Medical system relay device, method of operating medical system relay device, and medical system

Abstract

A relay device 20 for a medical system comprises: a reception unit 21A that receives from a controller 10 a first signal for continuously changing a setting value of a medical apparatus 30; a conversion unit 23 that converts the first signal into a second signal; a transmission unit 21B that transmits the second signal to the medical apparatus 30; a detection unit 22 that detects disconnection of communication with the controller 10; and a control unit 24 that uses a detection signal from the detection unit 22 to control the transmission unit 21B to transmit to the medical apparatus 30 a third signal constituted by a fail-safe signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay device for a medical system that converts a first signal output by a controller into a second signal and outputs the second signal to a medical device, a method of operating the relay device for a medical system, and a medical system including a controller, a relay device, and a medical device.

Background Art

[0002] In endoscopic surgery and the like, in addition to an endoscopic device, many medical devices such as a pneumoperitoneum device and an electric scalpel are used. In a medical system including a plurality of medical devices, a system controller centrally controls the plurality of medical devices.

[0003] Even for medical devices provided in one medical system, it is common that the communication protocols used by the respective medical devices are different. For this reason, a relay device that performs protocol conversion is installed between the system controller and the medical device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-245789 discloses a medical system in which a system controller performs protocol conversion to communicate with a medical device.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296198 discloses a medical system in which a system controller detects a communication status with a medical device. Based on the detection result, when communication has not been performed for a predetermined time, the driving of the medical device is stopped.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-334164 discloses a medical system in which when a system controller detects an abnormality based on an abnormal signal output from a medical device, the occurrence of the abnormality is notified.

[0007] System controllers in medical systems sometimes output signals to continuously change the setting values ​​of medical devices in order to improve operational efficiency. For example, when raising the output setting value of an electrosurgical unit to a predetermined value, it is more efficient to raise the setting value at a predetermined rate (e.g., +1 / 0.2 seconds) with a single button press, rather than repeatedly increasing it by "1" with a single button press.

[0008] For example, by holding down a button, a signal is output that continuously changes the set value. When the set value reaches a predetermined value, releasing the button outputs a stop signal that stops the increase in the set value.

[0009] However, if the system controller outputs a signal to continuously increase the medical device's setting value, and then communication with the medical device is lost, a signal to stop the increase in the setting value is not transmitted to the medical device. As a result, the medical device's setting value continues to rise beyond the intended value. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-245789 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-296198 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-334164 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a relay device for a medical system having a system controller, a relay device, and a medical device, which controls the medical device to operate in a fail-safe manner even if communication between the system controller and the relay device is interrupted; a method for operating the relay device for a medical system to operate in a fail-safe manner even if communication with the system controller is interrupted; and a medical system equipped with a medical device that operates in a fail-safe manner even if communication with the system controller is interrupted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A relay device for a medical system according to one aspect of the present invention is: The controller receives the heartbeat signal, A receiving unit that receives a first signal that continuously changes the setting value of a medical device, a conversion unit that converts the first signal into a second signal, and a transmitting unit that transmits the second signal to the medical device, Based on the heartbeat signal, A detection unit for detecting disconnection of communication with the controller, and the detection unit When it detects a communication disconnection The medical device comprises a control unit that controls the transmitting unit to transmit a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, to the medical device. Furthermore, the interval between heartbeat signals is shorter after receiving the first signal than before receiving it. .

[0013] A method for operating a relay device in a medical system according to one aspect of the present invention is from the controller Upon receiving the heartbeat signal, A first signal is received that continuously changes the settings of a medical device. Then, a heartbeat signal with a shorter interval than before the reception of the first signal is received, Convert the first signal into a second signal, transmit the second signal to the medical device, and the controller Based on the heartbeat signal from Communication disconnection detected If that happens, A third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, is transmitted to the aforementioned medical device.

