axis (e.g., a third axis L3) extending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the leftward and rightward directions as viewed from the operator O). The connecting portion between the distal end43bof the upper support43and the display section33functions as a third joint JT3.

In one or more embodiments, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the first to third axes L1, L2and L3may be approximately parallel to one another.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control system of the remote surgical system100.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the joint actuator44may include a first joint actuator45, a second joint actuator46, and a third joint actuator47. The first joint actuator45actuates the first joint JT1to change the angle position of the lower support42relative to the support base41. The second joint actuator46actuates the second joint JT2to change the angle position of the upper support43relative to the lower support42. The third joint actuator47actuates the third joint JT3to change the angle position of the display section33relative to the upper support43.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 4, the remote control section32is operated to input movement type instructions to be executed by the instrument arms3and the camera arm4. The remote control section32may include an operation arm51.

The remote surgical system100serves as a master-slave system in controlling the movements of the instrument arms3and the camera arm4. Specifically, the operation arm51serves as a master controlling element in the master-slave system, and the instrument arms3and the camera arm4serve as slave moving elements. When the operator O operates a handle (e.g., an operating handle or the like)52of the operation arm51, the remote surgical system100controls the movement of the instrument arms3or the camera arm4so that the distal end of each instrument arm3(i.e., the end effector of the instrument12) or the distal end of the camera arm4(i.e., the endoscope camera probe13) will trace the movement of the handle52and shift accordingly. Note that the remote surgical system100is not limited to the master-slave system.

The remote surgical system100in accordance with one or more embodiments may be configured to control the movements of the respective instrument arms3according to a movement scale factor which has been set. For example, in a case in which the movement scale factor has been set to be ½, the end effector of the instrument12is controlled to shift by one half (½) of a distance by which the handle52has shifted, which enables a fine level of accuracy for a surgery.

The operation arm51is attached to the lower support42such that it is located behind (i.e., inside) the lower support42. Specifically, the operation arm51extends toward the operator O, with a proximal end51athereof attached to the lower support42and the handle52provided at a distal end of the operation arm51. A plurality of joints may be provided between the proximal end51aand the handle52. The handle52is configured to be movable within a predetermined three-dimensional operation area A (see e.g.,FIGS. 3A and 3B) with respect to the proximal end51aof the operation arm51. In other words, the handle52is movable in the upward and downward directions, leftward and rightward directions, and forward and backward directions with respect to the proximal end51a. Each of the joints between the proximal end51aand the handle52is provided with a detector (not shown), which detects a positional relationship between the respective joints. The detector may be, for example, an encoder or a resolver, which may be used to detect a position of the handle52relative to the proximal end51a.

The handle52is also configured to be able to move, for example, upward and downward about 15 cm each (about 30 cm in total) from a center position C with respect to the proximal end51a. In such a case, if the movement scale factor is set to be ½, the instrument arm3can move approximately 15 cm in total in the upward and downward directions, resulting in maintaining smooth operation of the remote surgical system100.

As mentioned earlier, the operation arm51extends toward the operator O, with its proximal end51aattached to the lower support42. Thus, moving the lower support42from the standing angle position P1to the leaning angle position P2allows the operation arm51to shift obliquely forward and downward relative to the support base41or the operation pedal36. Similarly, moving the operation arm51from the leaning angle position P2to the standing angle position P1allows the operation arm51to shift obliquely backward and upward relative to the support base41or the operation pedal36.

In one or more embodiments, the proximal end51aof the operation arm51is attached to the lower support42so as to be slidable in the extending direction of the lower support42on a side view. The connecting portion between the proximal end51aof the operation arm51and the lower support42functions as a fourth joint JT4. The height of the operation arm51can thereby be finely adjusted by sliding the operation arm51with respect to the lower support42when the angle position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41is changed.

The display section33can display images taken by the endoscope camera probe13.

In one or more embodiments, the display section33may be, for example, a three-dimensional display which is configured to allow the operator O to view the images, which are being taken by the endoscope camera probe13, stereoscopically by presenting a different image to each eye of the operator O. The display section33may include a left-eye display section33aand a right-eye display section33bdefined as separate sections, where different images are presented to the eyes of the operator O, who may bring their face close to the display section33to view the image displayed on the left-eye display section33awith a left eye, and simultaneously view the image displayed on the right-eye display section33bwith a right eye.

