Medical system and method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices, having improved modularity due to near-field communication

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising at least two medical devices and to a method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices (02), the at least two medical devices (02) each comprising at least one near-field wireless communication interface (05), which near-field wireless communication interfaces are arranged in or on the medical devices (02) in such a way that, when the medical devices (02) are arranged in at least one particular arrangement relative to one another, a near-field wireless communication interface (05) of one device (02) is arranged within the communication range (09) of a near-field wireless communication interface (05) of another device (02).

Description

[0001] Medical system and method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices with improved modularity due to near-field communication

[0002] The invention relates to a method for controlling a system with at least two medical devices, wherein the at least two medical devices each have at least one near-field wireless communication interface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system controlled by this method.

[0003] In the past, medical devices with the same or similar basic functions, or basic functionalities at varying levels of complexity or with varying functional scopes, were regularly developed and marketed as independent but distinct devices. This resulted in a situation where simple medical devices could perform correspondingly simple tasks and functions, whereas more complex processes could be performed or supported with correspondingly advanced devices or devices equipped with additional functions and functionalities.However, this led to medical facilities, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, or nursing homes, having to acquire, maintain, and maintain both devices with a simple design or low level of integration and complex and sophisticated devices with a high degree of integration, even though the basic functions or functionalities of the different devices are similar or even identical. This results in high investment costs and extensive maintenance requirements. Furthermore, medical personnel must be able to operate all devices safely and reliably.

[0004] Furthermore, it is already known from the prior art to couple and connect medical devices to one another via data technology, with different devices fulfilling different static or predefined roles or functions. Such a system is known, for example, from US 10,292,661 B1. A coupling or data connection of different, identically designed modules to a support or receiving structure in the form of a connection of several infusion pumps with a type of docking station is also already known from EP 3 010 193 A1.

[0005] In the field of respiratory gas humidification devices, WO 2015 / 167347 A1 is also known, in which different modules can be switched on or off depending on measured values.

[0006] However, the known approaches from the prior art have the disadvantage that, despite a data connection or communication between the individual devices or individual modules, the range of functions or the scope of integration of the functionalities is not influenced, in particular expanded, by the data connection or coupling.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices and a medical system with at least two medical devices, which overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular allow a modular functional integration or increase in the range of functions.

[0008] This object is achieved with the features of independent claims 1 and 18. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims, the following description and the description of the figures.

[0009] With regard to the method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices, the object is achieved in that the at least two medical devices each have at least one near-field wireless communication interface, which is arranged in or on the medical devices in such a way that, with at least one specific relative arrangement of the medical devices to one another, a near-field wireless communication interface of one device is arranged within the communication range of a near-field wireless communication interface of another device, and vice versa, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: In a first method step, the medical devices are operated in a first independent operating mode in the form of an individual operating mode in which the respective device executes or provides an individual function,as long as the near-field wireless communication interface does not detect a connection or connection possibility to another near-field wireless communication interface.

[0010] In a further method step, at least two devices are identified in a specific relative arrangement to each other using the near-field wireless communication interfaces.

[0011] In a further method step, the operation of the at least two medical devices in a second operating mode in the form of a coupled operating mode follows, wherein the coupled operating mode of at least two devices executes or provides a combination function that cannot be executed or provided by the individual devices operated in the coupled operating mode if and / or as long as at least one near-field wireless communication interface has established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface or detects a connection possibility to another near-field wireless communication interface.

[0012] The method according to the invention therefore allows different medical devices to be operated both as medical devices with a rather basic or simple functionality, namely as a device in a single operating mode, but at the same time, in the case of a connection or connection option with another, correspondingly configured and designed medical device, to be operated as a combined medical device with a more complex functionality, wherein this greater complexity or the greater range of functions is provided by the medical devices being operated in a second operating mode, namely in a coupled operating mode.

[0013] It should be noted that the actual operation or the actual function of the individual medical devices in the individual operating mode and in the coupled operating mode can only be slightly changed, which is also relatively self-evident due to the limited resources and functionalities of the individual device, whereby it is precisely through the combined or coupled use of the individual devices that the coupled operating mode, or in other words a common coupled operating mode, is created or achieved.

