Instrument skill instruction and training system

Abstract

Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving handheld instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of a handheld instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A skill training apparatus, comprising:
 a handheld instrument that is free standing and comprises a plurality of sensors, including
 at least one orientation sensor for detecting an orientation of the handheld instrument, and 
 at least one contact sensor for detecting contact with the handheld instrument, 
 wherein the plurality of sensors are operatively coupled to a processor that receives sensor data from the plurality of sensors; and 
   a computer-readable storage medium including
 a data structure that characterizes proper orientation of the handheld instrument and proper contact with the handheld instrument, 
 a first set of instructions configured to cause the processor to compare the sensor data to the data structure, and 
 a second set of instructions configured to cause the processor to provide, through an output device operatively coupled to the processor, feedback based on the comparison of the sensor data to the data structure. 
   
     
     
         2 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld instrument is a dental curette or dental scaler. 
     
     
         3 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld instrument further comprises an interchangeable tip. 
     
     
         4 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld instrument is a scalpel. 
     
     
         5 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor configured to detect user grip. 
     
     
         6 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the data structure is part of a lesson plan. 
     
     
         7 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the lesson plan comprises a plurality of modules for training a user in a plurality of skills. 
     
     
         8 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handheld instrument has a grip portion and a working end, wherein the working end comprises the at least one contact sensor and is configured to detect contact between the handheld instrument and a work piece. 
     
     
         9 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the work piece simulates a portion of a human body. 
     
     
         10 . The skill training apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the work piece is a sharpening stone.