In some embodiments, the operator O may be allowed to view the images that are being taken by the endoscope camera probe13stereoscopically, using a known 3D viewing technique, such as one using a polarizing glass or one using an active shutter glass.

As previously described, the display section33may be provided at the distal end43bof the upper support43so as to face the operator O. Such a configuration allows the display section33to be shifted downward by moving the upper support43from the wide angle position P3to the narrow angle position P4, and also to be shifted upward by moving the upper support43from the narrow angle position P4to the wide angle position P3.

The operation target switching section34is a controlling element that may allow the operator O to input an operation target switching instruction that the target to be controlled by the operation arm51be switched between any one of the instrument arms3and the camera arm4. The operation target switching section34may be an operation pedal attached to the support base41. If the camera view needs to be changed during the surgery, the operator O operates the operation target switching section34to switch the target to be controlled by the operation arm51from the instrument arm3to the camera arm4, and controls the operation arm51to shift the endoscope camera probe13. After having shifted the endoscope camera probe13, the operator O operates the operation target switching section34again to switch the target to be controlled by the operation arm51from the camera arm4back to the instrument arms3, and continues the surgery.

FIG. 5illustrates an example configuration of the position control section35.

The position control section35is a controlling element allowing the operator O to input a position change instruction that the position of the support mechanism31be switched between a one suitable for a standing position and a one suitable for a seated position. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 5, the position control section35has a plurality of operation buttons, and is attached to the upper support43.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the position control section35may include a button61to transform the support mechanism31to the standing position posture, and a button62to transform the support mechanism31to the seated position posture. The position control section35also may include a height adjustment button63and a fore-aft adjustment button64.

The button61is used to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the standing position posture (e.g., a first posture). The button62is used to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the seated position posture (e.g., a second posture). The standing position posture and the seated position posture will be described in detail later.

The height adjustment button63is used to input an instruction to change the angle position of the upper support43with respect to the lower support42. As mentioned earlier, the vertical position of the display section33can be changed by changing the angle position of the upper support43with respect to the lower support42. The fore-aft adjustment button64is used to input an instruction to change the angle position of the upper support43with respect to the support base41. As mentioned earlier, the positions of the display section33and the operation arm51in the fore-aft direction can be changed by changing the angle position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41.

Example Configuration of Controller

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the controller6may include, for example, a control section66having an arithmetic unit, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a processor, a controller or the like), and a storage section67having a memory, e.g., a ROM and a RAM. The controller6may be configured as a single controller which provides centralized control, or may be configured as a plurality of controllers which work in cooperation with each other and provide distributed control.

The control section66determines whether the movement type instruction received by the remote control section32is an instruction to be executed by the instrument arms3, or an instruction to be executed by the camera arm4, according to the switched state of the operation target switching section34. If the control section66determines that the movement type instruction received by the remote control section32is an instruction to be executed by the instrument arms3, the control section66transmits this movement type instruction to the instrument arms3. In response, the remote control apparatus2controls the instrument arms3of the patient-side surgery apparatus1to shift and position the respective instruments12.

Alternatively, if the control section66determines that the movement type instruction received by the remote control section32is an instruction to be executed by the camera arm4, the control section66transmits this movement type instruction to the camera arm4. In response, the remote control apparatus2controls the camera arm4of the patient-side surgery apparatus1to shift and position the endoscope camera probe13.

Furthermore, the control section66controls the joint actuator44according to the position change instruction received by the position control section35, thereby controlling the angles of the first joint JT1, the second joint JT2, and the third joint JT3.

The control section66receives the images taken by the endoscope camera probe13from the endoscope camera probe13, and processes the images so that they can be displayed on the display section33.

The storage section67stores predetermined control programs, which are read out and executed by the control section66to control the movement of the remote surgical system100. The storage section67also stores information on the angles of the first joint JT1, the second joint JT2, and the third joint JT3in the standing position posture, and those in the seated position posture.

The information relating to the angles of the standing position posture and the seated position posture may be stored as default values of the remote control apparatus2. The default values may be adjusted by the operator O every time they use the remote control apparatus2, or the information may be changed so that the information relating to the angles of the standing position posture and the seated position posture can be defined as different values. Alternatively, the information relating to the angles of the standing position posture and the seated position posture may be stored for each individual operator O so that multiple different operators O can use the same remote control apparatus2.

Example Configuration of Standing Position Posture

FIG. 6Ais diagram illustrating a side view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus2in the standing position posture.