[0014] To illustrate the method, an exemplary embodiment or application will be described below, which describes the use of roller pumps in a method according to the invention. However, the invention is in no way intended to be limited to this exemplary use or embodiment. Rather, the description serves to illustrate a preferred embodiment.

[0015] Thus, in a method according to the invention, two individual roller pumps, which are widely used as medical devices in their own right, could be used in a first operating mode, namely in the individual operating mode, each on its own and independently as individual roller pumps.However, as soon as the two roller pumps are transferred into a specific relative arrangement to one another, which is detected or determined by means of the near-field wireless communication interfaces, it can be achieved that the two roller pumps perform the function of a double-roller pump, wherein in order to carry out the functionality of the double-roller pump, the two roller pumps or the individual roller pumps are placed or transferred into a coupled operating mode, which then enables not only operation as a single roller pump but also joint or coupled operation as a double-roller pump, if and / or as long as a connection or connection possibility of the near-field wireless communication interfaces of the two roller pumps exists or has been established.

[0016] For example, in standalone mode, the roller pumps could operate as individual suction or irrigation pumps as needed. In coupled mode, they could then act as a jointly controlled suction and irrigation pump, regulating, for example, the suction and irrigation of fluid during a medical procedure so that a certain pressure in a cavity is not exceeded.

[0017] This example also makes it clear that the method steps according to the invention, both in the example and more generally, can be carried out or executed over a relatively long period of time or time window, possibly interrupted by periods of inactivity of the system and / or medical devices. In other words, this means that the method steps according to the invention do not necessarily have to follow one another directly.Thus, in the example of roller pumps as medical devices, it is very well or even in the majority of cases advantageous to provide that after use of the medical devices or roller pumps in an individual operating mode, a state of inactivity and / or a state of maintenance or preparation or processing initially takes place for one or at least two roller pumps, before the at least two medical devices or two roller pumps are transferred to the coupled operating mode and operated in this, in which the identification of the specific relative position of the medical devices to one another is detected by means of the near-field wireless communication interface.

[0018] It is also equally apparent that a substantially reversed method sequence is or can be possible and advantageous according to the invention, in which - again possibly interrupted by other method steps and accordingly carried out in a larger time window - the medical devices change to the individual operating mode and the provision of the individual function after the identification of the specific relative arrangement to one another and a thereby caused or effected execution of the coupled operating mode and the provision of a combination function, if the identification of the specific relative arrangement of the devices to one another is canceled or omitted.

[0019] In principle, different near-field wireless communication points and associated protocols or communication protocols are suitable for the method according to the invention. However, it is particularly desirable that the respective range of the near-field wireless communication interfaces be reduced, either fundamentally and for technical reasons or through appropriate technical influences – for example, deliberate shielding or attenuation – to such an extent that the range of the near-field wireless communication interface, depending on the arrangement and orientation in or on the medical device, does not exceed a typical, possibly even standardized, device dimension in one spatial direction and is preferably limited to a maximum of three-quarters of the device dimension in one spatial direction, particularly preferably to less than half of the device dimension in one spatial direction.

[0020] This allows, in a particularly advantageous manner, unambiguous recognition of the at least two medical devices in a specific relative arrangement to be recognized or identified when, and preferably only when, the medical devices are located or arranged in close spatial proximity, in particular in an immediately adjacent arrangement to one another. This prevents ambiguities in which a medical device or the corresponding near-field wireless communication interface identifies multiple possible connections or connection options to other near-field wireless communication interfaces, and thus the system and method are under-determined or insufficiently defined, since in this case it would not be possible, or not readily possible, to identify which medical devices are to be transferred to the coupled operating mode with one another and provide the combination function.

[0021] Technologies inherently designed with a correspondingly limited range are based, for example, on Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. However, even quite rudimentary near-field wireless communications, for example in the form of a magnetic contact forming a reed relay, inherently have correspondingly limited ranges and are expressly understood as near-field wireless communication interfaces within the meaning of the present invention.

[0022] Other technological implementations, such as wireless communications based on RFID technology, Bluetooth technology or optical communication interfaces, would have to be adapted to be preferably suitable in the method according to the invention in such a way that they have a preferably reduced range as described above.

[0023] According to a first advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that the identification of two devices in a specific relative arrangement is achieved as a result of periodically repeated connection attempts in which at least some of the near-field wireless communication interfaces attempt to establish a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface.

[0024] This particularly advantageously allows for a fully automated or at least partially automated transition to the second operating mode, namely the coupled operating mode. This is because the regular query or verification of connections or connection options to other near-field wireless communication interfaces enables the automatic and / or periodically repeated connection attempts to detect the connection or connection option of the near-field wireless communication interface as soon as at least two medical devices are arranged in the specific relative arrangement to one another, and thus to detect the specific relative position of the medical devices to one another, which in turn leads to the transition of the at least two medical devices to the second operating mode.

[0025] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the second operating mode is determined by the number and / or position and / or type of the near-field wireless communication interfaces that have established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface or detect a connection possibility.The determination of the second operating mode as a function of the number and / or positions and / or type of the respectively connected or connectable near-field wireless communication interface enables a plurality of different second operating modes and thus a plurality of different combination functions of individual medical devices, wherein a specific relative arrangement of the medical devices to one another, which is then recognized or identified by different positions, number and / or types of near-field wireless communication interfaces, achieves a clear determination and selection of the respective second operating mode and the associated combination function, even if the medical devices used would also allow or could enable one or more alternative combination functions.

[0026] For example, a medical device could have two or three near-field wireless communication interfaces on or in a housing, for example on the bottom and / or lid side, wherein a corresponding combinatorial selection of the second operating mode is then made based on the near-field wireless communication interfaces that establish a connection or detect a connection possibility.

[0027] In a further, likewise particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that, in the second operating mode, a first device performs a control function for at least one further device and, for this purpose, sends control data to the further device and / or receives operating data from the further device. In other words, this means that, preferably in the second operating mode, one device assumes a master function for executing the coupling function, whereas at least one further device performs a slave function for the coupling function.This makes it particularly advantageous to achieve coupling functions in the second operating mode that go beyond the functional scope of the individual device or the individual function in the individual operating mode, since not only is the corresponding relative arrangement of the medical devices recognized, but also information, in particular in the form of data, can be exchanged between the devices in the second operating mode and used accordingly.

[0028] According to a further, equally advantageous embodiment of the method, the control function can be dynamically assigned depending on the location or position of the near-field wireless communication interface that has established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface or detects a connection possibility to such an interface. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, the relative arrangement of the medical devices to one another and the near-field wireless communication interfaces that are or can be connected to one another can determine which medical device performs the control function and which medical device or devices are controlled or influenced by the device with the control function.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, an advantageous embodiment of the method can also provide for the control function to be assigned dynamically depending on the type of near-field wireless communication interface that establishes or detects a connection or a connection option to another near-field wireless communication interface. This can be advantageous, in particular, but by no means exclusively, when different types of near-field wireless communication interfaces are present or installed in a medical device.

[0030] Even then, the dynamic allocation of the control function can be determined or specified indirectly via the different arrangement of different near-field wireless communication interfaces through the spatial arrangement or relative arrangement of the medical devices to one another.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it can further be provided that the control data and / or the operating data are exchanged via the near-field wireless communication interface. In this case, it is accordingly expedient, if not even necessary, that not only a connection possibility is recognized, but actually a communication connection is established, between the near-field wireless communication interfaces that, with one another or together, cause or effect the operation of the respective medical devices in the second operating mode.

[0032] However, in various embodiments, it may nevertheless be advantageous if the connection between the near-field wireless communication interfaces is established immediately or directly after the detection of at least the second interface, or if initially only the connection option is sufficient to switch to the second operating mode, and the actual connection is only established at a time when operating data and / or control data are to be exchanged. Accordingly, it can also be provided that the actual coupling or the actual establishment of a communication connection between the interfaces occurs only temporarily, or the connection is interrupted several times without the second operating mode being terminated, as long as the connection option is still detected or identified after the connection has been terminated.In the latter embodiment, the connection can be particularly advantageously established and maintained only when and as long as control data and / or operating data need to be exchanged.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous further development, it can also be provided that those control data and / or those operating data that must be available as real-time data for the second operating mode of the medical devices are selectively exchanged via the near-field wireless communication interfaces. This enables a particularly effective exchange of real-time data, since the said near-field wireless communication interfaces, unlike other communication paths and communication technologies, are particularly suitable for transmitting relatively small amounts of data particularly quickly.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, it can be provided that when operating at least three medical devices in a second operating mode, at least one medical device comprises two near-field wireless communication interfaces and causes the forwarding of control and / or operating data between at least two other devices. As already mentioned above, it can be particularly advantageous for the present method if the respective medical devices are placed in the second operating mode due to their immediate spatial proximity or proximity, and at the same time, a coupling mode, possibly dependent on the position or the relative arrangement, and a corresponding coupling function are executed or activated.However, this also means that, as a rule, highly branched networks of medical devices or even networks in which every medical device is potentially connected to and able to communicate with every other medical device are not created, but that often or usually, especially with more than two medical devices, a serial connection or connectivity is achieved or achieved via the near-field wireless communication interfaces.Even if, rather exceptionally, a cross- or star-shaped structure or a corresponding connection network with medical devices were to be created, the present embodiment can particularly effectively enable the transmission of control and / or operating data by centrally arranged or multiply connected or connectable medical devices and their corresponding near-field wireless communication interfaces enabling forwarding to more remotely arranged medical devices. For example, the devices can receive the data via a near-field wireless communication interface on one side of the device and forward it via another near-field wireless communication interface on another side of the device.

[0035] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be provided that control data and / or operating data are exchanged via an additional, preferably wired communication interface, preferably a bus system, in particular communication based on an Ethernet protocol. Depending on the design of the system or the respective medical devices and, furthermore, depending on the safety relevance of the respective control and / or operating data, it can be provided that the respective data is exchanged and processed only via the additional communication interface, duplicated via the near-field wireless communication interface and via the additional communication interface, or only via the near-field wireless communication interface.

[0036] A further embodiment of the method particularly advantageously provides that, upon switching to or activating the second operating mode, the connection or connection capability of the near-field wireless communication interfaces is verified via an additional, preferably wired, communication interface. For many medical devices, it is already possible to operate them in a network or connect them to a network via wired interfaces. For example, bus systems or Ethernet protocols and associated interfaces are already known for connecting medical devices to one another.These or similarly configured communication interfaces and connections established via them can be utilized particularly advantageously to provide, in addition to detecting a relative arrangement of the medical devices using the near-field wireless communication interfaces, additional verification before the transfer of the medical devices to the second operating mode is initiated, performed, or completed. This significantly improves the security of the system and, in particular, prevents or inhibits an unintentional transfer of the medical devices to the second operating mode. In other words, verification, for example, as a so-called "handshake," can be performed via the additional communication interface to confirm the specific spatial arrangement detected by the near-field wireless communication interfaces.Conversely, the handshake could also take place via the near-field wireless communication interface and only then could further communication take place or be enabled via the additional communication interface.

[0037] A further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the method can provide that, when switching to or activating the second operating mode, verification is carried out by detecting add-on parts or consumables of the devices that are specific to the coupled operating mode, wherein the specific add-on parts or consumables of the devices are particularly preferably detected or can be recognized by the device via corresponding mechanisms. In the example already mentioned above of two roller pumps that are combined in the second operating mode to form a double-roller pump or that perform the coupled function of a double-roller pump, it can be provided, for example, that coded cassettes are used as consumables for the respective roller pump, wherein the coded cassettes can be detected or identified by the device itself.

[0038] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a corresponding recognition of the coded cassettes as consumables or similar consumables or attachments may represent a prerequisite or a further level of verification when switching to the second operating mode or when switching to the second operating mode is to be carried out.

[0039] Conversely, switching to a second operating mode may require the use of different consumables, such as a different tubing set. This can be indicated to the user after activating the second operating mode. The coupling function can then be performed once the correct consumable has been attached and recognized by the devices.

[0040] According to a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that when changing to or activating the second operating mode, a user input must be made on at least one device, preferably a device that performs or fulfills the control function in the second operating mode, to confirm the change of operating mode, and preferably the at least one device issues a request for user input via an output unit. This also further increases operational reliability and effectively prevents an accidental, unintentional or premature change to the second operating mode. An optical output unit, for example a display, can be used as the output unit. Combined output and input units, for example in the form of touch displays, can also be used for both the request and the user input.

[0041] In a further, likewise preferred embodiment of the method, it can be provided that when changing to or activating the second operating mode, an output, preferably a display, is made on an output unit of at least one device, which outputs or makes recognizable the operation in the second operating mode to a user. The output to identify the operation of the at least two medical devices in the second operating mode, i.e. in the coupled operating mode, can preferably occur when the previous verification stage(s) for recognition and switching to the second operating mode have been completely completed or processed. Accordingly, the output of the present embodiment can particularly preferably also occur after a user input in accordance with the previously described embodiment, although user input is not a mandatory requirement.An optical output unit, in particular a display, can preferably be used as the output unit. However, other output units and, accordingly, other types of output can also be used. For example, an acoustic output unit can generate and output an acoustic output.

[0042] In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the method, it can be provided that, depending on the operating mode of a medical device, an output unit and / or an input unit, preferably a combined input and output unit, is adapted to the operating mode, in particular is adapted automatically, in order to enable the output and / or input of settings and operating data adapted to the respective operating mode. This particularly facilitates the operation and monitoring of the medical device or devices, since the user does not have to ensure that the output unit and / or input unit is adapted to the respective operating mode; instead, this adaptation takes place automatically. In order to enable adaptation of the output unit and / or input unit, programmable output and / or input units can preferably be used.For example, programmable display units and / or input units with programmable or variable input functions can be used.

[0043] In a further, likewise preferred embodiment of the method, according to the example described at the outset, it can be provided that the first and second medical device comprise a pump, preferably a roller pump, and in the first operating mode a pump functionality, preferably a suction or rinsing pump functionality, is provided, wherein in the second operating mode a suction-rinsing pump functionality of the two roller pumps is provided in a coupled operating mode, preferably as a double roller pump.

[0044] As already explained above, this embodiment offers the advantage that the user does not have to purchase, maintain or train personnel with regard to special double roller pumps, since only individual roller pumps need to be purchased and maintained, which can then, if required and after appropriate transfer to the coupled operation mode, provide the combined or joint functionality of a double roller pump as a suction-flushing pump.

[0045] In a further, particularly desirable variant of the method, it can be provided that a third medical device comprises a hose valve and provides a valve functionality in the first and second operating mode. In this case, it can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner that, in the second operating mode, the valve functionality is controlled or influenced by a correspondingly adjacent medical device with a control function, such as that explained above, so that the hose valve is also able to contribute to a combination function of the medical devices in the second operating mode or to participate in this. With regard to the object mentioned at the outset, this with regard toof a medical system in that the medical system comprises at least two medical devices, each having at least one near-field wireless communication interface, a control device and a data memory, which are configured to execute computer programs in order to carry out a method according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the control device is designed as a central control device (CPU).

[0047] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments, which are themselves only shown schematically. In the following,

[0048] Fig. 1 : an embodiment of a medical system according to a first embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 2: an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a medical system 01 with two medical devices 02. In the example of Fig. 1, it should be assumed that the medical devices 02 are designed as roller pumps, each of which can provide or ensure pump functionality as an individual function in a first operating mode or individual operating mode. The two roller pumps can be operated with removable or replaceable consumables 03, preferably in the form of coded cassettes. The medical devices 02 also have output units 04 with which settings, parameters, and operating data can be displayed or output.

[0051] The two medical devices 02 also have near-field wireless communication interfaces 05, each of which is arranged near a cover 06 or base 07 of a housing 08 inside the device 02. The near-field wireless communication interfaces 05 are arranged such that, when the medical devices 02 are arranged directly on top of one another, as shown in Fig. 1, they are arranged essentially congruently one above the other.

[0052] Furthermore, the range 09 of the two mutually facing near-field wireless communication interfaces 05 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1. It can be seen that the ranges 09 are implemented such that the respective near-field wireless communication interface 05 can only detect or reach another near-field wireless communication interface within the respective range when the medical devices 02 are arranged directly next to or above one another.

[0053] Furthermore, the medical devices 02 are also connected to one another via an additional communication interface 10, which in the example of Fig. 1 is a bus system 11, preferably based on a standard protocol such as the Ethernet protocol.

[0054] Fig. 1 already shows that, with an arrangement of the medical devices 02 as shown, a connection or connection possibility of the adjacent near-field wireless communication interfaces 05 is achieved or becomes possible. According to the invention, the detection of this relative arrangement, in particular this direct stacking of the medical devices 02 by means of the near-field wireless communication interfaces 05, results in the medical devices 02 being transferred to the second operating mode, namely the coupled operating mode, in which a combined function of the medical devices, namely a function as a suction-irrigation pump, is then achieved.It can be provided that the medical device that detects a connection or connection possibility with its bottom-side near-field wireless communication interface performs the control function or performs the master function, whereas the lower medical device that establishes a connection or detects a connection possibility with its top or cover-side near-field wireless communication interface 05 is co-controlled by the upper medical device, for which purpose it sends operating data to the upper medical device and receives control data from the upper medical device 02. This achieves a dynamic assignment of roles with regard to the control function, in which the upper device or the device that establishes a connection or detects a connection possibility with its bottom-side near-field wireless communication interface 05 assumes or performs the control function.

[0055] The exchanged control and / or operating data can be exchanged both via the near-field wireless communication interfaces 05 and via the additional communication interfaces 10. Real-time data or data for which the shortest and fastest possible transmission and provision is important or critical are particularly preferably exchanged via the near-field wireless communication interfaces 05, and further control and / or operating data are exchanged via the additional communication interfaces 10.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the additional communication interface 10, as well as the consumables 03 designed as coded hose cassettes, can be used to further increase safety when changing to and operating the second operating mode.

[0057] For example, it can be provided that switching to the second operating mode or operation in the second operating mode is only possible if the communication interfaces 10 and / or the consumables 03 confirm a corresponding operation or verify the possibility of a corresponding operation.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that an output via the output units 04 outputs, in particular displays, the operation in the second operating mode.

[0059] As soon as the relative arrangement of the medical devices 02 is such that the ranges 09 no longer overlap, the second operating mode is terminated and each device 02 advantageously switches automatically or semi-automatically to the first operating mode. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary flowchart for the operation of a medical device 02 according to the present invention. In a method step S1, the medical device is put into operation. In a subsequent verification step D1, a check is performed to determine whether another medical device 02 has been identified in a specific relative arrangement by reading or querying the near-field wireless communication interfaces 05.

[0060] If no specific relative arrangement is identified, in method step S2, the medical device 02 is operated in the first operating mode and thus in the single operating mode. Optionally, it can be provided that a check according to method step D1 also takes place or is performed repeatedly in the single operating mode of the device 02 according to method step S2.

[0061] If, in method step D1, the identification of a specific relative arrangement of another medical device is determined, which indicates a need to switch to the second operating mode or initiates, enables, or at least contributes to the process of switching to the second operating mode, one or more further tests can be undertaken in a further method step D2, for example, aimed at verifying the transition to the second operating mode. The checks in method step D2 can include, for example, verification via an additional communication interface 10, a user input, possibly made upon request, and / or verification based on add-on parts and / or consumables of the medical device 02.

[0062] In the event that these additional verification steps or the at least one additional verification step in method step D2 is or are not successfully completed, it can be provided, for example, that the method jumps back to the check in method step D1. Alternatively, it can also be provided, which is also indicated by dotted lines in the illustration in Fig. 2, that if the additional verification fails, operation of the medical device in the first operating mode according to method step S2 takes place or is initiated. If the additional verification steps are successfully processed, a further method step D3 can, for example, check or decide whether the medical device in question should have or assume the control function, or whether the medical device should instead be co-controlled by another medical device.In this case, a dynamic assignment can preferably be carried out, which, as already outlined with reference to Fig. 1, can depend, for example, on the relative arrangement or positioning of the medical devices 02. In this method step, for example, the second operating mode can also be determined by evaluating the location, type, and / or number of interconnected or connectable near-field wireless communication interfaces.

[0063] Accordingly, in process steps S3' and S3", the medical device 02 can be operated in the second operating mode by not only performing or providing the combination function, but also exchanging corresponding data with another medical device to exchange control data and / or operating data. The two variants S3' and S3" can represent different second operating modes as well as operation as a master or slave.

[0064] Furthermore, it can be provided that even when the medical device is operated in the second operating mode, the method repeatedly or periodically returns to method step D1 and at least the decision of method step D1, preferably also the decision of method step D2, is checked or verified again, wherein the second operating mode is preferably terminated or termination of the second operating mode is at least announced or suggested if, upon repeated execution of method steps D2 and D3, these do not indicate or justify operation of the medical device in the second operating mode.

[0065] 01 Medical System

[0066] 02 Medical device

[0067] 03 Consumables

[0068] 04 Output unit

[0069] 05 Near-field wireless communication interfaces

[0070] 06 Lid

[0071] 07 Floor

[0072] 08 Housing

[0073] 09 Range

[0074] 10 Communication interface

[0075] 11 Bus system

[0076] 51 process step

[0077] 52 process steps

[0078] D1 Process step

[0079] D2 Process step

[0080] D3 Process step

[0081] S3' Process step

[0082] S3" process step

Claims

Claims: A method for controlling a system comprising at least two medical devices (02), wherein the at least two medical devices (02) each have at least one near-field wireless communication interface (05) arranged in or on the medical devices (02) such that, in at least one specific relative arrangement of the medical devices (02) to each other, a near-field wireless communication interface (05) of one device (02) is arranged within the communication range (09) of a near-field wireless communication interface (05) of another device (02), and vice versa, comprising the following method steps: - Operating the medical devices (02) in a first independent operating mode in the form of a single operating mode in which the respective device (02) performs or provides a single function as long as the near-field wireless communication interface (05) does not detect a connection or possibility of connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05); - Identification of at least two devices (02) in a specific relative arrangement to each other using the near-field wireless communication interfaces (05); - Operating the at least two medical devices (02) in a second operating mode in the form of a coupled operating mode, wherein the coupled operating mode of at least two devices (02) performs or provides a combination function that cannot be performed or provided by the individual devices (02) operated in the coupled operating mode if and / or as long as at least one near-field wireless communication interface (05) has established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05) or detects a connection possibility to another near-field wireless communication interface (05). The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification of two devices (02) in a specific relative arrangement is achieved as a result of periodically repeated connection attempts. in which at least some of the near-field wireless communication interfaces (05) attempt to establish a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second operating mode is determined by the number and / or position and / or type of near-field wireless communication interfaces (05) that have established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05) or detect a connection possibility to another near-field wireless communication interface (05). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the second operating mode a first device (02) performs a control function for at least one further device (02) and, for this purpose, sends control data to the further device (02) and / or receives operating data from the further device (02).A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the control function is dynamically assigned depending on the location or position of the near-field wireless communication interface (05) that has established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05) or detects a connection possibility to another wireless communication interface. A method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the control function is dynamically assigned depending on the type of near-field wireless communication interface (05) that has established a connection to another near-field wireless communication interface (05) or detects a connection possibility to another near-field wireless communication interface (05). A method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the control data and / or the operating data are exchanged via the near-field wireless communication interfaces (05). A method according to claim 7, characterized in that selectively those control data and / or those operating data are exchanged via the near-field wireless communication interfaces (05) that must be available as real-time data if possible. A method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, when operating at least three medical devices (02) in a second operating mode, at least one medical device (02) comprises two wireless communication interfaces and effects the forwarding of control and / or operating data between at least two other devices (02).A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that control data and / or operating data are exchanged via an additional, preferably wired, communication interface (10), preferably a BUS system (11). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, upon switching to or activating the second operating mode, a verification of the connection or connection possibility of the near-field wireless communication interfaces (05) is carried out via an additional, preferably wired, communication interface (10). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, upon switching to or activating the second operating mode, In the operating mode, verification is carried out by detecting attachments or consumables (03) of the devices that are specific to the coupling operating mode. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when switching to or activating the second operating mode, user input must be provided to at least one device (02), preferably a device (02) that performs or fulfills the control function in the second operating mode, to confirm the change of operating mode, and preferably the at least one device (02) issues a prompt for user input via an output unit (04). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that when switching to or activating the second operating mode, an output, preferably a display, is provided to an output unit (04) of at least one device (02), which indicates or makes recognizable to a user that the operation is in the second operating mode.A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, depending on the operating mode of a medical device (02), an output unit (04) and / or an input unit, preferably a combined input and output unit (04), is adapted to the operating mode in order to enable the output and / or input of settings and operating data adapted to the respective operating mode. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first and second device (02) comprise a pump, preferably a roller pump, and in the first operating mode a pump functionality is provided, wherein in the second operating mode a suction-flushing pump functionality is provided. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a third medical device (02) comprises a hose valve and provides valve functionality in the first and second operating modes. A medical system (01) comprising at least two medical devices (02), each having at least one near-field wireless communication interface (05), a control unit, and a data storage device, and configured to execute computer programs to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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