A prototype of a head-mounted input device for robotic laparoscope holders using lower jaw exercises as command signals detected by a photoreflector array

Authors have prototyped a head-mounted interface that detects user's various lower jaw movements in addition to the head rotation angles for operating robotic laparoscope holder. The jaw movements are distinguished based on deformation of the skin surface around a mandible joint. The skin deformation is measured by using a photoreflector array. Two experiments have been conducted to evaluate the prototype. One is for evaluating accuracy of lower jaw movements identification and the other is for evaluating temporal accuracy of its signal generation. The experiments have shown that the interface could be effective as a means for operating robotic laparoscope holders.