As illustrated inFIG. 6A, the standing position posture according to one or more embodiments is a posture in which the lower support42takes the standing angle position P1, and the upper support43takes the wide angle position P3. The standing angle position P1of the lower support42may be determined such that the operation arm51is located at a vertical position suitable for the operator O in the standing position to grip the handle52at the center position C with the arms of the operator bent at approximately right angles.

The wide angle position P3of the upper support43is determined such that the display section33is located at a vertical position suitable for the operator O in the standing position to view the image on the display section33.

The standing position posture may also be a posture in which the display section33is oriented in a direction suitable for the operator O in the standing position to view the image on the display section33. In this case, the angle position of the display section33with respect to the upper support43, that is, the angle of the third joint JT3, is determined so that the display section33is oriented in a direction suitable for the operator O in the standing position to view the image on the display section33.

In an operating room, a zone covering a range with a height H of up to 70 cm from the floor surface is specified as the contaminated zone. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the remote control apparatus2may be configured based on an ergonomics human model such that the entire operation area A of the handle52in the standing position posture may be included in a clean zone, which may be located at and above a height of 70 cm from the floor surface. Thus, during a surgery a treatment using the instrument arms3and a manually performed treatment may be alternately conducted by the operator O, using the remote control apparatus2in the standing position posture, which may prevent the contamination of the operating handle and the hands of the operator O. The operator O may thereby be allowed to switch from the operating handle to a surgical instrument quickly, and to continue the surgery while standing, without going through additional cleaning procedure.

Example Configuration of Seated Position Posture

FIG. 6Bis a diagram illustrating a side view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus in the seated position posture.

As illustrated inFIG. 6B, the seated position posture is a posture at which the lower support42takes the leaning angle position P2and the upper support43takes the narrow angle position P4. The leaning angle position P2of the lower support42is determined such that the operation arm51is located at a vertical position suitable for the operator O sitting on a chair to grip the handle52at the center position C with arms bent at approximately right angles.

The narrow angle position P4of the upper support43is determined such that the display section33is located at a vertical position suitable for the operator O sitting on a chair to view the image on the display section33.

The seated position posture may also be a posture in which the display section33is oriented in a direction suitable for the operator O sitting on a chair to view the image on the display section33. In this case, the angle position of the display section33with respect to the upper support43, that is, the angle of the third joint JT3, is determined so that the display section33is oriented in a direction suitable for the operator O sitting on a chair to view the image on the display section33.

In the case of a long surgery using the remote surgical system100, performing a surgery in a seated position will reduce the accumulation of fatigue of the operator O who performs the surgery.

In the operating room, a zone covering a range with a height H of up to 70 cm from the floor surface, is specified as the contaminated zone. The remote control apparatus2may be configured based on an ergonomics human model, such that at least part of the operation area A of the handle52is included in the contaminated zone in the seated position posture. Thus, the operator O needs to sterilize their hands in the cleaning procedure if the operator O provides manual treatment directly on a patient P after operating the handle52of the remote control apparatus2in the seated position posture.

As can be seen, the operator O can change position from standing to seated position or from seated to standing position when operating the remote control apparatus2, allowing the operator O to operate the remote control apparatus2while in a position the operator likes.

In the standing position posture, the position of the handle52in the fore-aft direction may be determined such that the operation arm51is located at a suitable position for the operator O standing near the pedal of the operation target switching section34to grip the handle52at the center position C with his/her arms bent at approximately right angles. Also, in the standing position posture, the position of the display section33in the fore-aft direction may be determined such that it is located at a suitable position for the operator O standing near the pedal of the operation target switching section34to view the image on the display section33.

On the other hand, in the seated position posture, the position of the handle52in the fore-aft direction may be determined such that the operation arm51is located at a suitable position for the operator O, sitting on a chair with his/her feet near the pedal of the operation target switching section34, to grip the handle52with his/her arms bent at approximately right angles. Also, in the seated position posture, the position of the display section33in the fore-aft direction may be determined such that it is located at a suitable position for the operator O, sitting on a chair with his/her feet near the pedal of the operation target switching section34, to view the image on the display section33.

The settings of the standing position posture and the seated position posture allow the operator O to operate the remote control apparatus2without moving around, i.e., while standing up and sitting down in the same spot. Further, the settings of the standing and seated position postures allow the operator O to change position quickly.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a side view of an example configuration of the remote control apparatus in another seated position posture.

