Automated quantitative volumetric breast ultrasound data-acquisition system.

This paper describes the development and initial testing of an automated ultrasound imaging technique to acquire quantitative volumetric breast data; the clinical application being breast cancer diagnosis and management. A novel mechanical scanner has been designed and constructed to constrain the breast tissue without compromising the image, to acquire images of the majority of the breast using a conventional B-mode scanner and to maintain patient comfort. An algorithm to improve upon simple depth-dependent amplification by compensating for tissue-dependent attenuation is applied to the images, making the grey-scale values represent local scattering properties more closely. Registration techniques have been developed to correct for geometric errors arising in the data set because of tissue movement and variations in speed of sound in the tissues. The data sets are reconstructed into volumes and viewed interactively. A pilot study of seven patients was performed and selected results are presented to illustrate lesion features. The automated scan reduces operator-dependence, provides clear information on the 3-D tissue boundaries and provides a full record for monitoring or surgical planning.

Clinical experience in rehabilitation robotics.

A robotic workstation system for the disabled, based on a commercially available arm, was tested with six patients at the Spinal Injuries Unit, Odstock Hospital, Salisbury. A questionnaire was administered to those who used the system. Users evaluated the usefulness and performance of the system and commented on their reactions to the use of robots in rehabilitation. The users were generally favourable as regards the ease of use of the system using a two-switch input, operating a scanning menu. All users wanted the robot to be able to replay previously created routines, and the majority also wanted to be able to directly control the robot as well. The users were unsure about the potential usefulness of the system. Because a robot is by definition a flexible device, the context in which it is introduced will effect the way it is received by potential users. Tests in a hospital environment are useful because there is a high concentration of users in their own home situations will give a better idea of the usefulness of such devices. The system was not ideal from the point of visibility and layout, and was too large for use in a domestic environment. The layout was largely dictated by the geometry of the manipulator. Therefore a new workstation system has been constructed using a purpose built manipulator. This new system particularly aims to overcome the poor layout of the earlier workstation and benefits from feedback from users.

Development of a robot arm and workstation for the disabled.

A robotic workstation for the severely physically disabled is being developed. The prototype system consists of a commercially available arm mounted in a workstation set up for various manipulative tasks. This system has been tested with eight disabled users in a hospital situation and is to undergo evaluation in the homes of disabled users. Based on experience with this system, a new arm has been designed and will be built into a redesigned workstation.

The prediction of drop size from intravenous infusion controllers.

In intravenous therapy, gravity-fed drip controllers regulate the flow of fluid in terms of drops per minute, though the total amount of fluid to be infused is specified in ml/h. To convert from one to the other it is regularly, erroneously, assumed that drop size is constant. The work described here investigates the relationship of drop size with respect to drip rate and fluid properties. The results are presented in an easy-to-use graphical form.

A feasibility study of a robot manipulator for the disabled.

A robotic manipulator system appears to offer much potential for a severely handicapped person who has little or no hand function. Existing environmental control systems fulfil an important role, but are limited to preselected tasks. The robotic system described here aims to overcome such limitations by providing a user-controlled manipulative device, which is not restricted to preselected tasks. The paper describes the development of a system based on a relatively cheap desk-top mounted robotic device controlled by a microcomputer, in order to investigate the feasibility of such a system. The problems which have been encountered are the provision of user input commands from a person with limited control function, and also the progression from general control of the robot to the performing of useful domestic tasks. The paper also describes and discusses the results of a user survey and user trials.

Interfacing the BBC microcomputer for use with profoundly handicapped children.

An interface system is described to allow profoundly handicapped children to use a BBC microcomputer. The system comprises an interface box, switches and a suite of programs. Rather than be limited to a standard switch, instructions and ideas are provided for teachers to create their own switches. The programs aim to train the children in the use of a switch and allow progress from simple stimulus to educational tasks.