[0014] A medical system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a medical device and It transmits a heartbeat signal, A first signal that continuously changes the setting value of the medical device. After sending, shorten the interval between heartbeat signals. A controller receives the first signal, converts it into a second signal, and transmits the second signal to the medical device, Based on the heartbeat signal,When detecting a communication disconnection with the controller, it includes a relay device that transmits a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, to the medical device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in a medical system having a system controller, a relay device, and a medical device, even if the communication between the system controller and the relay device is disconnected, a relay device for a medical system that controls the medical device to perform a fail-safe operation, a method of operating a relay device for a medical system that controls the medical device to perform a fail-safe operation even if the communication with the system controller is disconnected, and a medical system including a medical device that performs a fail-safe operation even if the communication between the system controller and the relay device is disconnected can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a medical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a medical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the normal operation of a medical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the touch panel operation of a medical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the touch panel operation of a medical system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a medical system when communication is disconnected according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of a medical system according to an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> <Configuration of Medical System>

[0018] The medical system 1 of this embodiment, shown in Figure 1, comprises a system controller 10 (hereinafter referred to as "controller 10"), a plurality of relay devices 20 (20A-20H), a plurality of medical devices 30 (30A-30H), and an operation unit 40. In the medical system 1, one relay device 20 is provided for each medical device 30.

[0019] Medical system 1 includes, as peripheral medical devices 30, a video processor 30A, a light source device 30B, a CO2 insufflation device 30C, an electrosurgical unit 30D, an operating table unit 30E, a shadowless lamp unit 30F, a pneumoperitoneum device 30G, and an ultrasonic coagulation and cutting device 30H.

[0020] A video processor 30A, connected to an endoscope scope (not shown), processes endoscopic images. A light source device 30B generates illumination light for the endoscope scope. A CO2 insufflation device 30C supplies CO2 to the inside of the digestive tract, etc. An electrosurgical unit 30D is an electrocautery and cutting device. An operating table unit 30E has an operating bed and its control kit. A shadowless light unit 30F has a light that does not cast shadows to illuminate the surgical field and its control kit. A pneumoperitoneum device 30G is a device for inflating the abdominal cavity, etc. with gas. An ultrasonic coagulation and cutting device 30H is a coagulation and cutting device that uses ultrasonic vibrations.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the operating unit 40 is an operating means by which the operator inputs settings for the medical device 30 to the controller 10 using a microphone 41 and a touch panel 42. The operating unit 40 includes a display 43 that displays endoscopic images, the operating status of multiple medical devices 30, etc. The display 43 may also function as a touch panel 42. The operating unit 40 may have multiple touch panels 42 and multiple displays 43.

[0022] The controller 10 includes a communication unit 11, a detection unit 12, and a control unit 13. The control unit 13 generates signals (commands) to control the medical device 30 based on operation data from the operation unit 40, and the communication unit 11 wirelessly transmits the commands to the relay device 20. As will be described later, the detection unit 12 detects the communication status with the medical device 30.

[0023] The control signal includes data indicating which medical device 30 the signal is intended for. For example, the device ID of the medical device 30 could be used as the data identifying the medical device 30. In a medical system where multiple medical devices 30 are connected to a single relay device 20, the control signal may also include information representing the port on the relay device 20 to which the medical device 30 is connected.

[0024] The relay device 20 includes a communication unit 21 (receiving unit 21A, transmitting unit 21B), a detection unit 22, a conversion unit 23, a control unit 24, and a memory 25. The control unit 24 controls the overall operation of the relay device 20.

[0025] The relay device 20 (20A-20H) is a communication converter that performs protocol conversion according to the medical device 30 (30A-30H) in response to control signals received from the host controller 10. The protocol conversion processing by the conversion unit 23 uses known technology. The conversion methods for each of the multiple medical devices 30A-30H are stored in the memory 25.

[0026] Furthermore, the detection unit 12 of the controller 10 periodically (for example, every 2 seconds) transmits a heartbeat signal to the relay device 20 using the communication unit 11 to confirm that the communication connection with the relay device 20 is valid, and also receives a response signal to the heartbeat signal from the relay device 20. The detection unit 22 of the relay device 20 receives the heartbeat signal transmitted periodically from the controller 10 using the communication unit 21 and transmits a response signal to the controller 10. Alternatively, the communication unit 21 of the relay device 20 may transmit the heartbeat signal and the communication unit 11 of the controller 10 may transmit the response signal.

[0027] In the medical system 1 of this embodiment, the operating unit 40 and the controller 10, and the relay device 20 and the medical device 30 are connected by wires, while the controller 10 and the relay device 20 are connected by wireless. The connections between the operating unit 40 and the controller 10, between the controller 10 and the relay device 20, and between the relay device 20 and the medical device 30 may be wired or wireless.

[0028] If the controller 10 and the relay device 20 are wirelessly connected, the detection units 12 and 22 may confirm that the communication connection is valid based on the strength of the wireless signal (RSSI) instead of the heartbeat signal. If the strength of the wireless signal falls below a predetermined value, it can be considered that the communication has been disconnected.

[0029] The medical device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and an output unit 33. Based on the control signals received via the communication unit 31, the control unit 32 controls the output unit 33.

[0030] As will be described later, in medical system 1, even if communication with controller 10 is lost after controller 10 has sent a signal (first signal) to continuously change the setting value of medical device 30, relay device 20 sends a third signal to medical device 30 that causes medical device 30 to operate in fail-safe mode. Fail-safe operation is the safest operation assumed during the design phase.

[0031] Therefore, the medical system 1 prevents the settings of the medical device 30 from being changed to a value beyond the user's intended value.

[0032] <How the medical system operates> First, we will explain the normal operation of controller 10 following the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0033] When medical system 1 is started, a system check is performed. Then, an operation screen corresponding to the connected medical device 30 is displayed, for example, on the touch panel 42.

[0034] <Step S10> Figures 4 and 5 show examples of the operation screen for the electrosurgical unit 30D as displayed on the touch panel 42. To increase the output value of the electrosurgical unit 30D from "50", the user presses the "+ button" with their finger. On the touch panel 42, a "press operation" is strictly speaking a "touch operation".

[0035] <Step S20> The controller 10 sends a signal to the relay device 20 to increase the setting value of the electrosurgical unit 30D by 1 (+1 signal).

[0036] <Step S30> When the user finishes pressing the "+ button" (releases their finger from the "+ button" on the touch panel 42) (S30, YES), the process returns to S10, and the controller 10 waits until the "+ button" on the touch panel 42 is pressed again.

[0037] Each time the user touches the "+ button" on the touch panel 42 of the operation unit 40, the controller 10 sends a (+1 signal) once.

[0038] <Step S40, S50> In contrast, if the button is pressed and held down, that is, if the user does not release the "+ button" after a predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 second) has elapsed (if the user does not release their finger from the button) (S40, YES), the controller 10 transmits a signal to the relay device 20 that continuously increases the set value of the electrosurgical unit 30D (first signal) (S50). The first signal is a control signal that continuously increases the set value at a predetermined rate (for example, +1 / 0.2 seconds).

[0039] <Step S60, S70> When the user finishes pressing the "+ button" (releases their finger from the button) (S60, YES), the controller 10 sends a stop signal to the relay device 20 to stop continuously raising the electrosurgical unit 30D to the set value (S70).

[0040] <Step S80> The process from S10 is repeated until the procedure is completed (S80:YES). For example, the user can quickly, easily, and accurately set the value to (+105) by repeatedly increasing it up to the set value (+100) by long-pressing the button, and then increasing it by (+1) five times.

[0041] The controller 10 periodically and repeatedly transmits heartbeat signals (S100, S130) and receives response signals from the relay device 20 (S110, S140) to confirm that the communication connection with the relay device 20 is valid. As will be described later, when the controller 10 detects a communication disconnection with the relay device 20, it generates an alarm (S120, S150) to notify the user of the abnormality.

[0042] The interval T20 between transmitting the heartbeat signal (S92) after transmitting the first signal is preferably shorter than the interval T10 between transmitting the heartbeat signal (S90) before transmitting the first signal. For example, the heartbeat signal transmission interval is normally set to 2 seconds, and after transmitting the first signal (continuously increasing signal), it is set to 0.2 seconds.

[0043] The above explanation used the example of increasing the setting value, but it goes without saying that the same applies when decreasing the setting value.