The operator O may also operate the remote control apparatus2in another seated position posture as illustrated inFIG. 7by controlling the position control section35according to operator preference.

Specific Design of Remote Control Apparatus

In one or more embodiments, ergonomic measurement data described in “1988 ANTHROPOMETRIC SURVEY OF U.S. ARMY PERSONNEL: METHODS AND SUMMARY STATISTICS (1988)”, which is incorporated by reference herein was used for determining dimensions of the remote control apparatus2.

In one or more embodiments, Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) may be used as a reference for ergonomic data for determining dimensions of the remote control apparatus2. For example, “JIS Z8503-4: 2006 (ISO 11064-4: 2004) Ergonomic design of control centres—Part 4: Layout and dimensions of workstations”, which is incorporated by reference herein specifies using the 5th percentile and the 95th percentile of human models,

The operation area A is defined as extending upward and downward, 15 cm each, from the center position C. In other words, the dimension of the operation area A in the height direction is defined to be 30 cm. The dimension of the operation area A in the height direction is defined based on the height dimension of the movement area of a surgical instrument which is defined to maintain satisfactory manipulation of the surgical instrument during a laparoscopic surgery, as well as based on the movement scale factor of the handle52. The defined movement area for the surgical instrument has a height dimension of 15 cm, and the movement scale factor of the handle52is ½. Accordingly, the height dimension of the operation area A derived from the height dimension of the movement area of the surgical instrument and the movement scale factor of the handle52is 30 cm.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a model operator O, specifically a large model operator O1.FIG. 8Billustrates another model operator O, specifically a small model operator O2.

InFIG. 8A, body size data of German men were used as the body size data of the large model operator O1. From a group of 100 randomly selected German male models, the fifth largest man model was selected as the model operator O1. In a condition in which model operator O1holds the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A with his arms bent at right angles while in the stand-up position (i.e., the standing position), the vertical position of the handle52is about 118 cm, and the lower and upper limits of the vertical position of the operation area A are about 103 cm and about 133 cm, respectively. On the other hand, in a condition in which the model operator O1holds the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A with his arms bent at right angles while sitting on a chair, the vertical position of the handle52is about 70 cm from a floor surface, and the lower and upper limits of the vertical position of the operation area A are about 55 cm and about 85 cm, respectively from a floor surface.

Turning toFIG. 8B, body size data of Japanese women were used as the body size data of the small model operator O2. From a group of 100 randomly selected Japanese women models, the fifth smallest woman model was selected as the model operator O2. In a condition in which the model operator O2holds the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A with her arms bent at right angles while in the stand-up position, the vertical position of the handle52is about 99 cm, and the lower and upper limits of the vertical position of the operation area A are about 84 cm and about 114 cm, respectively. On the other hand, in a condition in which the model operator O2holds the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A with her arms bent at right angles while sitting on a chair, the vertical position of the handle52is about 64 cm, and the lower and upper limits of the vertical position of the operation area A are about 49 cm and about 79 cm, respectively.

Based on these data, the vertical positions of the handle52at which a plurality of operators O in different body sizes can smoothly take the standing position or the seated position are as follows.

First, in one or more embodiments, the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A in the standing position posture be set to be about 99 cm or more to correspond to the small model operator O2in the standing position. This configuration allows almost all operators O in the standing position to use the handle52comfortably. In this case, in which the handle52is configured to be able to move downward by 15 cm from the center position C, the lower limit of the vertical position of the operation area A of the handle52in the standing position posture is 84 cm or more, as described above.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C in the standing position posture be set to be 85 cm or more from the floor surface. In the above-disclosed configuration, in which the handle52is configured to be able to move downward by 15 cm from the center position C, the lower limit of the vertical position of the operation area A of the handle52in the standing position posture is 70 cm or more from the floor surface, meaning that the operation area A of the handle52is included in the clean zone. The operator O can therefore switch from the operating handle to a surgical instrument quickly when needed, and continue the surgery without going through a cleaning procedure. In other words, when operating the remote control apparatus2while taking the standing position, the operator O can temporarily stop operating the remote control apparatus2and immediately provide the surgery directly on the patient. The operator O can also move to the patient and give the patient a treatment manually while operating the remote control apparatus2simultaneously. Here, the lower limit of the vertical position of the operation area A which corresponds to the small model operator O2in the standing position is about 84 cm, as mentioned above. Hence, much more operators O in different body sizes can operate the handle52comfortably in the standing position by setting the lower limit of the vertical position of the operation area A to be 70 cm above the floor surface.

Next, in one or more embodiments, the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C of the operation area A in the seated position posture be set to be about 64 cm or more to correspond to the small model operator O2in the seated position. Such a configuration allows almost all operators O in the seated position to use the handle52comfortably.

Next, in one or more embodiments, the displacement (i.e., an adjustment range) of the vertical position of the handle52when the remote control apparatus2transforms between the standing position posture and the seated position posture, be equal to or more than about 35 cm, which is the difference between about 99 cm that is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the small model operator O2in the standing position, and about 64 cm that is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the small model operator O2in the seated position.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the displacement of the vertical position of the handle52when the remote control apparatus2transforms between the standing position posture and the seated position posture, be equal to or more than about 48 cm, which is the difference between about 118 cm that is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1in the standing position (in other words, the highest position of the handle52at the center position C in the standing position posture when the handle52is used by this large model operator O1) and about 70 cm that is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1in the seated position.

As can be seen from the above described examples, the adjustment range of the vertical position of the handle52when the remote control apparatus2transforms between the standing position posture and the seated position posture is larger than the adjustment range that is desirably ensured so that the remote control apparatus2in the standing position posture can adjust to the body size of the operator. For example, the adjustment range may be larger than about 19 cm representing the difference between the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1and the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the small model operator O2. The adjustment range of the vertical position of the handle52when the remote control apparatus2transforms between the standing position posture and the seated position posture may also be larger than the adjustment range that the remote control apparatus2in the seated position posture that can be used to adjust to the body size of the operator. For example, the adjustment range may be larger than about 6 cm representing the difference between the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1and the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the small model operator O2.

The above described adjustment range may be further increased in a condition in which the position of the handle52is set to be higher than about 118 cm representing the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1in the standing position.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustment range may be equal to or more than 50 cm from the vertical position of the handle52in the standing position posture.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the displacement of the vertical position of the handle52when the remote control apparatus2transforms between the standing position posture and the seated position posture may be equal to or more than about 54 cm, which is the difference between about 118 cm that is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the large model operator O1in the standing position and about 64 cm, which is the vertical position of the handle52at the center position C corresponding to the small model operator O2in the seated position.

In one or more embodiments as disclosed herein above, the operation area A may be defined as having a vertical width of 30 cm. However, the dimensions of the operation area A may be changed to have a vertical width of, e.g., 20 cm, 25 cm, or 35 cm, with the size of the handle52, for example, taken into consideration.

Example Movements

Now, example movements of the remote control apparatus2will be described.

To transform the remote control apparatus2from the standing position posture to the seated position posture, the operator O presses the button62to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the seated position posture.

In a condition in which the control section66receives the instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the seated position posture, the control section66reads information on the angles of the first joint JT1, the second joint JT2, and the third joint JT3for the seated position posture from the storage section67.

The control section66may control the first joint actuator45to move the lower support42and change the angle position of the lower support42from the standing angle position P1to the leaning angle position P2. As a result of the controlled movement, the handle52shifts down, allowing the vertical position of the handle52to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the downward shifted hands of the operator O who has changed position from the stand-up position (i.e., the standing position) to the sitting-on-chair position (i.e., the seated position). The position of the display section33may also be shifted down, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the downward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the stand-up position to the sitting-on-chair position.

The control section66may further control the second joint actuator46to move the upper support43and change the angle position of the upper support43from the wide angle position P3to the narrow angle position P4. As a result, the display section33may be further shifted down, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the downward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the stand-up position to the sitting-on-chair position.

Next, to transform the remote control apparatus2from the seated position posture to the standing position posture, the operator O presses the button61to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the standing position posture.

In a condition in which the control section66receives the instruction to transform the support mechanism31to the standing position posture, the control section66reads information on the angles of the first joint JT1, the second joint JT2, and the third joint JT3for the standing position posture from the storage section67.

The control section66may control the first joint actuator45to move the lower support42and change the angle position of the lower support42from the leaning angle position P2to the standing angle position P1. As a result, the handle52may be shifted up, allowing the vertical position of the handle52to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the upward shifted hands of the operator O who has changed position from the sitting-on-chair position to the stand-up position. The display section33may also be shifted up, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the upward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the sitting-on-chair position to the stand-up position.

The control section66may further control the second joint actuator46to move the upper support43and change the angle position of the upper support43from the narrow angle position P4to the wide angle position P3. As a result, the display section33may be further shifted up, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the upward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the sitting-on-chair position to the stand-up position.