[0044] Next, the operation of the relay device 20 will be explained according to the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0045] <Step S200-S220> When the receiving unit 21A of the relay device 20 receives a (+1 signal) from the controller 10, the conversion unit 23 converts the (+1 signal) to a (converted +1 signal) according to the communication specifications of the electrosurgical unit 30D, and the transmitting unit 21B transmits it to the electrosurgical unit 30D. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the output value of the electrosurgical unit 30D rises to "51".

[0046] <Step S230-S250> When the receiving unit 21A of the relay device 20 receives a first signal from the controller 10 that continuously increases the setting value of the electrosurgical unit 30D, the conversion unit 23 converts the (+1 signal) into a second signal according to the communication specifications of the electrosurgical unit 30D, and the transmitting unit 21B transmits the second signal to the electrosurgical unit 30D.

[0047] <Step S260-S280> When the receiving unit 21A of the relay device 20 receives a stop signal from the controller 10 to stop continuously increasing the setting value of the electrosurgical unit 30D, the conversion unit 23 converts the stop signal into a conversion stop signal according to the communication specifications of the electrosurgical unit 30D, and the transmitting unit 21B transmits the conversion stop signal to the electrosurgical unit 30D.

[0048] <Step S290> The process from S200 is repeated until the procedure is completed (S290:YES).

[0049] The communication unit 21 of the relay device 20 receives the heartbeat signal (S300, S320) and the response signal send(S310, S330) are performed periodically to confirm that the communication connection with the controller 10 is valid. As already explained, the heartbeat signal is received after the reception of the first signal (S320). during Interrupter T20 receives the heartbeat signal before the reception of the first signal (S300). during It is preferable that the interval is shorter than T10.

[0050] In step S300, if a heartbeat signal cannot be received (NO), it is preferable for the relay device 20 to generate an alarm and notify the user.

[0051] <Steps S320-S350> If the relay device 20 cannot receive the heartbeat signal (S320, NO), it generates a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal to stop the setting value of the electrosurgical unit 30D from rising, and transmits it to the electrosurgical unit 30D. Therefore, the setting value of the electrosurgical unit 30D will not rise beyond the value intended by the user. The fail-safe signal is a command signal that controls the electrosurgical unit 30D to operate on the safe side assumed during the design phase.

[0052] In this embodiment, the third signal (fail-safe signal) is a signal that stops the change of the setpoint converted to the protocol of the medical device 30, i.e., a conversion stop signal. Upon receiving the third signal, the increase in the setpoint of the electrosurgical unit 30D stops.

[0053] Figure 7 shows the communication sequence of medical system 1.

[0054] The controller 10 and the relay device 20 send and receive heartbeat signals at a predetermined interval T10 to confirm that the communication connection is valid.

[0055] Upon receiving a (+1 signal) from the controller 10, the relay device 20 transmits a (converted +1 signal) to the medical device 30.

[0056] Upon receiving a first signal (continuously increasing signal) from the controller 10, the relay device 20 transmits a second signal (converted increasing signal) to the medical device 30.

[0057] The controller 10 and the relay device 20 send and receive heartbeat signals at a predetermined interval T20 to confirm that the communication connection is valid.

[0058] When the relay device 20 can no longer receive the heartbeat signal, it transmits a third signal to the medical device 30. As a result, the continuously increasing setting value of the medical device 30 stops increasing.

[0059] As described above, according to this embodiment, in a medical system 1 having a controller 10, a relay device 20, and a medical device 30, it is possible to provide a relay device for a medical system that controls the medical device 30 to operate in fail-safe mode even if communication between the controller 10 and the relay device 20 is interrupted. It is possible to provide a method for operating the relay device 20 of a medical system that controls the medical device 30 to operate in fail-safe mode even if communication with the controller 10 is interrupted. It is possible to provide a medical system equipped with a medical device 30 that operates in fail-safe mode even if communication between the controller 10 and the relay device 20 is interrupted.

[0060] <Modified examples of embodiments> The modified medical systems of the embodiment are similar to and have the same effect as the medical system of the embodiment. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for components with the same function, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0061] When the relay device 20 of medical system 1 receives the first signal, it creates and outputs a second signal (continuous UP signal) that changes the set value at a predetermined rate. Alternatively, when the relay device 20 receives the first signal, it may generate a second signal in which the set value is changed by the minimum set unit (+1 signal) at a predetermined frequency.

[0062] The third signal is not limited to a stop signal that stops the change in the set value, as long as it is a fail-safe signal that puts the medical device 30 into a safe state. For example, the third signal may be a control signal that sets the set value to a first set value that is pre-set for each medical device.

[0063] Table 1 is an example of the first setting value table stored in memory.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] For the output of the electrosurgical unit 30D and the pressure of the insufflation device 30G, the first set value is the minimum set value. In contrast, the first set value for the brightness value of the video processor 30A is the median set value.

[0066] The third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, may include an alarm signal in addition to a control signal that sets the medical device 30 to a safe state. For example, when the medical device 30 receives an alarm signal, it may, for example, notify the medical device 30 of the communication interruption by voice or illuminate a lamp to indicate an abnormality.

[0067] As explained using Figure 3, the detection unit 12 of the controller 10 also detects communication disconnection with the relay device 20 based on the strength of the heartbeat signal or wireless signal. When the controller 10 detects a communication interruption with the relay device 20 connected to a medical device 30, it generates an alarm (Figure 3; S120, S150). The alarm may be triggered by, for example, blacking out the screen of the medical device 30 on the touch panel, or by an audible notification.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1. Medical System 10. System Controller 10. Controller 11. Communication Unit 12. Detection Unit 13. Control Unit 20 (20A-30H) ... Repeater 21. Communication Unit 21A... Receiving Unit 21B...Transmitter Unit 22...Detection Unit 23...Conversion Unit 24. Control Unit 25...memory 30 (30A-30H) ... Medical device 30A...Video Processor 30B...Light source device 30C...CO2 air supply device 30D... Electrosurgical unit 30E... Operating table unit 30F... Shadowless lamp unit 30G...Pneumoperitoneum device 30H...Ultrasonic coagulation and cutting device 31. Communication Unit 32. Control Unit 33... Output Unit 40. Control Unit 41. Mike 42...Touch panel 43...Display

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a heartbeat signal from a controller and a first signal that continuously changes the setting value of a medical device, A conversion unit that converts the first signal to a second signal, A transmitting unit that transmits the second signal to the medical device, A detection unit that detects a communication disconnection with the controller based on the aforementioned heartbeat signal, The system comprises a control unit that controls the transmitting unit to transmit a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, to the medical device when the detection unit detects a communication disconnection, A relay device for a medical system, characterized in that the interval between the heartbeat signals is shorter after receiving the first signal than before receiving the first signal.

2. The relay device for a medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first signal is a signal that changes the set value at a predetermined rate.

3. The relay device for a medical system according to claim 2, characterized in that the second signal is a signal that changes the set value at a predetermined rate.

4. The relay device for the medical system according to claim 2, characterized in that the second signal is a continuous signal of a signal that changes the set value.

5. The relay device for the medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that the third signal is a signal to stop changing the set value.

6. The relay device for a medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that the third signal is a signal that changes the set value to a predetermined first set value.

7. The relay device for a medical system according to claim 6, further comprising a memory for storing the first setting value corresponding to the medical device.

8. The relay device for a medical system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first setting value is the minimum value of the setting values.

9. The relay device for the medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that the third signal includes an alarm signal.

10. When a heartbeat signal is received from the controller and a first signal is received that continuously changes the setting value of the medical device, the heartbeat signal is received at a shorter interval than before the reception of the first signal. The first signal is converted to a second signal, The second signal is transmitted to the medical device. A method for operating a relay device in a medical system, characterized in that, when a communication interruption is detected based on the heartbeat signal from the controller at a short interval, a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, is transmitted to the medical device.

11. A medical device and A controller that transmits a heartbeat signal and a first signal that continuously changes the setting value of the medical device, and then shortens the interval between the heartbeat signals, A medical system characterized by comprising: a relay device that receives the first signal and converts it into a second signal, transmits the second signal to the medical device, and, when it detects a communication disconnection with the controller based on the short-interval heartbeat signal, transmits a third signal, which is a fail-safe signal, to the medical device.

12. The medical system according to claim 11, characterized in that the controller generates an alarm when it detects a communication disconnection with the relay device.

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