In one or more embodiments, such as embodiments described above, the positions are switched between the standing position posture and the seated position posture by pressing the transform-to-standing-position-posture button61and the transform-to-seated-position-posture button62. Alternatively, the positions of the lower support42and the upper support43may be changed manually. In a condition in which the positions are changed manually, each of the lower support42and the upper support43is provided with a grip such as a lever, and a locking section71which locks the angle position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41and the angle position of the upper support43with respect to the lower support42. Further, the position control section35may be provided with a lock button68and an unlock button69as illustrated inFIG. 9. The lock button68is used to input an instruction to lock the position by the locking section71. The unlock button69is used to input an instruction to unlock the position locked by the locking section71.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, an instruction which has been input to a locking element70including the lock button68and the unlock button69may be input to the control section66, which then controls the locking section.

Thus, the position is locked and unlocked by operating the lock button68and the unlock button69, respectively, before the posture can be transformed manually by holding and moving the grip. The locking section71may be implemented as a braking mechanism or a latching mechanism, for example.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the remote control apparatus2may be configured to transform or to be able to transform between the standing position posture and the seated position posture. Thus, the remote control apparatus2in the standing position posture allows the operator O to handle the remote control apparatus2while in the stand-up position. Similarly, the remote control apparatus2in the seated position posture allows the operator O to handle the remote control apparatus2while in the sitting-on-chair position. That is, the operator O can switch between the standing position and the seated position while handling the remote control apparatus2, allowing the operator O to handle the remote control apparatus while in a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating a side view of a remote control apparatus202of a remote surgical system200.

In some embodiments, such as those described above, the support mechanism31is transformed from the standing position posture to the seated position posture, and vice versa, by adjusting the angles of the first joint JT1and the second joint JT2which are pivotally rotatable joints.

On the other hand, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the support mechanism231may be provided in which a first joint JT1is configured as a slide mechanism (e.g., a prismatic joint)201provided between the support base41and the lower support42.

The slide mechanism201changes the vertical position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41, and connects the support base41and the lower support42such that the lower support42is slidable up and down (i.e., in the vertical direction) with respect to the support base41. Further, the first joint actuator245moves the slide mechanism201to change the vertical position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41.

FIG. 12is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control system of the remote surgical system200.

Elements of the controller according to one or more embodiments are shown inFIG. 12. The same reference characters are used to designate the elements having the same or similar functions as/to those in the first embodiment.

In one or more embodiments, the control section66controls the joint actuator44according to a position change instruction input to the position control section35, and thereby controls the vertical position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41and the angles of the second joint JT2and the third joint JT3.

The storage section67stores predetermined control programs, which are read out and executed by the control section66to control the movement of the remote surgical system200. The storage section67also stores information on the vertical position of the lower support42with respect to the support base41regarding the first joint JT1, an angle of the second joint JT2, and an angle of the third joint JT3in the standing position posture, and those in the seated position posture. An example has been described in which the support mechanism231comprises the support base41, the slide mechanism201, the lower support42, and the upper support43. However, the lower support42and the upper support43may be integrally formed as a support member, and the second joint JT2may be omitted. Further, the third joint JT3for adjusting the angle of the display section may also be omitted. In such cases, the standing position posture and the seated position posture may be switched only through the vertical movement of the integrally-formed support member.

Now, an example movement of the remote control apparatus2according to one or more embodiments will be described.

To transform the remote control apparatus2from the standing position posture to the seated position posture, the operator O presses the button62to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism231to the seated position posture.

In a condition in which the control section66receives the instruction to transform the support mechanism231to the seated position posture, the control section66reads information on the height of the (lower) support member in the seated position posture and, in some cases, information on the angles of the second joint JT2and the third joint JT3, from the storage section67.

The control section66may control the first joint actuator245to move the (lower) support member and change the height of the (lower) support member from the height for the standing position posture to the height for the seated position posture. As a result, the handle52shifts down, allowing the vertical position of the handle52to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the downward shifted hands of the operator O who has changed position from the stand-up position to the sitting-on-chair position. The display section33shifts down, too, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the downward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the stand-up position to the sitting-on-chair position.

To transform the remote control apparatus2from the seated position posture to the standing position posture, the operator O presses the button61to input an instruction to transform the support mechanism231to the standing position posture.

In a condition in which the control section66receives the instruction to transform the support mechanism231to the standing position posture, the control section66reads information on the height of the (lower) support member in the seated position posture, and, in some cases, information on the angles of the second joint JT2and the third joint JT3, from the storage section67.

The control section66may control the first joint actuator245to move the (lower) support member and change the height of the (lower) support member from the height for the seated position posture to the height for the standing position posture. As a result, the handle52shifts up, allowing the vertical position of the handle52to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the upward shifted hands of the operator O who has changed position from the sitting-on-chair position to the stand-up position. The display section33shifts up, too, allowing the vertical position of the display section33to be adjusted so as to correspond to the vertical position of the upward shifted eyes of the operator O who has changed position from the sitting-on-chair position to the stand-up position.

In one or more embodiments, the standing position posture and the seated position posture may be changed manually.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13Ais a perspective view illustrating a remote surgical system300, wherein the remote control apparatus2is in the seated position posture.FIG. 13Bis a perspective view illustrating the remote surgical system300, wherein the remote control apparatus2is in the standing position posture.

The remote surgical system300in one or more embodiments, may further include an external display device333in addition to the patient-side surgery apparatus1and the remote control apparatus2in the remote surgical system100, such as is shown inFIG. 1. Such a configuration may allow the operator O to use different display devices depending on whether the operator is in the standing position or the seated position.

The external display device333may display the images taken by the endoscope camera probe13, and may be arranged at a position where the operator O gripping the handle52of the remote control apparatus2is able to view the image displayed on the external display device333. For example, the external display device333may be attached to the distal end of an arm extending from the ceiling of the operating room, and arranged in the front of the control apparatus2. The external display device333is configured to display the same image as the one on the display section33.

When the remote control apparatus2of the remote surgical system300is in the standing position posture, the operator O operating the remote control apparatus2can use the handle52while viewing the image on the external display device333, instead of the display section33.

Note that, in some embodiments, the display device suitable for use in the standing position is not necessarily provided as an external device of the remote control apparatus2. As illustrated inFIG. 14, an additional display section334, which may be an angle-adjustable display section, may be provided on the body of the remote control apparatus2and arranged at a suitable height for the operator O in the standing position to view the images on the display section334, in addition to the display section33arranged at a suitable height for the operator in the seated position to view the images on the display section33.

In such a configuration, in which the operator O is allowed to use different display devices depending on whether the operator is in the standing position or the seated position, the configuration of the remote control apparatus2may be simplified, because the remote control apparatus2is suitable to change the vertical position of the handle5from the one corresponding to the standing position posture to the one corresponding to the seated position posture, and vice versa. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 13A and 13B, the second joint JT2may be omitted. In some cases, the third joint JT3used to adjust the angle of the display section33may also be omitted.

In one or more embodiments, the display section33has been described as being arranged at a suitable height for the operator O to view the images. However, this is not intended to exclude a situation in which the operator O performs surgery while viewing the image on the display device333or the additional display section334as illustrated inFIG. 14even when the remote control apparatus2is in the seated position posture. For example, if the operator O feels tired during surgery, from watching the display section33for a long time, the operator O may switch to watching the external display device333or the angle-adjusted display section334instead of the display section33, allowing the operator O to perform the surgery in a different position, and hence reduces the fatigue of the operator O.

The remote control apparatuses described in the foregoing embodiments have the first posture suitable for an operator to handle the apparatus in the standing position and the second posture suitable for an operator to handle the apparatus in the seated position. In these remote control apparatuses, the operator may select one of the two postures of the apparatus and adjusts the position before performing surgery, or may change the posture of the apparatus during a long surgery for the purpose of reducing fatigue. In the latter case, if any one of the button61for transforming the apparatus to the standing position posture, the button62for transforming the apparatus to the seated position posture, or the unlock button69is pressed, the operation by the operating handle is invalidated or the control section66invalidates the transmission of the movement type instruction to the surgical manipulator, to ensure safety.

In contrast to the disclosed one or more embodiments, the system disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 require operators to use the handles either in the standing position or in the seated position, and do not allow the operators to take a position that is desired, or liked. Thus, the one or more disclosed embodiments provide improvements in the operations of remote control apparatuses and relevant systems by enabling the operator to operate a remote control apparatus while taking or changing a position that the operator desires, prefers or likes.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only, and has been presented for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art various embodiments including the best mode for carrying out the invention. The details of the structure and/or function may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention.