Architecture for modular energy systems

Abstract

A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment includes a plurality of functional modules including at least an initial module, a functional module, and an end module. Each of the plurality of modules has a module control circuit and a local data bus. The internal data bus is comprised of a serial array of the local data buses of the modules. The local data bus may include a communication switch, a first switch data path between the communication switch and the module control circuit, a second switch data path in communication with the communication switch, and a third switch data path in communication with the communication switch. The third switch data path of module N is in data communication with the second switch data path of module N+1. The system further includes a termination unit in communication with the third data path of the end module.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various surgical systems, including modular electro-surgical and / or ultrasonic surgical systems. Due to the surgical operating room (OR) being a complex web of cords, devices, and people resulting from the number of various devices required to complete each surgical procedure, the OR requires a rationalized capital solution. This is the reality of ORs in every market around the world. Most capital equipment performs one task or job, and each type of capital equipment requires its own unique technology or method of use and has its own unique user interface, so capital equipment is the main culprit in creating clusters within the OR.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] Therefore, there are unmet consumer needs to integrate capital equipment and other surgical technologies in order to improve the efficiency of surgical staff during surgical procedures by reducing the installation area of equipment in the OR, rationalizing the interfaces of the equipment, and reducing the number of devices that the surgical staff needs to operate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] In one embodiment, a modular energy system for use in a surgical environment may include a plurality of modules, each of which consists of one of an initial module, a terminal module, and a functional module. Each functional module and terminal module may include a module control circuit and a local data bus. Each local data bus may include a communication switch, a first switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit, a second switch data path communicating with the communication switch, and a third switch data path communicating with the communication switch. The initial module may include a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates with the initial module control circuit. The modular energy system may also include a termination unit that communicates with the third data path of the terminal module. Furthermore, the modular energy system may include an internal data bus composed of a serial array of local data buses of multiple functional modules and terminal modules, where a third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with a second switch data path of functional module N+1, and a second switch data path of a terminal module communicates data with a third switch data path of a preceding functional module. Additionally, the internal data bus may further include a physical layer transceiver (PHY) of an initial module that communicates data with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system for notifying a user of a processor boot-up failure in a computerized device may include a timing circuit and a multicolor visualization device. In one embodiment, the computerized device may include a processor and a memory unit configured to store a plurality of instructions for execution by the processor. The processor may be configured to initiate a boot-up process based on at least some of the instructions stored in the memory unit when power is applied to the computerized device. The timing circuit may be configured to initiate a timing procedure when power is applied to the computerized device. In one embodiment, the timing circuit may be configured to send a failure signal to the multicolor visualization device when the timing circuit reaches a predetermined value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] The various embodiments described herein with respect to both configuration and operation methods, along with their other purposes and advantages, can be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A surgical system used to perform surgical procedures in an operating room, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] A visualization system, a robotic system, and a surgical hub paired with an intelligent instrument, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A surgical system comprising a generator and various surgical instruments usable with the generator, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a diagram of a situational awareness surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This is a diagram of various modules and other components that can be combined to customize a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] A first exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module and a display screen representing a graphical user interface (GUI) for relaying information about modules connected to the header module. [Figure 7B] A modular energy system, as shown in Figure 7A, mounted on a cart, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8A] A second exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, and an expansion energy module. [Figure 8B] A third exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, is similar to the second configuration shown in Figure 7A, except that the header module lacks a display screen. [Figure 9] A fourth exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, an expansion energy module, and a technology module. [Figure 10] A fifth exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, an expansion energy module, a technology module, and a visualization module. [Figure 11]This is a diagram of a modular energy system including a transmissibly connectable surgical platform, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a header module of a modular energy system including a user interface, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram of a standalone hub configuration of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energy system integrated with a surgical control system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram of a user interface module connected to a communication module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram of an energy module of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] A block diagram of an energy module connected to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 17B] A block diagram of an energy module connected to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 18A] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a modular energy system hub, such as the header module shown, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 18B] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a modular energy system hub, such as the header module shown, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 19]A block diagram of an energy module of a hub, such as the energy module shown in FIGS. 13 to 18B, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] A schematic diagram of a modular energy system stack showing a power backplane according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] A block diagram of a modular energy system having an internal data bus extension to a plurality of external devices according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] A block diagram of an internal data bus of a modular energy system showing data communication across the entire internal data bus under normal conditions according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] A block diagram of an internal data bus of a modular energy system showing data communication across the entire internal data bus during a switch failure according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] A block diagram of an internal data bus of a modular energy system showing a communication switch address generation for each local data bus and a parity check system for the address according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] A flowchart of a process and components that can be used to present an indication of a processor boot-up failure to a user according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0006] Throughout the plurality of drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate various disclosed aspects in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope in any way.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0007] The applicant of this application owns the following concurrently filed U.S. patent applications, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference: ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9314USNP1 / 210018-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR MECHANICAL PACKAGING FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9314USNP2 / 210018-2, Title of Invention: "Backplane Connector Attachment Mechanism For Modular Energy System", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9314USNP3 / 210018-3, Title of Invention: "BEZEL WITH LIGHT BLOCKING FEATURES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application Number END9314USNP4 / 210018-4, Title of Invention: "HEADER FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application Number END9315USNP1 / 210019, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL PROCEDURALIZATION VIA MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application Number END9316USNP1 / 210020-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR ENERGY DELIVERY FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9316USNP2 / 210020-2, Title of Invention: "Modular Energy System With Dual Amplifiers And Techniques For Updating Parameters Thereof", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9316USNP3 / 210020-3, Title of Invention: "Modular Energy System With MULTI-ENERGY PORT SPLITTER For Multiple ENERGY DEVICES", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9317USNP1 / 210021-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application Number END9317USNP2 / 210021-2, Title of Invention: "RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR WIRELESS SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9317USNP3 / 210021-3, Title of Invention: "INTELLIGENT DATA PORTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP1 / 210022-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP2 / 210022-2, Title of Invention: "USER INTERFACE MITIGATION TECHNIQUES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", ● U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP3 / 210022-3, Title of Invention "ENERGY DELIVERY MITIGATIONS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", and ● U.S. Patent Application Number END9318USNP5 / 210022-5, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH HARDWARE MITIGATED COMMUNICATION".

[0008] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on September 5, 2019, the disclosures of each of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,144, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM USER INTERFACE" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078106), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,151, Title of Invention: "PASSIVE HEADER MODULE FOR A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078110), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,157, Title of Invention: "CONSOLIDATED USER INTERFACE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0081585), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,159, Title of Invention: "AUDIO TONE CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ENERGY MODULE OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0314569), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,163, Title of Invention: "ADAPTABLY CONNECTABLE AND REASSIGNABLE SYSTEM ACCESSORIES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078111), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,123, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100830), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,135, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENERGY MODULE OUTPUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078076), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,180, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078080), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,184, Title of Invention: "GROUNDING ARRANGEMENT OF ENERGY MODULES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078081), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,188, Title of Invention: "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR DESIGN TO CONNECT STACKED ENERGY MODULES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078116) ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,195, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES THROUGH A PORT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200078117), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,202, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING DRIVE SIGNAL TO POWER SECONDARY FUNCTION" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078082), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,142, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN A SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078070), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,169, Title of Invention: "Surgical Modular energy system with a segmented backplane" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078112) ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,185, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH FOOTER MODULE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078115), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,203, Title of Invention: "Power and Communication mitigation arrangement for modular surgical energy system" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078118), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,212, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH VOLTAGE DETECTION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078119), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,234, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH TIME COUNTER" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0305945), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,243, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS WITH DIGITAL LOGIC" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078120), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,125, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN MODULES AND DEVICES IN A MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100825), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,137, Title of Invention: "FLEXIBLE HAND-SWITCH CIRCUIT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0106220), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,143, Title of Invention: "FIRST AND SECOND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ARRANGEMENT FOR DRIVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DEVICES THROUGH A SINGLE PORT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0090808), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,148, Title of Invention: "FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078077), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,154, Title of Invention: "SMART RETURN PAD SENSING THROUGH MODULATION OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT QUALITY MONITORING SIGNALS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078089), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,162, Title of Invention: "AUTOMATIC ULTRASONIC ENERGY ACTIVATION CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0305924), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,167, Title of Invention: "COORDINATED ENERGY OUTPUTS OF SEPARATE BUT CONNECTED MODULES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078078), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,170, Title of Invention: "Managing Simultaneous Monopolar Outputs Using Duty Cycle and Synchronization" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078079), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,172, Title of Invention: "PORT PRESENCE DETECTION System FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078113), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,175, Title of Invention: "INSTRUMENT TRACKING ARRANGEMENT BASED ON REAL TIME CLOCK INFORMATION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078071), ● U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,177, Title of Invention: "REGIONAL LOCATION TRACKING OF COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078114), ● U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,610, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE", ● U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,614, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE MONOPOLAR PORT WITH FOURTH SOCKET AMONG THREE OTHER SOCKETS", ● U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,616, Title of Invention: "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR FOR ENERGY MODULE", and ● U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,617, Title of Invention: "ALERT SCREEN FOR ENERGY MODULE".

[0009] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: ● U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,584, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL PLATFORM ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE", ● U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,587, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY", ● U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,588, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTRUMENT COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES", and ● U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,592, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM".

[0010] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on September 7, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: ● U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 728,480, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE".

[0011] Before describing in detail the various embodiments of surgical devices and generators, it should be noted that the illustrative embodiments are not limited in their application or use to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and descriptions. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented or incorporated into other embodiments, variations, and modifications, and may be carried out or performed in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein have been selected for the purpose of illustrating the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit them. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below may be combined with any one or more other embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below.

[0012] Various embodiments apply to improved ultrasonic surgical devices, electrosurgical devices, and generators for use with them. Embodiments of ultrasonic surgical devices may be configured, for example, to transversely incise and / or coagulate tissue during surgical procedures. Embodiments of electrosurgical devices may be configured, for example, to transversely incise, coagulate, scale, weld and / or dry tissue during surgical procedures.

[0013] Surgical system hardware Referring to Figure 1, the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100 includes one or more surgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud 104 which may include a remote server 113 connected to a storage device 105). Each surgical system 102 includes at least one surgical hub 106 that communicates with the cloud 104 which may include the remote server 113. In one example, as shown in Figure 1, the surgical system 102 includes a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112, which are configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 106. In some embodiments, the surgical system 102 may include M hubs 106, N visualization systems 108, O robotic systems 110, and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments 112, where M, N, O, and P are integers of 1 or more.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of a surgical system 102 used to perform a surgical procedure on a patient lying on an operating table 114 in an operating room 116. A robotic system 110 is used as part of the surgical system 102 in the surgical procedure. The robotic system 110 includes a surgeon's console 118, a patient-side cart 120 (surgical robot), and a surgical robot hub 122. While the surgeon views the surgical site through the surgeon's console 118, the patient-side cart 120 can manipulate at least one detachably connected surgical tool 117 through a minimally invasive incision in the patient's body. Images of the surgical site can be acquired by a medical imaging device 124, which can be manipulated by the patient-side cart 120 to change the orientation of the imaging device 124. Images of the surgical site can be processed using the robotic hub 122 and then displayed to the surgeon through the surgeon's console 118.

[0015] Other types of robotic systems can be readily adapted for use with surgical system 102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgical tools suitable for use with this disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,339, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] Various examples of cloud-based analytical methods implemented by Cloud104 and suitable for use with this disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, filed December 28, 2017, entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] In various embodiments, the imaging device 124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Preferred image sensors include, but are not limited to, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

[0018] The optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or more illumination sources and / or one or more lenses. One or more illumination sources may be directed to illuminate a portion of the surgical field. One or more image sensors can receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and / or surgical instruments.

[0019] One or more illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the visible and invisible spectra. The visible spectrum, sometimes also called the light spectrum or emission spectrum, is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye (i.e., detectable by the human eye), and is sometimes called visible light or simply light. The typical human eye responds to wavelengths in air from approximately 380 nm to approximately 750 nm.

[0020] The invisible spectrum (i.e., the non-emission spectrum) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum located below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths below approximately 380 nm and above approximately 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is undetectable to the human eye. Wavelengths above approximately 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum and consist of invisible infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths below approximately 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum and consist of invisible ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma-ray electromagnetic radiation.

[0021] In various embodiments, the imaging device 124 is configured for use in minimally invasive procedures. Examples of imaging devices suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopes, angioscopes, bronchoscopes, cholangioscopies, colonoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes, intestinaloscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes (gastroscopy), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngolaryngoscopes, sigmoidoscopy, thoracoscopy, and ureteroscopes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the imaging device employs multispectral monitoring to distinguish topography from underlying structures. Multispectral imaging captures image data within a specific wavelength range from the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelengths can be separated by filters or by using instruments sensitive to specific wavelengths, including frequencies beyond the visible light range, such as IR and ultraviolet light. Spectral imaging makes it possible to extract additional information that cannot be captured by the red, green, and blue receptors of the human eye. The use of multispectral imaging is described in detail in the section "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Multispectral monitoring can be a useful tool for repositioning the surgical field after the completion of a surgical task to perform one or more of the tests described above on the treated tissue.

[0023] It is self-evident that strict sterilization of the operating room and surgical instruments is necessary in any surgical procedure. The strict sanitary and sterilization conditions required in the “operating room,” i.e., the operating room or treatment room, require the highest possible level of sterility for all medical devices and instruments. Part of the sterilization process includes the need to sterilize everything that comes into contact with the patient or enters the sterile field, including the imaging device 124 and its accessories and components. It will be understood that the sterile field may be considered a specific area that is deemed to be free of microorganisms, such as inside a tray or on a sterile towel, or it may be considered the area immediately surrounding a patient who is ready for surgical treatment. The sterile field may include cleaned team members wearing appropriate clothing, as well as all equipment and restraints within that area.

[0024] In various embodiments, the visualization system 108 includes one or more imaging sensors strategically positioned relative to a sterile field, one or more image processing units, one or more storage arrays, and one or more displays, as shown in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the visualization system 108 includes interfaces for HL7, PACS, and EMR. Various components of the visualization system 108 are described in the section “Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module” of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,” filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the primary display 119 is positioned in the sterile field so that it is visible to the operator on the operating table 114. In addition, a visualization tower 111 is positioned outside the sterile field. The visualization tower 111 includes a first non-sterile display 107 and a second non-sterile display 109, facing opposite directions from each other. The visualization system 108, guided by the hub 106, is configured to utilize displays 107, 109, and 119 to coordinate the flow of information to operators inside and outside the sterile field. For example, the hub 106 can cause the visualization system 108 to display snapshots of the surgical site recorded by the imaging device 124 on the non-sterile displays 107 or 109 while maintaining live video of the surgical site on the primary display 119. The snapshots on the non-sterile displays 107 or 109 allow, for example, a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to the surgical procedure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hub 106 is also configured to send diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator in the visualization tower 111 to a primary display 119 in the sterile field, which can then be viewed by a sterile operator at the operating table. In one example, the input may take the form of modifications to a snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, which can then be sent to the primary display 119 by the hub 106.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the surgical instrument 112 is used as part of the surgical system 102 in a surgical procedure. The hub 106 is also configured to coordinate the flow of information to the display of the surgical instrument 112. For example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator in the visualization tower 111 can be sent by the hub 106 to the surgical instrument display 115 in the sterile field, which can then be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 112. Examples of surgical instruments suitable for use with surgical system 102 are described, for example, in the section “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HARDWARE” and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Referring here to Figure 3, a hub 106 is shown that communicates with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112. In some embodiments, the visualization system 108 may be a separable device. In an alternative embodiment, the visualization system 108 may be contained within the hub 106 as a functional module. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, and an operating room mapping module 133. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the hub 106 further includes a smoke removal module 126, a suction / irrigation module 128, and / or an air supply module 129. In certain embodiments, any of the modules within the hub 106 may be combined with each other to form a single module.

[0029] During surgical procedures, applying energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is generally associated with fumes, excess fluid suction, and / or tissue irrigation. Fluid lines, power lines, and / or data lines from different sources often become entangled during surgical procedures. Dealing with this problem during surgical procedures can result in the loss of valuable time. Untangling lines may require disconnecting them from their corresponding modules, which may necessitate resetting the modules. The hub-modular enclosure 136 provides an integrated environment for managing power lines, data lines, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such line entanglements.

[0030] Aspects of this disclosure present a surgical hub for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue at a surgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combination generator module slidably receivable within a docking station of the hub enclosure. The docking station includes data contacts and power contacts. The combination generator module includes one or more ultrasonic energy generator components, bipolar RF energy generator components, and unipolar RF energy generator components housed in a single unit. In one aspect, the combination generator module also includes a fume exhaust component, at least one energy supply cable for connecting the combination generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one fume exhaust component configured to exhaust smoke, fluid, and / or particulate matter generated by the application of therapeutic energy to tissue, and a fluid line extending from a remote surgical site to the fume exhaust component.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fluid line described above is a first fluid line, and a second fluid line extends from the remote surgical site to a suction and irrigation module that is slidably received within a hub enclosure. In one embodiment, the hub enclosure includes a fluid interface.

[0032] Certain surgical procedures may require the application of two or more energy types to tissue. One energy type may be more beneficial for cutting tissue, while another different energy type may be more beneficial for sealing tissue. For example, a bipolar generator can be used to seal tissue, while an ultrasonic generator can be used to cut sealed tissue. A part of the present disclosure presents a solution in which a modular enclosure 136 of a hub is configured to house various generators and facilitate interactive communication between them. One of the advantages of the modular enclosure 136 of the hub is that it allows for the rapid removal and / or replacement of various modules.

[0033] Aspects of this disclosure present a modular surgical enclosure for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue. The modular surgical enclosure includes a first energy generator module configured to generate a first energy for application to tissue, and a first docking station having a first docking port including a first data contact and a power contact. In one aspect, the first energy generator module is slidably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the first energy generator module is slidably movable to disengage from the first power contact and the data contact. In an alternative aspect, the first energy generator module is stackably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the first energy generator module is stackably movable to disengage from the first power contact and the data contact.

[0034] In addition to the above, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a second energy generator module configured to generate a second energy identical or different from a first energy for application to tissue, and a second docking station having a second docking port including a second data contact and a power contact. In one embodiment, the second energy generator module is slidably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the second energy generator module is slidably movable to disengage from the second power contact and the data contact. In an alternative embodiment, the second energy generator module is stackably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the second energy generator module is stackably movable to disengage from the second power contact and the data contact.

[0035] In addition, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a communication bus between a first docking port and a second docking port, which is configured to facilitate communication between a first energy generator module and a second energy generator module.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, an aspect of the present disclosure is presented relating to a modular enclosure 136 of a hub that enables modular integration of a generator module 140, a smoke exhaust module 126, a suction / irrigation module 128, and an air supply module 129. The modular enclosure 136 of the hub further facilitates interactive communication between modules 140, 126, 128, and 129. The generator module 140 may be a generator module comprising integrated unipolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported within a single housing unit that is slidably inserted into the modular enclosure 136 of the hub. The generator module 140 may be configured to connect to a unipolar device 142, a bipolar device 144, and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140 may comprise a set of unipolar generator modules, bipolar generator modules, and / or ultrasonic generator modules that interact via the hub modular enclosure 136. The hub modular enclosure 136 can be configured to facilitate the insertion of multiple generators and bidirectional communication between generators docked to the hub modular enclosure 136, so that multiple generators function as a single generator.

[0037] In one embodiment, the modular enclosure 136 of the hub includes a modular power and communications backplane 149 with external and wireless communication headers to enable the removable mounting of modules 140, 126, 128, and 129 and interactive communication between them.

[0038] Generator hardware As used throughout this specification, the term “wireless” and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communication channels, etc., that can communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid medium. This term does not mean that the devices concerned are not wired, although in some embodiments they may not be present. A communication module may implement any of a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, and their Ethernet derivatives, as well as any other wireless and wired protocols designated as 3G, 4G, 5G and later. A computing module may include multiple communication modules. For example, the first communication module may be dedicated to short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the second communication module may be dedicated to long-range wireless communication such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, and Ev-DO.

[0039] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that operates on several external data sources (usually memory) or some other data stream. The term is used herein to refer to a central processor (central processing unit) within a system or computer system (especially a system on a chip, or SoC) that combines many specialized "processors".

[0040] As used herein, a system-on-a-chip (SoC or SOC) is an integrated circuit (also known as an "IC" or "chip") that integrates all the components of a computer or other electronic system. It can contain digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often high-frequency functions, all on a single substrate. An SoC integrates a microcontroller (or microprocessor) with modern peripherals such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), Wi-Fi module, or coprocessor. An SoC may or may not include internal memory.

[0041] As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system that integrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. A microcontroller (or MCU for a microcontroller unit) may be implemented as a miniature computer on a single integrated circuit. This may be similar to an SoC, which may include a microcontroller as one of its components. A microcontroller may house memory and programmable input / output peripherals along with one or more core processing units (CPUs). Program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash, or OTP ROM, and a small amount of RAM are also often included on the chip. Microcontrollers may be used for embedded applications, in contrast to microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications consisting of various separate chips.

[0042] As used herein, the terms controller or microcontroller may refer to a standalone IC or chip device that interfaces with a peripheral device. This may also refer to a connection between two parts of a computer or controller on an external device that manages the operation of the device (and its connection to the device).

[0043] Any processor or microcontroller described herein may be implemented by any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known by the trade name ARM Cortex from Texas Instruments. In one embodiment, the processor may be, for example, the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments. This processor core includes on-chip memory of 256KB single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory with a maximum frequency of 40MHz, a prefetch buffer for improving performance beyond 40MHz, 32KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) with StellarisWare® software, 2KB electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder input (QEI) analogs, and one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 12 analog input channels. Further details are available in the product datasheet.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processor may include a safety controller, including two controller-based families, such as the TMS570 and RM4x, also from Texas Instruments and known by the trade names Hercules ARM Cortex R4. The safety controller may be configured, in particular, specifically for IEC61508 and ISO26262 safety limit applications, to provide a highly integrated safety mechanism while offering scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options.

[0045] A modular device includes modules receivable within a surgical hub (as described, for example, in relation to Figure 3), and surgical devices or instruments that can be connected to various modules for connection or pairing with the corresponding surgical hub. Examples of modular devices include intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, fume extractors, energy generators, ventilators, inhalers, and displays. Modular devices described herein can be controlled by control algorithms. Control algorithms may be executed on the modular device itself, on the surgical hub to which a particular modular device is paired, or on both the modular device and the surgical hub (for example, via a distributed computing architecture). In some examples, the control algorithm for a modular device controls the device based on data sensed by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors within the modular device, on the modular device, or connected to the modular device). This data may be related to the patient during surgery (e.g., tissue characteristics or pressure) or to the modular device itself (e.g., the speed of the advancing knife, motor current, or energy level). For example, a control algorithm for surgical stapling and cutting instruments can control the speed at which the instrument's motor penetrates tissue and drives the knife, based on the resistance generated by the knife as it moves forward.

[0046] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the surgical system 2200, which includes a modular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 that can be used with it, where surgical instrument 2204 is an ultrasonic surgical instrument, surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument, and multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 is a combined ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument. The modular energy system 2000 can be configured for use with various surgical instruments. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with different types of various surgical devices, including, for example, the ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, the RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and the multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 which integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered individually or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the modular energy system 2000 is shown separately from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208. However, in one embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. The modular energy system 2000 may be configured for wired or wireless communication.

[0047] The modular energy system 2000 is configured to drive several surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208. The first surgical instrument is the ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, which includes a handpiece 2205 (HP), an ultrasonic transducer 2220, a shaft 2226, and an end effector 2222. The end effector 2222 includes an ultrasonic blade 2228 acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 and a clamp arm 2240. The handpiece 2205 includes a trigger 2243 for operating the clamp arm 2240 and a combination of toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, and 2234c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 2228 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, and 2234c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000.

[0048] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to drive a second surgical instrument 2206. The second surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument and includes a handpiece 2207 (HP), a shaft 2227, and an end effector 2224. The end effector 2224 contains electrodes in clamp arms 2242a, 2242b that return through the electrically conductive portion of the shaft 2227. The electrodes are connected to a bipolar energy source in the modular energy system 2000 and are supplied with energy by the bipolar energy source. The handpiece 2207 includes a trigger 2245 for operating the clamp arms 2242a, 2242b and an energy button 2235 for activating an energy switch to supply energy to the electrodes in the end effector 2224.

[0049] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to drive a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208. The multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 includes a handpiece 2209 (HP), a shaft 2229, and an end effector 2225. The end effector 2225 includes an ultrasonic blade 2249 and a clamp arm 2246. The ultrasonic blade 2249 is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer 2220. The ultrasonic transducer 2220 may be detachable from the handpiece 2209 or integrated with it. The handpiece 2209 includes a trigger 2247 for operating the clamp arm 2246 and a combination of toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, and 2237c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 2249 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, and 2237c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000, and similarly to supply energy to the ultrasonic blade 2249 using a bipolar energy source housed within the modular energy system 2000.

[0050] The modular energy system 2000 can be configured for use with a variety of surgical instruments. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with a variety of different types of surgical devices, including, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, an RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered individually or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the modular energy system 2000 is shown separately from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208, but in other embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be formed integrally with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. Further embodiments of generators for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms and surgical instruments are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0086914(A1), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] Situational awareness "Intelligent" devices that include control algorithms that respond to detected data may be an improvement over "data-dumb" devices that operate without considering detected data. However, some detected data, when considered in isolation, may be incomplete or inconclusive without the context of the type of surgical procedure being performed or the type of tissue being operated on. Without knowing the context of the procedure (e.g., the type of tissue being operated on or the type of procedure being performed), a control algorithm, given detected data without specific context, may control a modular device inaccurately or suboptimally. For example, the optimal form of a control algorithm for controlling a surgical instrument in response to a specific detected parameter may vary depending on the specific type of tissue being operated on. This is due to the fact that different types of tissue have different properties (e.g., resistance to tearing) and therefore respond differently to actions taken by the surgical instrument. Thus, even when the same measurement is detected for a particular parameter, it may be desirable for the surgical instrument to take different actions. As a specific example, the optimal mode of control for surgical stapling and cutting instruments in response to detecting unexpectedly high forces required to close their end effectors differs depending on whether the tissue type is susceptible to tearing or resistant to tearing. For tear-sensitive tissues, such as lung tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally slows down the motor in response to unexpectedly high forces required to close in order to avoid tearing the tissue. For tear-resistant tissues, such as stomach tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally accelerates the motor in response to unexpectedly high forces required to close in order to ensure that the end effector is properly clamped to the tissue. If it is unclear whether lung tissue or stomach tissue is being clamped, the control algorithm may make an insufficient decision.

[0052] One solution utilizes a surgical hub, which includes a system configured to derive information about a surgical procedure being performed based on data received from various data sources, and then appropriately control paired modular devices. In other words, the surgical hub is configured to infer information about a surgical procedure from received data, and then control modular devices paired with the surgical hub based on the inferred context about the surgical procedure. Figure 5 illustrates a diagram of a context-aware surgical system 2300 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In some examples, the data source 2326 may include, for example, a modular device 2302 (which may include sensors configured to detect parameters associated with the patient and / or the modular device itself), a database 2322 (e.g., an EMR database containing patient records), and a patient monitoring device 2324 (e.g., a blood pressure (BP) monitor and an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor). The surgical hub 2304 may be configured to derive contextual information about a surgical procedure from data, for example, based on a particular combination of received data or a particular order in which data was received from the data source 2326. Contextual information inferred from the received data may include, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed, a specific step of the surgical procedure being performed by the surgeon, the type of tissue being operated on, or the body cavity being targeted by the procedure. This function by some aspects of the surgical hub 2304 for deriving or inferring information about a surgical procedure from received data may be referred to as “situational awareness.” In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may incorporate a situational awareness system, which is hardware and / or programming associated with the surgical hub 2304, for deriving contextual information related to a surgical procedure from received data.

[0053] The situational awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive contextual information from data received from the data source 2326 in various different ways. In one example, the situational awareness system includes a pattern recognition system or machine learning system (e.g., an artificial neural network) trained on training data to correlate various inputs (e.g., data from the database 2322, the patient monitoring device 2324, and / or the modular device 2302) with corresponding contextual information about the surgical procedure. In other words, the machine learning system can be trained to accurately derive contextual information about the surgical procedure from the provided inputs. In another example, the situational awareness system may include a lookup table that stores pre-characterized contextual information about the surgical procedure, associated with one or more inputs (or ranges of inputs) that correspond to that contextual information. In response to a query with one or more inputs, the lookup table can return the corresponding contextual information of the situational awareness system to control the modular device 2302. In one example, contextual information received by the situation awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 is associated with a specific control adjustment, or a set of control adjustments, of one or more modular devices 2302. In another example, the situation awareness system includes a further machine learning system, a lookup table, or other such system that generates or retrieves one or more control adjustments of one or more modular devices 2302 when contextual information is provided as input.

[0054] The surgical hub 2304, which incorporates a situational awareness system, brings many advantages to the surgical system 2300. One advantage is improved interpretation of detected and collected data, which improves processing accuracy during the course of the surgical procedure and / or the use of the data. Returning to the previous example, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine what type of tissue is being operated on, and therefore, if an unexpectedly high force is detected to close the end effector of a surgical instrument, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can correctly accelerate or decelerate the motor of the surgical instrument according to the tissue type.

[0055] In another embodiment, the type of tissue being operated on may affect the adjustments made to the compression rate and load threshold of surgical stapling and cutting instruments for measuring specific interstitial gaps. The situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can infer whether the surgical procedure being performed is a thoracic or abdominal procedure, thereby allowing the surgical hub 2304 to determine whether the tissue clamped by the end effector of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument is lung tissue (in the case of a thoracic procedure) or gastric tissue (in the case of an abdominal procedure). The surgical hub 2304 can then appropriately adjust the compression rate and load threshold of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument to match the type of tissue.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the type of body cavity being operated on during an aeration procedure may affect the function of the smoke exhauster. The situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical site is under pressure (by determining that the surgical procedure is utilizing aeration) and determine the type of procedure. Generally, since certain types of procedures are performed in specific body cavities, the surgical hub 2304 can appropriately control the motor speed of the smoke exhauster to match the body cavity being operated on. Thus, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can provide a consistent amount of smoke exhaust for both thoracic and abdominal surgeries.

[0057] As another example, the type of procedure being performed can affect the optimal energy level for operation of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or a radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument. For example, arthroscopy requires a higher energy level because the end effector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument is immersed in fluid. The situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical procedure is an arthroscopy. The surgical hub 2304 can then adjust the RF power level or ultrasonic amplitude (i.e., "energy level") of the generator to compensate for the fluid-filled environment. Relatedly, the type of tissue being operated on can affect the optimal energy level for operation of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or an RF electrosurgical instrument. The situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine the type of surgical procedure being performed and then customize the energy level of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument, respectively, according to the expected tissue shape for the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can be configured to adjust the energy levels of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument not merely per procedure, but throughout the course of the surgical procedure. The situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which stage of the surgical procedure is being performed or is continuing, and then update the control algorithms of the generator and / or the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument to set the energy levels to values ​​appropriate for the expected tissue type according to the stage of the surgical procedure.

[0058] As yet another example, the surgical hub 2304 may also derive data from additional data sources 2326 to improve conclusions drawn from one data source 2326. The contextually aware surgical hub 2304 may enhance data received from the modular device 2302 with contextual information constructed from other data sources 2326 regarding the surgical procedure. For example, the contextually aware surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine whether hemostasis has occurred (i.e., whether bleeding at the surgical site has stopped) according to video or image data received from a medical imaging device. However, in some cases, video or image data may not be conclusive. Therefore, in one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be further configured to make a decision regarding the integrity of the staple line or tissue weld by comparing physiological measurements (e.g., blood pressure detected by a BP monitor communicably connected to the surgical hub 2304) with visual or image data of hemostasis (e.g., from a medical imaging device 124 (Figure 2) communicably connected to the surgical hub 2304). In other words, the context-aware system of the surgical hub 2304 can take physiological measurement data into consideration to provide additional context when analyzing visualization data. This additional context can be useful when the visualization data itself may not be conclusive or may be incomplete.

[0059] Another advantage is the proactive and automatic control of the paired modular devices 2302 according to specific steps of the surgical procedure being performed, in order to reduce the number of times healthcare professionals are required to interact with or control the surgical system 2300 during the course of the surgical procedure. For example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 may proactively start the generator to which the RF electrosurgical instrument is connected if it determines that the instrument will be needed in a subsequent step of the procedure. By proactively starting the energy source, the instrument can be ready for use as soon as the preceding steps of the procedure are completed.

[0060] In another embodiment, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the current or subsequent steps of the surgical procedure require different views or magnifications on the display, according to the shape(s) of the surgical site that the surgeon is expected to need to see. The surgical hub 2304 can then proactively change the displayed view (e.g., supplied from a medical imaging device for the visualization system 108) as appropriate, thereby automatically adjusting the display throughout the surgical procedure.

[0061] As yet another example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which steps of a surgical procedure are being performed or will be performed next, and whether specific data or comparisons of data are required for that step of the surgical procedure. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to automatically call up data screens based on the steps of the surgical procedure being performed, without waiting for the surgeon to ask for specific information.

[0062] Another advantage is the ability to check for errors during or in the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the operating room is properly or optimally set up for the surgical procedure to be performed. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure being performed, read the corresponding checklist, product location, or setup requirements (e.g., from memory), and then compare the current operating room layout to a standard layout for the type of surgical procedure that the surgical hub 2304 has determined is being performed. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to compare a list of items for the procedure (e.g., scanned by a suitable scanner) and / or a list of devices paired with the surgical hub 2304 to a recommended or expected manifest of items and / or devices for a given surgical procedure. If any discontinuities exist between the lists, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to provide an alert indicating that a particular modular device 2302, patient monitoring device 2324, and / or other surgical items are missing. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine the relative distance or relative position of the modular device 2302 and the patient monitoring device 2324, for example, by proximity sensors. The surgical hub 2304 can compare the relative positions of the devices to a recommended or expected layout for a particular surgical procedure. If any discontinuity exists between the layouts, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to provide an alert indicating that the current layout for the surgical procedure deviates from the recommended layout.

[0063] As another example, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine whether a surgeon (or other healthcare professional) is making an error or deviating from a set of actions expected during a surgical procedure. For example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure being performed, read a correspondence list of instrument usage steps or sequences (e.g., from memory), and then compare the steps or instruments being performed or used during the surgical procedure with the steps or instruments expected for the type of surgical procedure that the surgical hub 2304 has determined is being performed. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to provide an alert indicating that an unexpected action is being performed or an unexpected device is being used at a particular step in the surgical procedure.

[0064] Overall, the context-aware system for the surgical hub 2304 improves surgical outcomes by adjusting surgical instruments (and other modular devices 2302) for the specific context of each surgical procedure (e.g., for different tissue types) and by validating actions during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the context-aware system improves surgeon efficiency when performing surgical procedures by automatically suggesting the next steps, providing data, and adjusting the in-surgery displays and other modular devices 2302 according to the specific context of the procedure.

[0065] Modular energy systems Due to the sheer volume of equipment required to perform surgical procedures, operating rooms worldwide have become a tangled web of cords, devices, and people. Surgical capital equipment tends to be the primary cause of this problem, as most of it performs a single, specialized task. Because of their specialized nature, surgeons may need to utilize multiple different types of devices during a single surgical procedure, forcing operating rooms to stock two or even more pieces of surgical capital equipment, such as energy generators. Each of these pieces of surgical capital equipment must be individually plugged into a power source and may also be connected to one or more other devices passed among personnel in the operating room, leading to tangled cords and requiring guidance. Another problem faced in modern operating rooms is that each of these specialized pieces of surgical capital equipment must have its own user interface and be controlled independently of other pieces of equipment in the operating room. This makes it complex to connect and properly control multiple different devices, requiring users to be trained in and memorize different types of user interfaces (which may be further modified based on the task or surgical procedure being performed, in addition to changes between each piece of capital equipment). This cumbersome and complex process may require more individuals to be present in the operating room and can create danger if multiple devices are not properly controlled to each other. Therefore, integrating surgical capital equipment technology into a single system that flexibly addresses the surgeon's need to reduce the footprint of surgical capital equipment in the operating room would simplify the user experience, reduce clutter in the operating room, and prevent the difficulties and dangers associated with simultaneously controlling multiple pieces of capital equipment. Furthermore, making such a system scalable or customizable would allow new technologies to be conveniently incorporated into existing surgical systems, eliminating the need to replace the entire surgical system or requiring operating room personnel to learn new user interfaces or equipment controls for each new technology.

[0066] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the surgical hub 106 can be configured to interchangeably accept various modules, which can interface with surgical devices (e.g., surgical instruments or fume extractors) or provide various other functions (e.g., communication). In one embodiment, the surgical hub 106 can be embodied as a modular energy system 2000, as shown in relation to Figures 6 to 12. The modular energy system 2000 may include various different modules 2001 that are interconnected in a stacked configuration. In one embodiment, the modules 2001 can be physically and communicatively linked when stacked or when otherwise connected together to form a single assembly. Furthermore, the modules 2001 may be interchangeably connected in different combinations or arrangements. In one embodiment, each module 2001 may include a consistent or universal array of connectors arranged along their upper and lower surfaces, thereby enabling any module 2001 to be connected to another module 2001 in any arrangement (however, in some embodiments, certain module types, such as header modules 2002, may be configured to function, for example, as modules positioned at the top of a stack). In an alternative embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may include housings configured to receive and hold modules 2001, as shown in Figure 3. The modular energy system 2000 may also include a variety of different components or accessories that can be connected to or otherwise associated with modules 2001. In yet another embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be embodied as a generator module 140 of the surgical hub 106 (Figure 3). In yet another embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be a system separate from the surgical hub 106. In this embodiment, the modular energy systems 2000 may be connectable to the surgical hub 206 in a communicative manner for transmitting and / or receiving data between them.

[0067] The modular energy system 2000 can be assembled from various different modules 2001, some examples of which are shown in Figure 6. Each of the different types of modules 2001 can provide a different function, thereby allowing the modular energy system 2000 to be assembled into different configurations and thus the functions and capabilities of the modular energy system 2000 to be customized by customizing the modules 2001 included in each modular energy system 2000. The modules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000 may include, for example, a header module 2002 (which may include a display screen 2006), an energy module 2004, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042. In the illustrated embodiment, the header module 2002 is configured to function as the top or topmost module in the modular energy system stack and therefore may lack connectors along its top surface. In another embodiment, the header module 2002 may be configured to be located at the bottom of the modular energy system stack or to be the bottommost module and therefore may lack connectors along its bottom surface. In yet another embodiment, the header module 2002 may be configured to be positioned in an intermediate location within the modular energy system stack and therefore may include connectors along both its bottom and top surfaces. The header module 2002 may be configured to control system-wide settings for each module 2001 and its connected components through a physical control unit 2011 on the header module 2002 and / or through a graphical user interface (GUI) 2008 displayed on a display screen 2006. Such settings may include the startup of the modular energy system 2000, alarm volume settings, foot switch settings, setting icons, the appearance or configuration of the user interface, the surgeon profile logged into the modular energy system 2000, and / or the type of surgical procedure being performed.The header module 2002 may also be configured to provide communication, processing, and / or power to module 2001 connected to the header module 2002. The energy module 2004, also referred to as generator module 140 (Figure 3), may be configured to generate one or more energy modalities for driving electrosurgical and / or ultrasonic surgical instruments. The technology module 2040 may be configured to provide additional or extended control algorithms (e.g., electrosurgical or ultrasonic control algorithms for controlling the energy output of energy module 2004). The visualization module 2042 may be configured to interface with a visualization device (i.e., a scope) and thus can provide enhanced visualization capabilities.

[0068] The modular energy system 2000 may further include various accessories 2029 that are connectable to module 2001 to control the functions of module 2001, or otherwise configured to function in conjunction with the modular energy system 2000. Examples of accessories 2029 may include a single-pedal footswitch 2032, a dual-pedal footswitch 2034, and a cart 2030 for supporting the modular energy system 2000. Footswitches 2032 and 2034 may be configured, for example, to control the activation or function of specific energy modalities output by energy module 2004.

[0069] By utilizing modular components, the illustrated modular energy system 2000 provides a surgical platform that grows with the availability of technology and can be customized to the needs of facilities and / or surgeons. Furthermore, the modular energy system 2000 supports combo devices (e.g., electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy dual generators) and software-driven algorithms for customized effects on tissue. Moreover, the surgical system architecture reduces the footprint of capital equipment by combining multiple technologies crucial for surgical procedures into a single system.

[0070] Various modular components available in connection with the modular energy system 2000 may include unipolar energy generators, bipolar energy generators, dual electrosurgical / ultrasonic energy generators, display screens, and various other modules and / or other components, some of which are also described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3.

[0071] Referring here to Figure 7A, the header module 2002 may, in some embodiments, include a display screen 2006 that displays a GUI 2008 for relaying information about the module 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some embodiments, the GUI 2008 on the display screen 2006 can provide an integrated control point for all the module 2001 constituting a particular configuration of the modular energy system 2000. Various embodiments of the GUI 2008 are discussed below in more detail with reference to Figure 12. In alternative embodiments, the header module 2002 may lack a display screen 2006, or the display screen 2006 may be detachably connected to the housing 2010 of the header module 2002. In such embodiments, the header module 2002 may be communicably connected to an external system configured to display information generated by the module 2001 of the modular energy system 2000. For example, in a robotic surgery application, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively connected to a robotic cart or robotic control console, which is configured to display information generated by the modular energy system 2000 to the operator of the robotic surgery system. In another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively connected to a mobile display, which is carried by or attached to the surgical staff so that information can be viewed on the mobile display. In yet another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively connected to another computer system which may include a surgical hub 2100 or a display 2104, as shown in Figure 11.In embodiments utilizing a user interface that is separate from or otherwise distinguishable from the modular energy system 2000, the user interface may be wirelessly connectable to the entire modular energy system 2000, or to one or more modules 2001 thereof, so that the user interface can display information from the connected modules 2001.

[0072] Referring further to Figure 7A, the energy module 2004 may include a port assembly 2012 containing a number of different ports, each configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments connectable to each port. In the particular embodiments shown in Figures 6–12, the port assembly 2012 includes a bipolar port 2014, a first unipolar port 2016a, a second unipolar port 2016b, a neutral port 2018 (to which a unipolar return pad can be connected), and a combined energy port 2020. However, this particular combination of ports is provided for illustrative purposes only, and alternative combinations of ports and / or energy modalities may be possible for the port assembly 2012.

[0073] As described above, the modular energy system 2000 can be assembled into different configurations. Furthermore, different configurations of the modular energy system 2000 may also be available for different surgical procedure types and / or different tasks. For example, Figures 7A and 7B show a first exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) and an energy module 2004 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable, for example, for laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

[0074] Figure 8A shows a second exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, and a second energy module 2004b. By stacking the two energy modules 2004a and 2004b, the modular energy system 2000 can provide a pair of port assemblies 2012a and 2012b for extending the array of energy modalities deliverable from the first configuration by the modular energy system 2000. Thus, the second configuration of the modular energy system 2000 can accommodate two or more bipolar / unipolar electrosurgical instruments, three or more bipolar / unipolar electrosurgical instruments, and so on. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for complex laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. Figure 8B shows a third exemplary configuration similar to the second configuration, except that the header module 2002 lacks the display screen 2006. As described above, this configuration may be suitable for robotic surgery applications or mobile display applications.

[0075] Figure 9 shows a fourth exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, and a technology module 2040. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for surgical applications requiring complex or computationally intensive control algorithms. Alternatively, the technology module 2040 may be a newly published module that complements or extends the functionality of a previously published module (such as energy module 2004).

[0076] Figure 10 shows a fifth exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042. Such a configuration may be suitable for endoscopic procedures by providing a dedicated surgical display 2044 for relaying video feeds from a scope connected to the visualization module 2042. It should be noted that the configurations shown in Figures 7A to 11 and described above are provided merely to illustrate various concepts of the modular energy system 2000 and should not be interpreted as limiting the modular energy system 2000 to any particular configuration described above.

[0077] As described above, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicably connected to an external system such as a surgical hub 2100, as shown in Figure 11. Such an external system may include a display screen 2104 for displaying visual feeds from an endoscope (or camera or another such visualization device) and / or data from the modular energy system 2000. Such an external system may also include a computer system 2102 for performing calculations, or for analyzing data generated or provided by the modular energy system 2000 in other ways, for controlling the functions or modes of the modular energy system 2000, and / or for relaying data to a cloud computing system or another computer system. Such an external system may also coordinate the operation between multiple modular energy systems 2000 and / or other surgical systems (e.g., visualization system 108 and / or robotic system 110, as described in relation to Figures 1 and 2).

[0078] Next, referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the header module 2002 may include or support a display 2006 configured to display the GUI 2008 as described above. In addition to displaying information, the display screen 2006 may include a touchscreen for receiving input from the user. The control units displayed on the GUI 2008 may correspond to modules 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some embodiments, different parts or areas of the GUI 2008 may correspond to specific modules 2001. For example, a first part or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a first module, and a second part or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a second module. When different and / or additional modules 2001 are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI 2008 may be configured to correspond to different and / or additional control units for each newly added module 2001, or to remove the control units of each module 2001 that is removed. Each portion of the display corresponding to a specific module connected to the header module 2002 can display the control unit, data, user prompts, and / or other information corresponding to that module. For example, in Figure 12, the first or upper portion 2052 of the illustrated GUI 2008 displays the control unit and data associated with the energy module 2004 connected to the header module 2002. Specifically, the first portion 2052 of the GUI 2008 for the energy module 2004 provides a first widget 2056a corresponding to a bipolar port 2014, a second widget 2056b corresponding to a first unipolar port 2016a, a third widget 2056c corresponding to a second unipolar port 2016b, and a fourth widget 2056d corresponding to a combined energy port 2020. Each of these widgets 2056a to d provides a control unit for controlling data related to the corresponding port of the widget in the port assembly 2012, and the mode and other features of the energy modality delivered by the energy module 2004 through each port of the port assembly 2012.For example, widgets 2056a to d may be configured to display the power level of the surgical instrument connected to each port, and to change the operating mode of the surgical instrument connected to each port (for example, changing the surgical instrument from a first power level to a second power level, and / or changing a unipolar surgical instrument from "spray" mode to "blend" mode).

[0079] In one embodiment, the header module 2002 may include various physical control units 2011 in addition to or instead of the GUI 2008. Such physical control units 2011 may include, for example, power buttons that control the application of power to each module 2001 connected to the header module 2002 in the modular energy system 2000. Alternatively, the power buttons may be displayed as part of the GUI 2008. Thus, the header module 2002 can function as a single point of contact, eliminating the need to individually start and disable each individual module 2001 that makes up the modular energy system 2000.

[0080] In one embodiment, the header module 2002 can display still images, videos, moving images, and / or information associated with the surgical module 2001 on which the modular energy system 2000 is constructed, or with a surgical device communicatively connected to the modular energy system 2000. Still images and / or videos displayed by the header module 2002 can be received from an endoscope or another visualization device communicatively connected to the modular energy system 2000. Moving images and / or information in GUI2008 can be overlaid on or adjacent to the image or video feed.

[0081] In one embodiment, modules 2001 other than the header module 2002 can similarly be configured to relay information to the user. For example, the energy module 2004 may include optical assemblies 2015 arranged around each of the ports of the port assembly 2012. The optical assemblies 2015 can be configured to relay information about the ports to the user according to their color or state (e.g., blinking). For example, the optical assemblies 2015 can change from a first color to a second color when a plug is fully seated in each port. In one embodiment, the color or state of the optical assemblies 2015 may be controlled by the header module 2002. For example, the header module 2002 can cause the optical assembly 2015 of each port to display a color corresponding to the port color display on the GUI 2008.

[0082] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a standalone hub configuration of the modular energy system 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of the modular energy system 3000 integrated with a surgical control system 3010 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the modular energy system 3000 may be used as a standalone unit or integrated with a surgical control system 3010 that controls and / or receives data from one or more surgical hub units. In the embodiments shown in Figures 13 and 14, the integrated header / UI module 3002 of the modular energy system 3000 includes a header module and a UI module integrated together as a single module. In other aspects, the header module and the UI module may be provided as separate components that are communicably connected via a data bus 3008.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13, an example of a standalone modular energy system 3000 includes an integrated header module / user interface (UI) module 3002 connected to an energy module 3004. Power and data are transmitted between the integrated header / UI module 3002 and the energy module 3004 through a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008. For example, the integrated header / UI module 3002 can send various commands to the energy module 3004 through the data interface 3008. Such commands may be based on user input from the UI. As a further example, power may be transmitted to the energy module 3004 through the power interface 3006.

[0084] In Figure 14, the surgical hub configuration includes a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a control system 3010, and, in particular, an interface system 3022 for managing data and power transmission to and from the modular energy system 3000. The modular energy system shown in Figure 14 includes an integrated header module / UI module 3002, a first energy module 3004, and a second energy module 3012. In one embodiment, a data transmission path is established between the system control unit 3024 of the control system 3010 and the second energy module 3012 (through the first energy module 3004) and the header / UI module 3002 (through the data interface 3008). In addition, a power path extends between the integrated header / UI module 3002 and the second energy module 3012 through the power interface 3006 and through the first energy module 3004. In other words, in one embodiment, the first energy module 3004 is configured to function as a power and data interface between the second energy module 3012 and the integrated header / UI module 3002 via a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008. This configuration allows the modular energy system 3000 to be expanded by seamlessly connecting additional energy modules to the energy modules 3004 and 3012 already connected to the integrated header / UI module 3002, without requiring dedicated power and energy interfaces within the integrated header / UI module 3002.

[0085] A system control unit 3024, which may be referred to herein as a control circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, FPGA, or various combinations thereof, is connected to a system interface 3022 via an energy interface 3026 and an appliance communication interface 3028. The system interface 3022 is connected to a first energy module 3004 via a first energy interface 3014 and a first appliance communication interface 3016. The system interface 3022 is connected to a second energy module 3012 via a second energy interface 3018 and a second appliance communication interface 3020. When additional modules, such as additional energy modules, are stacked within the modular energy system 3000, additional energy and communication interfaces are provided between the system interface 3022 and the additional modules.

[0086] Energy modules 3004, 3012 are connectable to a hub and can be configured to generate electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar or unipolar), ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof (referred to herein as “high-energy” modules) for various energy surgical instruments. Generally, energy modules 3004, 3012 include a hardware / software interface, an ultrasonic controller, a high-energy RF controller, a bipolar RF controller, and a control algorithm executed by a controller that receives the output from the controllers and controls the operation of the various energy modules 3004, 3012 accordingly. In various aspects of this disclosure, the controller described herein may be implemented as a control circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, or FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0087] Figures 15–17 are block diagrams of various modular energy systems connected together to form a hub, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figures 15–17 show various diagrams (e.g., circuit or control diagrams) of the hub module. The modular energy system 3000 includes, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of energy modules 3004 (Figure 16), 3012 (Figure 17), a header module 3150 (Figure 17), a UI module 3030 (Figure 15), and a communication module 3032 (Figure 15). The UI module 3030 includes a touchscreen 3046 that displays various relevant information and various user controls for controlling one or more parameters of the modular energy system 3000. The UI module 3030 is mounted on the top header module 3150 but is housed separately so that it can be operated independently of the header module 3150. For example, the UI module 3030 may be picked up by a user and / or reattached to the header module 3150. Additionally, or alternatively, the UI module 3030 can be slightly moved relative to the header module 3150 to adjust its position and / or orientation. For example, the UI module 3030 can be tilted and / or rotated relative to the header module 3150.

[0088] In some embodiments, various hub modules may include optical conduits around physical ports for communicating instrument status, and may also connect on-screen elements to corresponding instruments. Optical conduits are an example of illumination technology that can be used to alert the user to the status of surgical instruments attached to / connected to physical ports. In one embodiment, the user is instructed to connect a surgical instrument to a physical port by illuminating the physical port with a specific light. In another embodiment, the user is alerted to an error related to an existing connection with a surgical instrument by illuminating the physical port with a specific light.

[0089] Referring to Figure 15, a block diagram of a user interface (UI) module 3030 connected to a communication module 3032 via a pass-through hub connector 3034 is shown, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The UI module 3030 is provided as a separate component from a header module 3150 (shown in Figure 17) and may be communicatively connected to the header module 3150 via the communication module 3032, for example. In one aspect, the UI module 3030 may include a UI processor 3040 configured to represent declarative visualizations and behaviors received from other connected modules and to perform other centralized UI functions such as system configuration (e.g., language selection, module association, etc.). The UI processor 3040 may be a processor or system-on-module (SOM) that runs a framework such as Qt, .NET WPF, or a web server.

[0090] In the example shown, the UI module 3030 includes a touchscreen 3046, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 3048, and an audio output 3052 (e.g., speaker, buzzer). The UI processor 3040 is configured to receive touchscreen input from a touch controller 3044 connected between the touchscreen 3046 and the UI processor 3040. The UI processor 3040 is configured to output visual information to the LCD display 3048 and audio information to the audio output 3052 via an audio amplifier 3050. The UI processor 3040 is interfaced to a communication module 3032 via a switch 3042 connected to a pass-through hub connector 3034, and is configured to receive, process, and transfer data from a source device to a destination device and to control data communication between them. DC power is supplied to the UI module 3030 via a DC / DC converter module 3054. DC power is passed through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and to the communication module 3032 via the power bus 3006. Data is passed through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and to the communication module 3032 via the data bus 3008. Switches 3042 and 3056 receive, process, and transfer data from the source device to the destination device.

[0091] Continuing with Figure 15, the communication module 3032, and various surgical hubs and / or surgical systems, may include a gateway 3058 configured to shuttle selective traffic (i.e., data) between two different networks (e.g., an internal network and / or a hospital network) running different protocols. The communication module 3032 includes a first pass-through hub connector 3036 for connecting the communication module 3032 to other modules. In the example shown, the communication module 3032 is connected to the UI module 3030. The communication module 3032 is connected to other modules (e.g., an energy module) via a second pass-through hub connector 3038, and is connected to other modules via a switch 3056 located between the first pass-through hub connector 3036 and the second pass-through hub connector 3038, configured to receive, process, and transfer data from a source device to a destination device and control data communication between them. Switch 3056 is also connected to gateway 3058 to communicate information between the external communication port and UI module 3030 and other connected modules. Gateway 3058 may be connected to various communication modules, such as Ethernet module 3060, Universal Serial Bus (USB) module 3062, WiFi module 3064, and Bluetooth module 3066, for example, to communicate with a hospital or other local network. The communication modules may be physical boards located within communication module 3032, or ports connected to a remote communication board.

[0092] In some embodiments, all modules (i.e., removable hardware) are controlled by a single UI module 3030, which is mounted on or integrated with the header module. Figure 17 shows a standalone header module 3150 to which the UI module 3030 can be mounted. Figures 13, 14, and 18 show an integrated header / UI module 3002. Returning to Figure 15, in various embodiments, by integrating all modules into a single responsive UI module 3002, the system provides a simpler way to control and monitor multiple devices at once. This approach significantly reduces the footprint and complexity in the operating room (OR).

[0093] Referring to Figure 16, a block diagram of an energy module 3004 according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. A communication module 3032 (Figure 15) is connected to the energy module 3004 via a second pass-through hub connector 3038 of the communication module 3032 and a first pass-through hub connector 3074 of the energy module 3004. The energy module 3004 may be connected to other modules, such as a second energy module 3012 shown in Figure 17, via a second pass-through hub connector 3078. Returning to Figure 16, a switch 3076, positioned between the first pass-through hub connector 3074 and the second pass-through hub connector 3078, receives, processes, and transfers data from a source device to a destination device and controls data communication between them. Data is received and transmitted via a data bus 3008. The energy module 3032 includes a controller 3082 for controlling various communication and processing functions of the energy module 3004.

[0094] DC power is received and transmitted by energy module 3004 via power bus 3006. Power bus 3006 is connected to DC / DC converter module 3138, which supplies power to adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0095] In one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include an ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment may be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and may drive harmonic transducers. The ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied by a buck-adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The DDS may be embedded in a transducer DSP or implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example. The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 3106. The output of the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied to the ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is connected to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100. Ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100 via the ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed to the controller 3082 through the analog-to-digital converter 3102 (A / D). Also connected to the controller 3082 through the high energy receiving unit 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium-bandwidth data port 3098.

[0096] In one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include a broadband RF power amplifier 3108, which in one embodiment is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving an RF load within a range of output frequencies. The broadband RF power amplifier 3108 is supplied by a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a DSP via a DDS. The DDS may be embedded in the DSP, for example, or implemented in an FPGA. The controller 3082 controls the broadband RF amplifier 3086 via a DAC 3122. The output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 may be supplied through an RF select relay 3124. The RF select relay 3124 is configured to receive the output signal of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 and selectively transmit it to various other components of the energy module 3004. In one embodiment, the output signal of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 may be supplied via the RF selection relay 3124 to an RF power transformer 3110 connected to the RF output portion of the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 via the RF VI FB transformer 3114 and the input portion of the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to the controller 3082 via the A / D converter 3120. Also connected to the controller 3082 via the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112 for receiving DC power from the power bus 3006 and a low-bandwidth data port 3116.

[0097] As described above, in one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include an RF select relay 3124 driven by a controller 3082 (e.g., an FPGA) at a rated coil current for operation, and may also be set to a lower holding current via pulse width modulation (PWM) to limit steady-state power dissipation. Switching of the RF select relay 3124 is achieved by a force induction (safety) relay, and the state of the contact is sensed by the controller 3082 as a mitigation of any single fault condition. In one embodiment, the RF select relay 3124 is configured to be in a first state, and an output RF signal received from an RF source such as a broadband RF power amplifier 3108 is transmitted to a first component of the energy module 3004, such as an RF power transformer 3110 of a bipolar energy receiving unit 3118. In a second embodiment, the RF selection relay 3124 is configured to be in a second state, and the output RF signal received from an RF source, such as a broadband RF power amplifier 3108, is transmitted to a second component, such as an RF power transformer 3128 of a unipolar energy receiving unit 3136, which is described in more detail below. In a typical embodiment, the RF selection relay 3124 is driven by a controller 3082 and configured to switch between a number of states, such as a first state and a second state, to transmit the output RF signal received from the RF power amplifier 3108 between different energy receiving units of the energy module 3004.

[0098] As described above, the output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be supplied to the broadband RF power transformer 3128 of the RF unipolar receiving unit 3136 via the RF selection relay 3124. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 via the RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to the controller 3082 via the A / D 3126. Also connected to the controller 3082 through the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 are the isolated DC / DC converter port 3132, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and the low-bandwidth data port 3134.

[0099] The output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be supplied to the broadband RF power transformer 3090 of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via the RF selection relay 3124. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via the RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to the controller 3082 via the A / D converter 3104.

[0100] Figure 17 is a block diagram of a second energy module 3012 connected to a header module 3150 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The first energy module 3004 shown in Figure 16 is connected to the second energy module 3012 shown in Figure 17 by connecting the second pass-through hub connector 3078 of the first energy module 3004 to the first pass-through hub connector 3074 of the second energy module 3012. In one aspect, the second energy module 3012 may be an energy module similar to the first energy module 3004, as shown in Figure 17. In another aspect, the second energy module 2012 may be a different energy module from the first energy module, such as the energy module shown in Figure 19, which will be described in more detail. Adding the second energy module 3012 to the first energy module 3004 adds functionality to the modular energy system 3000.

[0101] The second energy module 3012 is coupled to the header module 3150 by connecting its pass-through hub connector 3078 to the pass-through hub connector 3152 of the header module 3150. In one embodiment, the header module 3150 may include a header processor 3158 configured to manage a power button function 3166, software upgrades via an upgrade USB module 3162, system time management, and a gateway to an external network (i.e., a hospital or cloud) via an Ethernet module 3164 which may run different protocols. Data is received by the header module 3150 through the pass-through hub connector 3152. The header processor 3158 is also coupled to a switch 3160 to receive, process, and transfer data from a source device to a destination device and to control data communication between them. The header processor 3158 is also coupled to an OTS power supply 3156 coupled to a power input module 3154 from the main line.

[0102] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module 3002 for a hub such as the header module shown in Figure 15, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The header / UI module 3002 includes a header power module 3172, a header wireless module 3174, a header USB module 3176, a header audio / screen module 3178, a header network module 3180 (e.g., Ethernet), a backplane connector 3182, a header standby processor module 3184, and a header footswitch module 3186. These functional modules interact to provide the header / UI 3002 functionality. The header / UI controller 3170 controls the communication between each of the functional modules and includes safety limit control logic modules 3230, 3232 coupled between the header / UI controller 3170 and an isolated communication module 3234 coupled to the header footswitch module 3186. A security coprocessor 3188 is coupled to the header / UI controller 3170.

[0103] The header power module 3172 includes a power entry module 3190 from the main line connected to the OTS power supply unit 3192 (PSU). Low-voltage DC (e.g., 5V) standby power is supplied from the OTS PSU 3192 to the header / UI module 3002 and other modules via the low-voltage power bus 3198. High-voltage DC (e.g., 60V) is supplied from the OTS PSU 3192 to the header / UI module 3002 via the high-voltage bus 3200. High-voltage DC is supplied to the DC / DC converter module 3196 and the isolated DC / DC converter module 3236. The standby processor 3204 of the header / standby module 3184 provides the PSU / enable signal 3202 to the OTS PSU 3192.

[0104] The header wireless module 3174 includes a WiFi module 3212 and a Bluetooth module 3214. Both the WiFi module 3212 and the Bluetooth module 3214 are coupled to the header / UI controller 3170. The Bluetooth module 3214 is used to connect devices without using cables, and the WiFi module 3212 provides high-speed access to networks such as the internet and can be used to create a wireless network that can connect multiple devices, such as multiple energy modules or other modules and surgical instruments, among other devices located in the operating room. Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used to exchange data over short distances, such as less than 30 feet.

[0105] The header USB module 3176 includes a USB port 3216 connected to the header / UI controller 3170. The USB module 3176 provides a standard cable connection interface for modules and other electronic devices via short-range digital data communication. The USB module 3176 enables modules, including USB devices, to connect to each other via USB cables and transfer digital data.

[0106] The header audio / screen module 3178 includes a touchscreen 3220 connected to a touch controller 3218. The touch controller 3218 is connected to a header / UI controller 3170 to read input from the touchscreen 3220. The header / UI controller 3170 drives an LCD display 3224 via a display / port video output signal 3222. The header / UI controller 3170 is connected to an audio amplifier 3226 to drive one or more speakers 3228.

[0107] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a touchscreen 3220 user interface configured to control one control unit or a module connected to the header module 3002 within the modular energy system 3000. The touchscreen 3220 can be used to maintain a single access point for the user to adjust all modules connected within the modular energy system 3000. Additional hardware modules (e.g., a smoke extraction module) may be visible at the bottom of the user interface LCD display 3224 when connected to the header / UI module 3002 and may disappear from the user interface LCD display 3224 when disconnected from the header / UI module 3002.

[0108] Furthermore, the user touchscreen 3220 can provide access to the settings of modules installed in the modular energy system 3000. Additionally, the arrangement of the user interface LCD display 3224 can be configured to vary according to the number and type of modules connected to the header / UI module 3002. For example, a first user interface can be displayed on the LCD display 3224 for a first application where one energy module and one smoke extraction module are connected to the header / UI module 3002, and a second user interface can be displayed on the LCD display 3224 for a second application where two energy modules are connected to the header / UI module 3002. Furthermore, the user interface can change its display on the LCD display 3224 when modules are connected to and disconnected from the modular energy system 3000.

[0109] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface LCD display 3224 configured to display on a colored LCD display, corresponding to port illumination. In one embodiment, the coloring of the LED lights around the fixture panel and its corresponding ports is the same or corresponds to each other in other ways. Each color can convey a specific meaning, for example. In this way, the user can quickly determine which fixture the indication refers to and the nature of the indication. Furthermore, indications regarding a fixture can be represented by changes in the color of the LED lights arranged around its corresponding ports and the coloring of its module. In addition, the alignment of messages and hardware / software ports on the screen can also serve to convey that action must be taken on the hardware rather than on the interface. In various embodiments, all other fixtures can be used while an alarm is occurring on another fixture. This allows the user to quickly determine which fixture the indication refers to and the nature of the indication.

[0110] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display on an LCD display 3224 to present treatment options to the user. In one embodiment, the user interface may be configured to present the user with a set of options (e.g., arranged from broad to detailed). After each selection is made, the modular energy system 3000 represents the next level until all selections are complete. These settings may be managed locally and transferred via secondary means (e.g., a USB thumb drive). Alternatively, the settings may be managed via a portal and automatically distributed to all connected systems within the hospital.

[0111] The procedure options may include, for example, a list of factory-configured options categorized by specialist, procedure, and type of procedure. Once the user has completed their selection, the header module can be configured to set any connected instrument to the pre-configured settings for that particular procedure. The procedure options may also include, for example, a list of surgeons, followed by specialists, procedures, and types. Once the user has completed their selection, the system can suggest the surgeon's preferred instruments and configure those instruments according to the surgeon's preferences (i.e., a profile associated with each surgeon that remembers the surgeon's preferences).

[0112] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display important fixture settings on an LCD display 3224. In one embodiment, each fixture panel displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224 corresponds in arrangement and content to a fixture plugged into the modular energy system 3000. When a user taps a panel, it can be expanded to reveal additional settings and options for that particular fixture and the rest of the screen, while the rest of the screen can be, for example, dimmed or otherwise not highlighted.

[0113] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a fixture setting panel of a user interface configured to include / display a fixture-specific control unit, allowing the user to increase or decrease its output intensity, switch specific functions, pair it with a system accessory such as a foot switch connected to the header foot switch module 3186, access advanced fixture settings, and find additional information about the fixture. In one embodiment, the user can tap / select the “Advanced Settings” control unit to expand the advanced settings drawer displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224. In another embodiment, the user can then tap / select an icon in the upper right corner of the fixture setting panel or tap anywhere outside the panel, and the panel shrinks to its original state. In these embodiments, the user interface is configured to display only the most important fixture settings, such as power level and power mode, on the LCD display 3224 on the ready / home screen of each fixture panel. This is to maximize the size and readability of the system from a distance. In some embodiments, the panel and the settings within it can be scaled proportionally to the number of fixtures connected to the system to further improve readability. As more devices are connected, the panel scales to accommodate more information.

[0114] The header network module 3180 includes multiple network interfaces 3264, 3266, and 3268 (e.g., Ethernet) for networking the header / UI module 3002 to other modules of the modular energy system 3000. In the example shown, one network interface 3264 may be a third-party network interface, another network interface 3266 may be a hospital network interface, and yet another network interface 3268 may be located on the backplane network interface connector 3182.

[0115] The header standby processor module 3184 includes a standby processor 3204 connected to an on / off switch 3210. The standby processor 3204 performs an electrical continuity test by checking whether current flows through a conduction loop 3206. The continuity test is performed by placing a small voltage across the continuity loop 3206. The serial bus 3208 connects the standby processor 3204 to a backplane connector 3182.

[0116] The header footswitch module 3186 includes a controller 3240 connected to multiple analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, and 3258 via multiple corresponding presence / ID and switch state modules 3242, 3244, and 3246. The controller 3240 is also connected to an auxiliary port 3260 via the presence / ID and switch state module 3248 and the transceiver module 3250. The auxiliary port 3260 is powered by the auxiliary power module 3252. The controller 3240 is connected to the header / UI controller 3170 via the isolated communication module 3234, as well as the first safety limit control module 3230 and the second safety limit control module 3232. The header footswitch module 3186 also includes a DC / DC converter module 3238.

[0117] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to be displayed on an LCD display 3224 for controlling a foot switch connected to one of the analog foot switch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258. In some embodiments, when a user plugs into one of the analog foot switch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258 in a fixture that cannot be manually activated, the fixture panel appears with a warning icon next to the foot switch icon. Since the fixture cannot be activated without using the foot switch, the fixture settings may be grayed out, for example.

[0118] When a user plugs a footswitch into one of the analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258 within the footswitch, a pop-up appears indicating that the footswitch is assigned to that device. The footswitch icon indicates that the footswitch is plugged into and assigned to a device. The user can then tap / select on the icon to assign, reassign, unassign, or otherwise change the settings associated with that footswitch. In these embodiments, the system is configured to use logic to automatically assign footswitches to devices that are not manually activated, thereby allowing single or dual-pedal footswitches to be further assigned to appropriate devices. If the user wishes to manually assign / reassign footswitches, there are two flows available.

[0119] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a global footswitch button. When the user taps the global footswitch icon (located in the upper right corner of the user interface LCD display 3224), a footswitch assignment overlay appears and the contents of the fixture module dim. A realistic representation (e.g., photographic) of each mounted footswitch (dual or single pedal) is displayed at the bottom if not assigned to a fixture, or appears on the corresponding fixture panel. Thus, the user can drag and drop these illustrations between the boxed icons in the footswitch assignment overlay to assign, unassign, and reassign footswitches to their respective fixtures.

[0120] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen displayed on the LCD display 3224 that indicates automatic foot switch assignment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to automatically assign foot switches to appliances that do not require manual activation. In some embodiments, the header / UI module 3002 can be configured to correlate colors displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224 with the light of the module itself, as a means of tracking physical ports using user interface elements.

[0121] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to represent various applications of a user interface having a different number of modules connected to a modular energy system 3000. In various embodiments, the overall layout or proportion of user interface elements displayed on the LCD display 3224 may be based on the number and type of devices plugged into the header / UI module 3002. These expandable graphics can provide a means of utilizing more of the screen for better visibility.

[0122] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 to indicate which ports of the modules connected to the modular energy system 3000 are active. In some embodiments, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to indicate active versus inactive ports by highlighting the active ports and dimming the inactive ports. In one embodiment, ports may be represented by color when active (e.g., yellow for unipolar tissue coagulation, blue for bipolar tissue cutting, blue for bipolar tissue cutting, and warm white for high-energy tissue cutting). Furthermore, the displayed color may match the color of the optical tubing around the port. The coloring may further indicate that the user cannot change the settings of other devices while the device is active. As another example, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to indicate the bipolar, unipolar, and ultrasonic ports of a first energy module as active, and the unipolar port of a second energy module as active.

[0123] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 for displaying a global settings menu. In another embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a menu on the LCD display 3224 for controlling overall settings across any module connected to the modular energy system 3000. The global settings menu may be displayed in a consistently location, for example (e.g., always available in the upper right corner of the main screen).

[0124] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 configured to prevent changes to settings while a surgical instrument is in use. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to prevent changes to settings via a displayed menu when a connected instrument is active. The user interface screen may include, for example, an area (e.g., the upper left corner) reserved to indicate instrument activation while the settings menu is open. In one embodiment, the user opens the bipolar setting while unipolar coagulation is active. In one embodiment, the settings menu can then be used once activation is complete. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured not to overlay any menus or other information across a dedicated area for displaying important instrument information in order to maintain the display of important information.

[0125] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to show a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 configured to display instrument errors. In one embodiment, instrument error warnings may be displayed on the instrument panel itself, allowing the user to continue using other instruments while a nurse troubleshoots the error. This allows the user to continue the surgery without having to stop the surgery and debug the instrument.

[0126] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 for displaying different modes or settings available for various instruments. In various embodiments, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a settings menu appropriate for the type or application of the surgical instrument connected to the stack / hub. Each settings menu may provide options such as different power levels and energy delivery profiles appropriate for a particular instrument type. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display different modes available for bipolar cutting, unipolar cutting, and unipolar coagulation applications.

[0127] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 for displaying pre-selected settings. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to receive instrument / device setting selections before they are plugged into instruments, so that the modular energy system 3000 is prepared before the patient enters the operating room. In one embodiment, the user can simply click on a port and then change the settings for that port. In the illustrated embodiment, the selected port appears faintly to indicate that a setting has been made, but no instrument is plugged into that port.

[0128] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a hub energy module 3270, such as the energy modules shown in Figures 13, 14, 16, and 17, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The energy module 3270 is configured to connect to header modules, header / UI modules, and other energy modules via a first pass-through hub connector 3272 and a second pass-through hub connector 3276. A switch 3076, located between the first pass-through hub connector 3272 and the second pass-through hub connector 3276, receives, processes, and transfers data from source devices to destination devices and controls data communication between them. Data is received and transmitted via a data bus 3008. The energy module 3270 includes a controller 3082 for controlling various communication and processing functions of the energy module 3270.

[0129] DC power is received and transmitted via power bus 3006 by energy module 3270. Power bus 3006 is coupled to DC / DC converter module 3138, which supplies power to adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0130] In one embodiment, the energy module 3270 may include an ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment may be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and may drive harmonic transducers. The ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied by a buck-adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The DDS may be embedded in a transducer DSP or implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example. The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 3106. The output of the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied to the ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is connected to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100. Ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100 via the ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3280 and the dual analog-to-digital converter 3278 (A / D). In one embodiment, the dual A / D 3278 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS. Also connected to the controller 3082 through the high energy receiving unit 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium-bandwidth data port 3098.

[0131] In one embodiment, the energy module 3270 may include, among other things, a plurality of broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288, each of which is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving an RF load within a range of output frequencies. Each of the broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 is supplied by a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082 which may be implemented as a DSP via a DDS. The DDS may be embedded in the DSP or implemented in an FPGA, for example. The controller 3082 controls the first broadband RF power amplifier 3108 via a DAC 3122.

[0132] Unlike the energy modules 3004 and 3012 shown and described in Figures 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 does not include an RF select relay configured to receive the RF output signal from the adjustable buck regulator 3107. In addition, unlike the energy modules 3004 and 3012 shown and described in Figures 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 includes multiple broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, and 3288 instead of a single RF power amplifier. In one embodiment, the adjustable buck regulator 3107 can switch between multiple states, in which state the adjustable buck regulator 3107 outputs an output RF signal to one of the multiple broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, and 3288 connected to it. The controller 3082 is configured to switch the adjustable buck regulator 3107 between multiple states. In the first state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a first broadband RF power amplifier 3108. In the second state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a second broadband RF power amplifier 3286. In the third state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a third broadband RF power amplifier 3288.

[0133] The output of the first broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can be supplied to an RF power transformer 3090 connected to the RF output portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via an RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed to the controller 3082 via the RF VI FB transformer 3094, which is connected to a dual A / D 3282 connected to an analog multiplexer 3284 and the controller 3082. In one embodiment, the dual A / D 3282 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS.

[0134] The output of the second RF broadband power amplifier 3286 is supplied through the RF power transformer 3128 of the RF unipolar receiving unit 3136. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 via the RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3284 and the dual A / D 3282. Also connected to the controller 3082 through the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3132 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low-bandwidth data port 3134.

[0135] The output of the third RF broadband power amplifier 3288 is supplied through the RF power transformer 3110 of the bipolar RF receiving unit 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118 via the RF VI FB transformer 3114. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3280 and the dual A / D 3278. Also connected to the controller 3082 through the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low-bandwidth data port 3116.

[0136] The contact monitor 3290 is connected to the NE receiving unit 3292. Power is supplied from the single-pole receiving unit 3136 to the NE receiving unit 3292.

[0137] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13 to 19, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to detect the presence of an instrument in the receiving sections 3100, 3118, and 3136 via a photointerrupter, a magnetic sensor, or other non-contact sensor integrated into the receiving sections 3100, 3118, and 3136. This approach avoids the need to assign a dedicated presence pin on the MTD connector for a single purpose, instead enabling the multi-purpose functionality of MTD signal pins 6 to 9 while continuously monitoring the presence of an instrument.

[0138] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13-19, the modules of the modular energy system 3000 may include optical links that enable high-speed communication (10-50 Mb / sec) across the patient's isolation boundary. These links transmit device communications, relaxation signals (such as watchdog signals), and low-bandwidth runtime data. In some embodiments, the optical link(s) do not include real-time sampling data that can be performed on the non-isolated side.

[0139] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13 to 19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 may include a multifunction circuit block capable of (i) reading the present resistance value via an A / D and current source, (ii) communicating with legacy instruments via the hand switch Q protocol, (iii) communicating with instruments via the local bus 1-Wire protocol, and (iv) communicating with CAN FD-compatible surgical instruments. When a surgical instrument is properly identified by the energy generator module, the associated pin functions and communication circuits are activated, while other unused functions are disabled or disconnected and set to a high impedance state.

[0140] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13-19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 may include a pulse / stimulus / auxiliary amplifier. This is a flexible amplifier based on a full-bridge output and incorporates functional isolation. This allows its differential output to reference any output connection on the applied portion (except, in some embodiments, a unipolar active electrode). The amplifier output may be either small signal linear (pulse / stimulus) with moderate output power for DC applications such as DC motors, lighting, and FET drives, and with waveform drive provided by a DAC or square wave drive. Output voltage and current are sensed by functionally isolated voltage and current feedback to provide accurate impedance and power measurements to the FPGA. Paired with a CAN FD-enabled device, this output can provide motor / motion control drive, while position or velocity feedback is provided by a CAN FD interface for closed-loop control.

[0141] As described in more detail herein, a modular energy system comprises a header module and one or more functional or surgical modules. In various examples, a modular energy system is a modular energy system. In various examples, a surgical module includes an energy module, a communication module, and a user interface module, but a surgical module is assumed to be any suitable type of functional or surgical module for use with a modular energy system.

[0142] Modular energy systems offer many advantages in surgical procedures, as described above in relation to modular energy systems 2000 (Figures 6-12) and 3000 (Figures 13-15). However, cable management and setup / tear-out times can be a major deterrent. Various aspects of this disclosure provide a modular energy system having a single power cable and a single current switch for controlling the startup and shutdown of the entire modular energy system, thereby eliminating the need to individually start and stop each individual module in which the modular energy system is constructed. Furthermore, various aspects of this disclosure provide a modular energy system having a power management scheme that facilitates safety and, in some cases, simultaneous delivery to the modules of the modular energy system.

[0143] In various embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 is similar in many respects to the modular energy systems 2000 (Figures 6-12) and 3000 (Figures 13-15), as shown in Figure 20. For brevity, various details of the modular energy system 6000, which is similar to the modular energy system 2000 and / or the modular energy system 3000, will not be repeated herein.

[0144] The modular energy system 6000 comprises a header module 6002 and "N" surgical modules 6004, where "N" is an integer of 1 or more. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes UI modules, such as UI module 3030, and / or communication modules, such as communication module 3032. Furthermore, pass-through hub connectors connect the individual modules to each other in a stacked configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the header module 6002 is connected to the surgical modules 6004 via pass-through hub connectors 6005 and 6006.

[0145] The modular energy system 6000 features an exemplary power architecture consisting of a single AC / DC power supply 6003 that provides power to all surgical modules within the stacked body. The AC / DC power supply 6003 is housed within a header module 6002 and utilizes a power backplane 6008 to distribute power to each module within the stacked body. The embodiment in Figure 20 shows three separate power domains on the power backplane 6008: a primary power domain 6009, a standby power domain 6010, and an Ethernet switch power domain 6013.

[0146] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the power backplane 6008 extends from the header module 6002 through a number of intermediate modules 6004 to the bottommost or furthest module in the stacked body. In various embodiments, the power backplane 6008 is configured to deliver power to surgical modules 6004 through one or more other surgical modules 6004 located ahead of it in the stacked body. The surgical modules 6004, receiving power from the header module 6002, can be coupled to surgical instruments or tools configured to deliver therapeutic energy to the patient.

[0147] The primary power domain 6009 is the primary power source for the functional module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, and 6015 of modules 6002 and 6004. It consists of a single voltage rail provided to all modules. In at least one embodiment, the nominal voltage of 60V can be selected to be higher than the local rail required by any module, and as a result, the module can implement buck regulating exclusively, which is generally more efficient than boost regulating.

[0148] In various embodiments, the primary power domain 6009 is controlled by the header module 6002. In a particular example, a local power switch 6018 is located on the header module 6002, as shown in Figure 20. In a particular example, a remote on / off interface 6016 may be configured to control, for example, the system power control unit 6017 on the header module 6002. In at least one embodiment, the remote on / off interface 6016 is configured to transmit pulsed individual commands (separate commands for on and off) and power state telemetry signals. In various embodiments, the primary power domain 6009 is configured to distribute power to all modules in a stacked configuration after power-up initiated by the user.

[0149] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 21, the modules of the modular energy system 6000 can be linked to a header module 6002 and / or to each other in a communicative manner via a communication (serial bus / Ethernet) interface 6040, so that data or other information is shared by and among the modules that make up the modular energy system. An Ethernet switch domain 6013 can be derived, for example, from a primary power domain 6009. The Ethernet switch power domain 6013 is isolated into a separate power domain configured to power the Ethernet switches within each of the modules in the stacked configuration, so that the primary communication interface 6040 remains alive when local power to the modules is removed. In at least one embodiment, the primary communication interface 6040 comprises a 1000BASE-T Ethernet network, where each module represents a node on the network, and each module downstream of the header module 6002 includes a 3-port Ethernet switch for routing traffic to local modules or for properly passing data upstream or downstream.

[0150] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes a secondary, low-speed, intermodal communication interface for critical power-related functions, including module power sequencing and module power status. The secondary communication interface may be, for example, a multidrop local interconnect network (LIN), where the header module is the master and all downstream modules are slaves.

[0151] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 20, the standby power domain 6010 is a separate output from the AC / DC power supply 6003, which is always operational when the power source is connected to the main power supply 6020. The standby power domain 6010 is used by all modules in the system to power circuits for relaxed communication interfaces and to control local power to each module. Furthermore, the standby power domain 6010 is configured to provide power to circuits that are important in standby mode, such as on / off command detection, status LEDs, and secondary communication buses.

[0152] In various configurations, as shown in Figure 20, individual surgical modules 6004 lack independent power sources and therefore rely on header modules 6002 for power supply in a stacked configuration. Only header modules 6002 are directly connected to the main power supply 6020. Surgical modules 6004 lack a direct connection to the main power supply 6020 and can only receive power in a stacked configuration. This arrangement improves the safety of individual surgical modules 6004 and reduces the overall footprint of the modular energy system 6000. This arrangement further reduces the number of cords required for the proper operation of the modular energy system 6000, thereby reducing clutter and footprint in the operating room.

[0153] Therefore, in a stacked configuration, surgical instruments connected to the surgical module 6004 of the modular energy system 6000 receive energy for tissue treatment generated by the surgical module 6004 from power delivered to the surgical module 6004 from the AC / DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002.

[0154] In at least one embodiment, while the header module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the first surgical module 6004'. Furthermore, while the header module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' (connected to the header module 6002) and the second surgical module 6004'' (connected to the first surgical module 6004') in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the second surgical module 6004'' through the first surgical module 6004'.

[0155] Energy generated by the AC / DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002 is transmitted through a segmented power backplane 6008 defined via a modular energy system 6000. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the header module 6002 houses the power backplane segment 6008', the first surgical module 6004' houses the power backplane segment 6008'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the power backplane segment 6008'''. In a stacked configuration, the power backplane segment 6008' is detachably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008''. Furthermore, in a stacked configuration, the power backplane 6008'' is detachably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008'''. Thus, energy flows from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the power backplane segment 6008', then to the power backplane segment 6008'', and then to the power backplane segment 6008''''.

[0156] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, power backplane segment 6008' is detachably connected to power backplane segment 6008'' via pass-through hub connectors 6005 and 6006 in the stacked configuration. Furthermore, power backplane segment 6008'' is detachably connected to power backplane segment 6008'''' via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6056 in the stacked configuration. In certain examples, removing a surgical module from the stacked configuration disconnects its connection to power supply 6003. For example, separating the second surgical module 6004'' from the first surgical module 6004' disconnects power backplane segment 6008'' from power backplane segment 6008''''. However, as long as header module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004' remain in the stacked configuration, the connection between power backplane segment 6008'' and power backplane segment 6008'''' remains intact. Therefore, energy can still flow to the first surgical module 6004'' through the connection between the header module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004'' after the second surgical module 6004'' has been cut. Separating the connected modules can be achieved in certain examples simply by pulling the surgical module 6004 apart.

[0157] In the example in Figure 20, each of modules 6002 and 6004 includes a relaxed module control unit 6023. The relaxed module control unit 6023 is coupled to a corresponding local power adjustment module 6024, which is configured to adjust power based on inputs from the relaxed module control unit 6023. In certain embodiments, the relaxed module control unit 6023 allows the header module 6002 to independently control the local power adjustment module 6024.

[0158] The modular energy system 6000 further includes a relaxed communication interface 6021, which includes a segmented communication backplane 6027 extending between relaxed module control units 6023. The segmented communication backplane 6027 is similar in many ways to the segmented power backplane 6008. Relaxed communication between the relaxed module control unit 6023 of the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved through the segmented communication backplane 6027 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the header module 6002 houses the communication backplane segment 6027', the first surgical module 6004' houses the communication backplane segment 6027'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the communication backplane segment 6027'''. The communication backplane segment 6027' is detachably connected to the communication backplane segment 6027'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005 and 6006. Furthermore, the communication backplane 6027'' is detachably connected to the communication backplane segment 6027'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6026.

[0159] The embodiment in Figure 20 shows that the modular energy system 6000 includes, but is not limited to, a header module 6002 and two surgical modules 6004', 6004''. Modular energy systems having more or fewer surgical modules are contemplated by this disclosure. In some embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes other modules, such as a communications module 3032 (Figure 15). In some embodiments, the header module 6502 supports a display screen, such as a display 2006 (Figure 7A), which renders a GUI, such as a GUI 2008, for relaying information about the modules connected to the header module 6002. In some embodiments, as described in more detail in relation to the embodiment in Figure 15, the GUI 2008 on the display screen 2006 can provide an aggregated point for controlling all the modules that constitute a particular configuration of the modular energy system.

[0160] Figure 21 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the modular energy system 6000, illustrating the primary communication interface 6040 between the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004. The primary communication interface 6040 enables communication between the module processors 6041, 6041', and 6041'' of the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004. Commands generated by the module processor 6041 of the header module are transmitted downstream to the desired functional surgical module via the primary communication interface 6040. In certain examples, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to establish a bidirectional communication path between adjacent modules. In other examples, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to establish a unidirectional communication path between adjacent modules.

[0161] Furthermore, the primary communication interface 6040 includes a segmented communication backplane 6031 that is in many respects similar to the segmented power backplane 6008. Communication between the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved via the segmented communication backplane 6031 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the header module 6002 houses the communication backplane segment 6031', the first surgical module 6004' houses the communication backplane segment 6031'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the communication backplane segment 6031'''. The communication backplane segment 6031' is detachably connected to the communication backplane segment 6031'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Furthermore, the communication backplane 6031'' is detachably connected to the communication backplane segment 6031'' in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6026.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the primary communication interface 6040 is implemented using a DDS framework running on a Gigabit Ethernet interface. Module processors 6041, 6041', 6041'' are connected to Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6044 and Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042', 6042''. In the embodiment of Figure 21, a segmented communication backplane 6031 connects the adjacent module's Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6044 and Gigabit Ethernet switch 6042.

[0163] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 21, the header module 6002 includes a processor module 6041 and a separate Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6045 for the external communication interface 6043. In at least one embodiment, the processor module 6041 of the header module 6002 handles firewall and information routing.

[0164] Referring to Figure 20, the AC / DC power supply 6003 may provide an AC status signal 6011 indicating the loss of AC power supplied by the AC / DC power supply 6003. The AC status signal 6011 is provided to all modules of the modular energy system 6000 via a segmented power backplane 6008 so that each module can tolerate as much time as possible for a graceful shutdown before primary output power is lost. The AC status signal 6011 is received, for example, by module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, and 6015. In various embodiments, the system power control unit 6017 may be configured to detect AC power loss. In at least one embodiment, AC power loss is detected via one or more preferred sensors.

[0165] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the primary power inputs to all modules can be merged, or similar current limiting methods (electronic fuses, circuit breakers, etc.) can be used, to ensure that a localized power failure in one of the modules of the modular energy system 6000 does not disable the entire power bus. Furthermore, the Ethernet switch power is isolated to a separate power domain 6013 so that the primary communication interface 6040 remains operational when localized power to the module is removed. In other words, primary power can be removed from and / or diverted from the surgical modules without losing its ability to communicate with other surgical modules 6004 and / or header module 6002.

[0166] Architecture for modular energy systems Having described the general implementation forms of headers and modules for modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and 6000, this disclosure now describes various other embodiments of modular energy systems. These other modular energy systems are substantially similar to modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and / or 6000. For brevity, various details of the other modular energy systems described in the following sections, which are similar to modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and / or 6000, will not be repeated herein. Any embodiment of the other modular energy systems described below may be incorporated into modular energy systems 2000, 3000, or 6000.

[0167] Extending modular system backplanes to external devices As disclosed above, a modular energy system may consist of a header / user interface (UI) module that can communicate with and / or control the operation of multiple functional modules. Such functional modules may include, but are not limited to, energy modules, communication modules, technical modules, visualization modules, or other modules that may be used during surgical procedures. Both the header / UI module and the functional modules (together, modules) may be linked together to form a modular energy system. In one embodiment, the header / UI module and the functional modules may be stacked such that the header / UI module forms the topmost or initial module. It may be recognized that the header / UI module does not need to be the topmost or initial module of the stack of modules. In a stacked configuration, the bottommost module (which may be a functional module) may be considered the terminal module.

[0168] Each functional module, which may include terminal modules, may include a module control circuit and a local data bus. The local data bus may be configured to conduct information between the module and various components within the module control circuit. The module control circuit may control and coordinate the operation and function of each module. In one embodiment, the local data bus of each module may include a communication switch, a first switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, a second switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, and a third switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit. Further details regarding the numbered data paths associated with each communication switch are disclosed more fully below with reference to Figures 23 and 24.

[0169] Furthermore, the modular energy system may include an internal data bus consisting of a serial array of local data buses of multiple functional modules, including terminal modules, where a third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with a second switch data path of functional module N+1, and a second switch data path of a terminal module communicates data with a third switch data path of a preceding functional module. The initial module may include a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. It can be understood that the internal data bus may further include or communicate data with the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module. The physical layer transceiver (PHY) may also communicate data with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. The modular energy system may also include a termination unit that communicates data with a third data path of a terminal module. Additional disclosures regarding the use and function of the termination unit can be found in the description of Figures 24 and 25 below. The header / UI modules and functional modules of the modular energy system may communicate with each other via a backplane having an internal data bus. Communication between modules may use any suitable communication protocol, such as Ethernet, USB, and FireWire.

[0170] As further disclosed above, the communication module may assist in controlling data and command traffic between the functional module and the header / UI module. In some embodiments, various surgical hubs and / or surgical systems may include a gateway 3058 configured to shuttle selective traffic (i.e., data) between two different networks (e.g., an internal network and / or a hospital network) running different protocols. In some alternative embodiments, the communication module may also include a gateway 3058 (see Figure 15) that enables communication between the modular energy system and other external systems and devices. The communication module may incorporate any number of communication interfaces, e.g., Ethernet (see 3060 in Figure 15) and USB (see 3062 in Figure 15). In one example, an Ethernet interface may enable the modular energy system to communicate with components of the local hospital network using approved hospital networking protocols. In another example, a USB interface may enable communication with laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, and other smaller devices. Communication with such external devices may proceed according to the communication protocols associated with those devices.

[0171] In some cases, it may be useful to communicate with external devices and / or networks of a modular energy system using the same protocol as that used by the internal data bus of the modular energy system. Thus, external devices may be linked to modules of the modular energy system using a common communication protocol. For example, it may be recognized that external devices that depend on a communication protocol different from that of the modular energy system require protocol conversion between the modular energy system and the external device. Such protocol conversion inevitably leads to communication inefficiencies. Therefore, it may be more efficient for external devices and / or networks to be integrated into the modular energy system communication network via an external extension of the modular energy system's internal data bus (internal data bus extension). An example of such integration is shown in Figure 14, where the external system control unit 3024 of the external control system 3010 may communicate with the modular energy system via the internal data bus extension.

[0172] Alternatively, the modular energy system may communicate with a surgical robot, surgical hub, or any other smart device or system using an internal data bus extension. In one example, a surgeon may desire to use a small, handheld electrosurgical device (such as the one depicted in Figure 4) for procedures requiring precise manual control of the instrument. The surgical robot system may incorporate various optical systems and lights to illuminate the surgical field. The position and orientation of the electrosurgical device may be determined by a module of the modular energy system. The module may rapidly transmit the position and orientation of the electrosurgical instrument to the surgical robot system via the internal data bus and internal data bus extension. The position and orientation of the electrosurgical instrument can then be used by the surgical robot system to appropriately position and orient the lighting and optimize the visualization of the surgical field. Thus, it can be recognized that having such an external device that communicates directly with the modular energy system data bus can improve, accelerate, and simplify communication and control between the components of the internal data bus and the external device and / or system.

[0173] Figure 22 shows a block diagram of several external modules 4620a, b connected to a modular energy system 4600 via an internal data bus extension 4615. The internal data bus extension 4615 may also be connected to the external modules 4620a, b via communication interfaces 4624a, b. The internal data bus extension 4615 may also be connected to the modular energy system 4600 via a communication interface 4614.

[0174] The modular energy system 4600 may include a header module 4602 and a number of functional modules 4604a, b. The header module 4602 and the number of functional modules 4604a, b may all communicate via the modular energy system's internal data bus 4608. In a non-limiting example, the modular energy system 4600 may use the Ethernet protocol for communication via the internal data bus 4608. In another example, the modular system 4600 may use the USB protocol for communication via the internal data bus 4608. It can be recognized that any suitable communication protocol may be used for data and instruction communication via the internal data bus 4608. The internal data bus 4608 may include bus connectors 4609a, b that provide physical and communication connections between consecutive modules such as the functional modules 4604a, b. The internal data bus 4608 may also include suitable conductive traces or wires 4607 along which communication protocol signals can be transmitted. In some embodiments, conductive traces or wires 4607 may be terminated at module controllers 4605a, b for each of the functional modules 4604a, b. The module controllers 4605a, b may include components for controlling the operation of the functional modules 4604a, b, as disclosed above. As shown in Figure 22, the various modules comprising the module energy system 4600 may be arranged as a stack of modules interconnected by their bus connectors 4609a, b. In one configuration, the initial module may include a header module / UI 4602. In an alternative configuration, the header module / UI 4602 may be located elsewhere within the stack of modules. Similarly, there may be a terminal module (e.g., functional module 4604b) which is the bottom module of the stack. In some additional examples, a termination unit (not shown) may be placed to communicate data with a bus connector 4609b (bottom connector) in the terminal module. Such a termination unit may be used to terminate at least one end of an internal data bus 4608.Further disclosures regarding the use and function of the termination unit can be found in the descriptions of Figures 24 and 25 below.

[0175] In some embodiments, the header module / UI4602 may include a header control circuit 4612 that can control various operations of the header module / UI4602, as disclosed above. In some embodiments, the header module / UI4602 may control the operations of the functional modules 4604a, b via commands and data transmitted and received via an internal data bus 4608. In some embodiments, the control circuit 4612 of the header module / UI4602 may also include a routing system 4613. In other embodiments, the routing system 4613 may be incorporated into another functional module, such as a communications module. A module of the modular energy system 4600 incorporating the routing system 4613 may be called a host module. In some exemplary systems, the routing system 4613 may be physically fixed within the host module. In other exemplary systems, the routing system 4613 may be detachably associated with the host module. The module hosting the removable associated routing system 4613 (a header module / UI4602, a communications module, or another module that is part of the modular energy system 4600) may further include electronic components such as hardware and / or software configured to detect the presence of the removable associated routing system 4613. Thus, in some embodiments, the removable associated routing system 4613 may be considered an upgrade to an existing modular energy system 4600. Once the host module detects the presence of the routing system 4613 (fixed or removable), the host module may communicate with external modules 4620a, b via an internal data bus extension 4615.

[0176] In some embodiments, the routing system 4613 may communicate data with both the internal data bus 4608 and the internal data bus extension 4615. The routing system 4613 may also play a role in controlling communication between the internal data bus 4608 and the internal data bus extension 4615. In this way, the routing system 4613 may also control data communication between the internal data bus 4608 and external modules 4620a, b, the external modules 4620a, b comprising devices or systems separate from the modular energy system.

[0177] It can be recognized that each of the external modules 4620a, b may include external module control circuits 4622a, b that can coordinate and direct the functions of the respective external modules 4620a, b. Each of the external module control circuits 4622a, b may communicate with the modular energy system 4600 via an internal data bus extension 4615. In this way, each of the external module control circuits 4622a, b may function as an extension of the modular energy system 4600.

[0178] As disclosed above, the ability to extend the internal data bus 4608 of the modular energy system 4600 to external devices 4620a, b and / or systems can enable high-speed and accurate communication between the energy system 4600 and other systems that may include a smart surgical environment (such as a surgical robot). However, it is recognized that unprotected communication devices can be susceptible to undesirable influences on the communication lines, for example, by system hackers. Therefore, like any networked device, the modular energy system 4600 networked to external devices 4620a, b and systems is at risk of interference with its operation. This is particularly serious when the modular energy system 4600 is involved in surgical procedures. Therefore, it is important to protect the modular energy system 4600 from interference from communications transmitted to the internal communication backplane 4608 via the extended communication backplane 4615.

[0179] A routing system 4613 may be used to coordinate communication traffic between the internal data bus 4608 and the internal data bus extension 4615. The routing system 4613 may include components that not only switch communication data packets between data buses (such as the internal data bus 4608 and the internal data bus extension 4615) but also include software and / or firmware that controls the type of communication data packets exchanged between buses according to their source, destination, and specific protocols associated with the communication data packets. Therefore, the intelligent routing system 4613 may comprise a routing system processor and a routing system memory unit. The routing system memory unit, when executed by the routing system processor, can store instructions that cause the processor to execute one or more communication security protocols. In some examples, the communication security protocols may include one or more of the following: MAC address table filtering, communication data packet filtering based on IP addresses, software protocols, or port numbers, stateful communication data packet inspection, and application layer firewalls.

[0180] Ethernet switch configuration for backplane reliability As disclosed above, a modular energy system may consist of a header / user interface (UI) module that can communicate with and / or control the operation of multiple functional modules. Such functional modules may include, but are not limited to, energy modules, communication modules, technical modules, visualization modules, or other modules that may be used during surgical procedures. Both the header / UI module and the functional modules (together, modules) may be linked together to form a modular energy system. In one embodiment, the header / UI module and the functional modules may be stacked such that the header / UI module forms the topmost or initial module. It may be recognized that the header / UI module does not need to be the topmost or initial module of the stack of modules. In a stacked configuration, the bottommost module (which may be a functional module) may be considered the terminal module.

[0181] Each functional module, which may include terminal modules, may include a module control circuit and a local data bus. The local data bus may be configured to conduct information between the module and various components within the module control circuit. The module control circuit may control and coordinate the operation and function of each module. In one embodiment, the local data bus of each module may include a communication switch, a first switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, a second switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, and a third switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit. Further details regarding the numbered data paths associated with each communication switch are disclosed more fully below with reference to Figures 23 and 24.

[0182] Furthermore, the modular energy system may include an internal data bus consisting of a serial array of local data buses of multiple functional modules, including terminal modules, where a third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with a second switch data path of functional module N+1, and a second switch data path of a terminal module communicates data with a third switch data path of a preceding functional module. The initial module may include a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. It can be understood that the internal data bus may further include or communicate data with the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module. The physical layer transceiver (PHY) may also communicate data with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. The modular energy system may also include a termination unit that communicates data with a third data path of a terminal module. Additional disclosures regarding the use and function of the termination unit can be found in the description of Figures 24 and 25 below. The header / UI modules and functional modules of the modular energy system may communicate with each other via a backplane having an internal data bus. Communication between modules may use any suitable communication protocol, such as Ethernet, USB, and FireWire.

[0183] In one embodiment, the internal data bus of a modular energy system may rely on the Ethernet protocol for communication between modules, and the modules may include, but are not limited to, functional modules and optional header I / U modules. As disclosed above, the internal data bus of a modular energy system may consist of local data buses connected in series with the individual modules. It will be readily apparent that an error or failure in any one of the individual local data buses may interrupt or disrupt communication along the entire internal data bus. For example, a failure in one of the components of the local data bus of module N (e.g., a failure of the communication switch in module N) may result in a disruption of communication between module N-1 (a module preceding module N in the internal data bus serial array) and module N+1 (a module following module N in the internal data bus serial array). Therefore, it is important to provide a failover mechanism to prevent a failure in one of the local data buses from affecting communication between the surrounding modules.

[0184] Figures 23 and 24 show communication circuits that may be incorporated into the local data bus of a modular energy source module. Specifically, Figure 23 shows the communication circuit when all local data buses are functioning correctly. Figure 24 shows the communication circuit when the local data bus of module N is not functioning properly.

[0185] Figure 23 shows the internal data bus 4630 of a modular energy system consisting of a serial array of local data buses 4632a-d. Each data bus 4632a-d is incorporated into a separate energy system module (which may be a functional module or a header / UI module). For simplicity, and without loss of generality, energy system module N may be assigned to an energy system module incorporating local data bus 4632b. Following this convention, energy system module N-1 may be assigned to an energy system module incorporating local data bus 4632a, energy system module N+1 may be assigned to an energy system module incorporating local data bus 4632c, and energy system module N+2 may be assigned to an energy system module incorporating local data bus 4632d. It should be understood that the notation for modules N-1, N, N+1, and N+2 is arbitrary, as long as the notation refers to a successful energy module in the internal data bus. Again, for simplicity, a detailed description of the components of local data bus 4632b is given. It can be understood that each component, connectivity, and bus structure of the local data bus (4632a-d) can be described similarly.

[0186] The local data bus 4632b may include a communication switch 4635, which in some non-limiting examples may consist of an Ethernet switch. The communication switch 4635 may communicate with a number of data switch paths. A first switch data path 4637 may be configured to enable data communication between the communication switch 4635 and the module control circuit 4634 of the module. As previously disclosed, the module control circuit 4634 may be configured to control the functional and communication operations of the module (here, module N). A second switch data path 4639 may communicate with the communication switch 4635, and a third switch data path 4640 may communicate with the communication switch 4635. The communication switch 4635 may also communicate with a fourth switch data path 4642. It can be understood that the communication switch 4635 may function to direct communication or data signals from one of the switch paths 4637, 4639, 4640, and 4642 to another switch path among the switch paths 4637, 4639, 4640, and 4642. The communication switch 4635 may have a switch path interface for data communication with each of the switch paths 4637, 4639, 4640, and 4642. Each switch path interface of the communication switch 4635 may be bidirectional, thereby allowing signals to be received or transmitted by the communication switch 4635 via the active switch path.

[0187] According to some communication geometry, the second switch data path 4639 of module N may communicate data with the equivalent third switch data path of module N-1. Similarly, the third switch data path 4640 of module N may communicate data with the equivalent second switch data path of module N+1. Thus, communication paths between three consecutive modules can be considered. Under normal operating conditions, a given communication data packet may be transmitted along the internal data bus 4630 and relayed by each communication switch 4635 along their respective internal data buses 4632a-d from one module to the next. Relay may include sending the communication data packet down the third switch data path 4640 of module N to the second switch data path of the subsequent module N+1, or up the second switch data path 4639 of module N to the third switch data path of the preceding module N-1. Each communication switch 4635 may read the destination address of a communication data packet and relay the packet along the internal bus 4630 to a subsequent or preceding local data bus (for example, one of 4632a-d), or, if the communication data packet address is for the same module, it may route the communication data packet to the module control circuit 4634 of the same module. However, if one of the communication switches 4635 fails, it may be recognized that the communication data packet cannot be transmitted along the internal data bus 4630 beyond the module having the failed communication switch 4635.

[0188] Figure 24 shows how additional components of individual local data buses 4632a-d may be used to route data and communication signals around the local data bus (e.g., local data bus 4632b of module N) to avoid problems related to a failed communication switch 4635b. In this example, data and / or communication signals may be routed between module N+1 (local data bus 4632c) and module N-1 (local data bus 4632a) when the communication switch 4635b of module N is not functioning.

[0189] The reference numbers shown in Figure 23 also apply to Figure 24. In addition to the components disclosed in Figure 23, Figure 24 further points out and describes additional components also shown in Figure 23. Thus, each of the local data buses 4632a-d further includes multiplexers, e.g., multiplexers 4650a-c (as specified for the associated local data buses 4632a-c). Each multiplexer, e.g., multiplexers 4650a-c, communicates data with a first multiplexed data path (e.g., 4652a-c as specified for the associated local data buses 4632a-c). The first multiplexed data paths 4652a-c may communicate data with an associated fourth switch data path. Thus, for example, 4652b of local data bus 4632b may communicate data with the fourth switch data path 4642 of local data bus 4632b in Figure 23. Additionally, each multiplexer 4650a-c may have a second multiplexed data path (such as 4654a of the local data bus 4632a) and a third multiplexed data path (such as 4656c of the local data bus 4632c). In one embodiment, the multiplexers 4650a-c may be configured to direct data communication between the first multiplexed data path 4652a-c and the second multiplexed data path (such as 4654a of the local data bus 4632a). In another embodiment, the multiplexers 4650a-c may be configured to direct data communication between the first multiplexed data path 4652a-c and the third multiplexed data path (such as 4656c of the local data bus 4632c). The direction of data communication between multiplexers 4650a-c may be determined based on the logic level of the data path selection line (such as 4658b of local data bus 4632b) of multiplexers 4650a-c. In Figures 23 and 24, it can be seen that the second multiplexed data path (such as 4654a of local data bus 4632a corresponding to module N-1) is communicating with the third multiplexed data path (such as 4656c of local data bus 4632c corresponding to module N+1).Therefore, communication data packets can be transferred between alternating local data buses (i.e., between 4632a and 4632c) rather than between successive local data buses (i.e., between 4632a and 4632b).

[0190] The operation of the failover mechanism may be generalized with respect to the components disclosed above with respect to Figures 23 and 24. It can be recognized that the failover mechanism is activated between three consecutive modules of a modular energy system, here modules N-1, N, and N+1, and three consecutive local data buses. As previously stated, typical communication between modules of the modular energy system disclosed above takes place via an internal data bus, which includes a serial array of local data buses for the modules. Thus, without loss of generality, a communication data packet originating from module N-2 can be delivered to module N+1 by sequentially traversing the local data buses of module N-1 and module N. The communication data packet may be generated by the control circuit of module N-2 and transmitted to the communication switch of module N-2 via a first switch data path of the communication switch of module N-2. The communication switch of module N-2 may then transmit the communication data packet to the second switch data path of the communication switch of module N-1 via a third switch data path of the communication switch of module N-2. The module N-1 communication switch may receive communication data packets via a second switch data path of the module N-1 communication switch and relay the communication data packets via a third switch data path of the module N-1 communication switch for reception by the second switch data path of the module N communication switch. The communication data packets may also be transmitted to the module N+1 communication switch (via the first switch data path) for distribution to the control circuit of module N+1.

[0191] In one exemplary embodiment, under normal operation, the data transmission direction of each module's multiplexer (e.g., the multiplexer of module N) may be controlled by the communication switch of a subsequent module (the communication switch of module N+1). In one embodiment, the default operation of the communication switch of module N+1 may be to configure the multiplexer of module N to allow data transfer between the first multiplexed data path and the third multiplexed data path of the multiplexer of module N. Thus, the default inter-multiplexer communication path is from module N to module N-2. This inter-multiplexer communication path can be generalized to a unidirectional path from the first module to a second module two modules preceding the first module.

[0192] If the communication switch of module N fails, the communication switch of module N can reconfigure the operation of the multiplexer of module N-1. This reconfiguration allows data communication between the first and second multiplexed data paths of the module N-1 multiplexer. Therefore, if the communication switch of module N fails, a bidirectional inter-multiplexer communication path can be enabled between module N+1 and module N-1. Specifically, data from the communication switch of module N+1 may traverse a fourth switch data path to a third multiplexed data path of the multiplexer of module N+1. The communication data may then traverse the connection between the multiplexer of module N+1 and the multiplexer of module N-1. The resulting transmission enters the multiplexer of module N-1 via the second multiplexed data path, proceeds through the first multiplexed data path, and then to the communication switch via the fourth switch data path of module N-1. This inter-multiplexer communication path can be generalized to a bidirectional path between any two modules that can be designated as alternating modules N-1 and N+1.

[0193] Additionally, if the communication switch of module N fails, both module N+1 and module N-1 can detect that module N has failed. For example, module N+1 or module N-1 may not receive an acknowledgment packet after sending a communication data packet to module N. When a module N communication switch failure is detected, modules N+1 and N-1 may use the link aggregation process. In this process, the communication switch of module N+1 may reroute communication from module N+1's second switch data path to module N+1's fourth switch data path, enabling communication via module N+1's first multiplexed data path. Similarly, the communication switch of module N-1 may reroute communication from module N-1's third switch data path to module N-1's fourth switch data path, enabling communication via module N-1's first multiplexed data path. Because the multiplexers are connected alternately (not sequentially), communication via the multiplexer and the internal data bus of the modular energy system can continue even if one of the series-connected communication switches is disabled.

[0194] Since the failover communication method requires communication transmission between alternating modules (for example, between module N-1 and module N+1), transmission problems can arise if a communication failure occurs in the second-to-last module of the modular energy source. Referring to Figure 24, without loss of generality, we can consider the labeled module N+2 to be the terminal module of the modular energy system. If the communication switch 4635c of module N+1 fails, communication must be routed between module N+2 and module N. However, the multiplexer 4650d of module N+2 must be configured to enable communication between the communication switch 4635d of module N+2 and the communication switch 4635b of module N. Therefore, the data path selection line 4658d for multiplexer 4650d must be set to an appropriate value to ensure that the communication output from the fourth switch data path of communication switch 4635d is routed through the first multiplexer line of multiplexer 4650d, through the third multiplex data path 4656d, to the second multiplex data path 4654b of multiplexer 4650b of module N. Additionally, the second multiplex data paths of multiplexers 4650c (module N+1) and 4650d (module N+2) may also require electrical termination. Similarly, the third switch data path of data switch 4635d of module N+2 should also be electrically terminated. Thus, the termination unit 4677 may be connected to the local bus of the terminal module (in this example, the local bus 4632d of module N+2). Additionally, the termination unit 4677 may provide appropriate electrical termination for the internal or local data bus of the specific module to which it is attached, for example, 4632d. Additionally, the termination unit 4677 may configure a data path selection line 4658d of the termination module to which it is attached to enable communication between the first multiplexed data path and the third multiplexed data path 4656d of the multiplexer 4650d.

[0195] Relaxation of multiple addressing and self-checking As disclosed above, a modular energy system may consist of a header / user interface (UI) module that can communicate with and / or control the operation of multiple functional modules. Such functional modules may include, but are not limited to, energy modules, communication modules, technical modules, visualization modules, or other modules that may be used during surgical procedures. Both the header / UI module and the functional modules (together, modules) may be linked together to form a modular energy system. In one embodiment, the header / UI module and the functional modules may be stacked such that the header / UI module forms the topmost or initial module. It may be recognized that the header / UI module does not need to be the topmost or initial module of the stack of modules. In a stacked configuration, the bottommost module (which may be a functional module) may be considered the terminal module.

[0196] Each functional module, which may include terminal modules, may include a module control circuit and a local data bus. The local data bus may be configured to conduct information between the module and various components within the module control circuit. The module control circuit may control and coordinate the operation and function of each module. In one embodiment, the local data bus of each module may include a communication switch, a first switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, a second switch data path communicating data with the communication switch, and a third switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit. Further details regarding the numbered data paths associated with each communication switch are disclosed more fully above with respect to Figures 23 and 24.

[0197] Furthermore, the modular energy system may include an internal data bus consisting of a serial array of local data buses of multiple functional modules, including terminal modules, where a third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with a second switch data path of functional module N+1, and a second switch data path of a terminal module communicates data with a third switch data path of a preceding functional module. The initial module may include a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. It can be understood that the internal data bus may further include or communicate data with the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module. The physical layer transceiver (PHY) may also communicate data with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. The modular energy system may also include a termination unit that communicates data with a third data path of a terminal module. Additional disclosures regarding the use and function of the termination unit can be found in the description of Figures 24 and 25 below. The header / UI modules and functional modules of the modular energy system may communicate with each other via a backplane having an internal data bus. Communication between modules may use any suitable communication protocol, such as Ethernet, USB, and FireWire.

[0198] As previously disclosed, communication data packets may be transferred between various modules comprising a modular energy system along an internal data bus. In many communication protocols involving multiple nodes, communication data packets may include a source address (identifying the origin of the communication data packet) and a destination address (identifying the intended recipient of the communication data packet). Therefore, each node along the communication network must have a unique address to identify it in communication transfers.

[0199] In one implementation of a data network, individual nodes may be represented by individual computer boards physically plugged into interfaces within a common backplane. In one embodiment, the backplane may be part of a chassis that fixes and holds the computer boards. In this embodiment, addresses may be associated with each interface, and the boards themselves do not require circuitry to define their respective addresses. In another implementation, individual nodes may be individual standalone modules that can be deployed as a serial array of sequentially connected modules. In some embodiments, each module may include circuitry for defining the node's address. Such circuitry may include DIP switches, jumpers, or other adjustable circuits for defining the address. Alternatively, such address-defining circuitry may include static or programmable circuit components such as ROM, PROM, or EPROM that may contain the module's address. It can be recognized that communication errors may occur if multiple modules have their adjustable addressing circuits set to the same value. It can also be recognized that the use of static or programmable circuit components may increase manufacturing costs and complexity to ensure that each manufactured module has a different address incorporated into the static or programmable circuit component. An alternative implementation of the data network may be a serial array of standalone modules, each capable of generating a local communication address based on the communication address of the preceding module. When properly configured, the address generator circuit ensures that each module along the serial communication line has two n-line address buses. n This makes it possible to generate a separate communication address from among the possible addresses.

[0200] Therefore, it can be understood that each module is equipped with the necessary circuitry to generate a local communication address from the communication address of the preceding module along the serial communication chain. As a result of this topology, a module that is unable to properly generate a local communication address may affect not only communication with that module but also communication with all subsequent modules along the communication chain. Failures in generating local addresses may be caused, for example, by a failure or disconnection of the connection between the module's local data bus and the local data bus of the preceding module to which it is connected. Therefore, the integrity of communication along the serial bus should be monitored for improper local addressing. Figure 25 shows both the mechanism for generating local communication address values ​​from an n-line address bus and the mechanism for detecting failures in local address generation.

[0201] Figure 25 shows an example of an internal data bus 4660 comprising multiple modules. Without being limited to the communication topology, the top or initial module of the internal data bus 4660 may include a header / UI module. Any appropriate number of functional modules may be incorporated along the internal data bus 4660. The final or terminal module includes the last functional module of a series of functional modules along the internal data bus 4660. Each module, including the header / UI module and all functional modules, includes a local data bus. As disclosed above, the internal data bus 4660 consists of all the series connections of the module's local data buses. Shown in Figure 25 are the local data buses of various modules, including the header / UI module's local data bus 4661 and the functional modules' local data buses 4662a-4662t. The terminal functional module's local data bus 4662t is specifically labeled as such.

[0202] In addition to the various components of the local data bus (4661, 4662a~t) disclosed above, Figure 25 shows additional components. Thus, all local data buses also include multiple address lines 4665, a predictive address parity circuit 4672, a parity comparison circuit 4674, a parity fault generator circuit 4667, and an address fault line 4663. Additionally, all modules except the initial module may include a local address generator circuit 4673 and a local address parity circuit 4675. The initial module also includes an analog-to-digital converter 4666 for obtaining a digital value of the voltage on the address fault line 4663.

[0203] In a modular energy system, the number of addressable modules is generally 2. n Here, n is the number of address lines. In the example shown in Figure 25, there are three address lines labeled L0, L1, and L2 for convenience. Of course, the number of address lines is arbitrary. There can be any number of algorithms capable of generating the local address value of module n from the local address value of preceding module n-1. Figure 25 shows one non-restrictive local address generator circuit 4673 for doing so. The local address generator circuit 4673 relies on interleaving subsequent addressing lines and adding new address lines formed from logical combinations of address lines. As shown in the local address generator circuit 4673, the value of the address line for a subsequent module is calculated by the following equation: L0'←L1 L1'←L2

[0204]

number

[0205]

number

[0206] As disclosed above, it is useful to ensure that each module successfully generates its local communication address from the address of the preceding module. One way to make such a determination may be to compare the address of the subsequent N+1 modules with a predicted value of that address. This comparison may be performed in the preceding module N. Such a comparison may be performed by comparing each value of the address lines. However, it is recognized that as the number of address lines increases, line-by-line address comparisons become difficult. Instead, it may be more useful to generate a parity value to represent the address. Here again, there are several algorithms for generating parity values ​​for address lines. As one non-restrictive example, the local address parity circuit 4675 uses an XOR operation (

[0207]

number

[0208]

number

[0209] In the formula, P is the parity value, and P' is the reciprocal of the parity value.

[0210] Each module N may calculate the predicted parity value of the subsequent module N+1 in the predicted address parity circuit 4672 according to the following formula.

[0211]

number

[0212] In module N, the predicted parity value of the subsequent module N+1 (here,

[0213]

number

[0214] As disclosed above, each module N compares the parity value of the address supplied by module N+1 with the predicted parity value of the address of module N+1. However, in the terminal module T, there is no subsequent module to supply the parity value. In one non-limiting example of a technique to rectify this problem, a termination unit 4677 may be attached to the end of the internal data bus 4660. The termination unit 4677 may include a local address parity circuit that functions similarly to the predicted address parity circuit 4672. The address parity value obtained from the termination unit 4677 may be compared with the predicted address parity circuit 4672 of the terminal module T. In this way, each module may determine the address failure in the subsequent module.

[0215] It can be understood that address faults within modules constituting a modular energy system should be made known to the entire modular energy system and any user of the modular energy system. One or more hardware and / or software techniques may be used to report address faults within a module. One example of a technique for reporting address faults may be by an address parity fault generator circuit. Each module may include a parity fault generator circuit 4667 on its local data bus. In a non-limiting and simple implementation, the parity fault generator circuit 4667 may simply comprise a switch that connects the address fault line 4663 to ground. The address fault line may comprise a single analog conductor connected to a voltage source 4670, such as a standby DC voltage (which may be +5V in some examples) within an initial module, such as a header / UI module. A series resistor may be attached to the address fault line 4663 on each module local bus. Such a series resistor is shown in Figure 25 as resistors R0, R1, ... R TThis is schematically shown. An initial current limiting resistor R0 may be placed in series downstream of the voltage source 4670. The voltage on the address fault line 4663 may be read by a sensor circuit 4666 located downstream of the current limiting resistor R0. In one example, the sensor circuit 4666 may be an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). In some embodiments, the address fault line, voltage source, and sensor circuit may all be incorporated into the local data bus of an initial module, such as a header / UI module.

[0216] As disclosed above, the parity fault generator circuit 4667 of module N can be triggered due to a mismatch between the address parity value from module N+1 and the predicted address parity value of module N+1. When the parity fault generator circuit 4667 of module N is triggered, the address fault line 4663 is short-circuited to ground by the fault generator circuit 4667 of module N. When the address fault line 4663 is short-circuited to ground, the analog voltage of the address fault line 4663 changes. The voltage read by the sensor circuit 4666 is passed through resistor R1.....R n The sum of the resistance values ​​of resistors R0...R n It may have a value proportional to the ratio of all sums, where R n is the value of the series resistor in the address fault line in module N (where the fault occurred). The voltage value read by sensor circuit 4666 may be converted to a digital value, and the digital value may be transmitted to the central control circuit. The central control can then use the voltage value and a known number of modules to determine which of the n modules has experienced an address fault. A notification circuit may then inform the user of the address fault in the modular energy system based on the voltage value obtained by sensor circuit 4666. The user can then take appropriate action to repair or replace module N+1 in the modular energy system.

[0217] Standby Mode Failure User Feedback As disclosed above, various communication functions may be implemented in hardware and software to enable users of modular energy systems or larger smart surgical systems to recognize the presence of one or more error conditions. In this way, the cause of such failures can be repaired by the user before the use of one or more components of the smart surgical system begins. To facilitate repair, it may be recognized that such failures should be identified as soon as possible when any component or subsystem of the smart surgical system is powered on. Many user notifications may be presented during the boot-up of the processors of various subsystems and components of the smart surgical system. Such notifications may include, among other things, notifications of communication failures. Typically, unless the user sees a failure notification, the user may assume that the components of the smart surgical system are operating under nominal conditions. However, if there is a failure in the boot-up of the processor unit, the processor may not be able to notify the user of any additional system errors. Boot-up failures may only be detected during a surgical procedure or preoperative initiation procedure. Such delayed failure detection can have serious consequences for the surgical procedure, its initiation time, and the length of the procedure. As a result, it can be recognized that a method for determining early processor boot-up failures for any processor component of a smart surgical system may be important to avoid delays or cancellations of surgical procedures.

[0218] Figure 26 shows a flowchart 4700 of processes and components that may be used to present instructions to the user regarding a processor boot-up failure. It should be recognized that such processes and components may be used for any processor component of a modular energy system (such as a header / UI module alone, each individual functional module, or the modular energy system as a single device) or for any other system or subsystem of a smart surgical system. The processor under test may include, but is not limited to, any of the processors associated with each of the individual modules, as well as additional processors such as a standby processor that can control the overall operation of the modular energy system.

[0219] Systems that may participate in the boot-up failure detection system include, but are not limited to, the processor under test 4720, the hardware timing circuit 4740, and a notification device. The notification device may be an audible device, a visual device, or any other device capable of alerting the user to the status of the modular energy device. In one non-limiting aspect, the notification device may be a multicolor visualization device 4760. In one non-limiting example, the multicolor visualization device 4730 may be a three-color LED. In one non-limiting example, the processor under test 4720 may include a control circuit of one of the functional modules (or header / UI modules). It can be understood that the control circuit may also include, in addition to having a processor, one or more memory units configured to store instructions for execution by the modular energy system control circuit. In one non-limiting example, the processor under test 4720 may relate to a standby processor located within a header / UI module of the modular energy system. In another example, the processor under test 4720 may relate to a processor located within a control circuit of one of the functional modules of the modular energy system.

[0220] The hardware timing circuit 4740 may consist of any one or more electronic hardware timers and / or counters. In one non-limiting example, the hardware timing system 4740 may be a digital circuit that may include a timing signal generator, a counter, and a digital comparator. The timing signal generator may consist of a self-propelled oscillator that generates a timing signal that can serve as an input to the counter. Alternatively, the timing signal may be obtained from an external source such as an internet timing signal, a GPS signal source, or a shortwave radio source. The timing signal may be started when power is applied to the computerized system. The counter may be a standalone counter having a value that increments when it receives a transition of the timing signal. The digital comparator may compare the digital output of the standalone counter with the contents of a memory device designed to store a digital representation of a given value. Alternatively, the hardware timing system 4740 may consist of an analog circuit that includes, for example, an RC (resistor-capacitor) circuit, a circuit that generates a voltage threshold associated with a given value, and an analog comparator. When power is applied to the computerized device, a timing voltage may be applied to the RC circuit. An analog comparator can compare the voltage output of an RC circuit to a voltage threshold. In some other examples, the hardware timing circuit 4740 may include mixed analog / digital components such as a 555 timer integrated circuit having resistors and capacitors, as will be well understood by those skilled in the art.

[0221] The multicolor visualization device 4760 may provide a visual indicator to notify the user of the processor's boot-up status.

[0222] A system for notifying a user of a processor boot-up failure may begin by plugging the power line 4710 of the computerized system into a suitable power outlet. In some embodiments, a second step of the process may include a step 4715 for activating the power switch of the computerized system. Alternatively, the boot-up failure system may not require the activation of the power switch 4715 and may simply be started by plugging the power line 4710 into a power outlet. Considering the processor under test 4720 first, the processor may begin its boot-up process (4722). As disclosed above, the processor under test may be a processor associated with any system or subsystem of a smart surgical system, for example, a processor in a modular energy system control circuit located within a header / UI module. The boot-up process may include initializing one or more functions of the processor under test 4720 by initiating the execution of a series of instructions upon receiving local power from a computerized device. Depending on the complexity of the operating system loaded onto the processor, and the number and type of self-test programs being executed during boot-up, there may be a boot-up process delay time 4724 between the start of the boot-up process 4722 and the completion of the boot-up process 4726. In one embodiment, the processor boot-up delay time 4724 may be about 10 microseconds. In another embodiment, the processor boot-up delay time 4724 may be about 200 microseconds. Depending on the nature of the processor, the processor clock, and the range of software that needs to be executed, the boot-up delay time 4724 may be any value between, for example, about 10 microseconds and about 200 microseconds. At the completion of the processor boot-up 4726, the processor may send an override signal 4728 to the hardware timing circuit 4740 to stop functioning. Furthermore, at the completion of the processor boot-up 4722, the processor may send configuration data to the multicolor visualization device 4760 4730.Once the processor has completed these tasks, it can enter a standby state 4732. The processor in standby state 4732 may be ready to receive instructions from the user to initiate the necessary surgical procedures.

[0223] With respect to the hardware timing circuit 4740, when the power line is plugged in (4710) and the power switch is activated (4715), the timing circuit 4740 can start timing procedure 4742. In some additional embodiments, the timing circuit 4740 may start timing procedure 4742 when the power line is plugged into the outlet (4710), without requiring the activation of the power switch 4715. In some embodiments, timing procedure 4742 may start timing signals to initialize and update digital counters. Alternatively, timing procedure 4742 may apply a stable DC timing voltage to an RC circuit and compare the output of the RC circuit to a voltage threshold. If the timing circuit 4740 does not receive an override signal 4728, timing procedure 4742 may continue until either an analog or digital timer reaches a predetermined value (4744). In some embodiments, the predetermined value may relate to a typical time required for the processor under test to complete the boot-up process (boot-up delay time 4724). When the counter reaches a predetermined value (4744), the hardware timing circuit 4740 may send a fault signal to the multicolor visualization device 4760 (4748).

[0224] In one example, the given value may be experimentally derived based on measuring a boot-up delay of 4724. In one non-limiting example, the given value may represent the average of multiple measured boot-up delays. In another non-limiting example, the given value may represent the maximum value of multiple measured boot-up delays. In yet another non-limiting example, the given value may be the average of multiple measured boot-up delays plus an additional arbitrary value (such as 50% of the average). Alternatively, any value may be chosen for the given value, as long as it is significantly larger than the expected boot-up delay of 4724. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the given value for a processor with an expected boot-up delay between approximately 10 microseconds and approximately 200 microseconds may be in the range of approximately 200 milliseconds to approximately 2 seconds. In some non-limiting examples, a given value may be approximately 200 milliseconds, approximately 400 milliseconds, approximately 600 milliseconds, approximately 800 milliseconds, approximately 1000 milliseconds (1 second), approximately 1200 milliseconds, approximately 1400 milliseconds, approximately 1600 milliseconds, approximately 1800 milliseconds, approximately 2000 milliseconds (2 seconds), or any value or range of values ​​in between, including the endpoint.

[0225] As disclosed above, the hardware timing circuit 4740 may continue timing procedure 4742 until the timer reaches a predetermined value (4744). Alternatively, if the hardware timing circuit 4742 receives an override signal 4728 from the processor under test 4720 before reaching a predetermined value (4744) (4746), timing procedure 4742 may terminate (4750) and the hardware timing circuit 4740 may stop (4752). In yet another embodiment, if the hardware timing circuit 4742 receives an override signal 4728 from the processor under test 4720 before reaching a predetermined value (4744) (4746), the hardware timing circuit 4740 may not transmit a fault signal to the multicolor visualization device 4760 (4748), but timing procedure 4742 may continue. In a configuration where the hardware timing circuit 4742 receives an override signal 4728 from the processor under test 4720 before reaching a predetermined value (4744) (4746), the hardware timing circuit 4740 does not transmit a fault signal to the multicolor visualization device 4760 (4748).

[0226] Next, referring to the multicolor visualization device 4760, the multicolor visualization device may comprise any one or a set of LED devices. In one example, the multicolor visualization device may be a tricolor LED consisting of a red LED 4766a, a green LED 4766b, and a blue LED 4766c. These LEDs may be powered individually or in groups to generate the desired notification color. In one example, all three LEDs 4766a, b, and c may be operated to generate a white notification color. In one example, a dim white notification color may indicate that the modular energy system has been initialized and is in standby mode, while a bright white notification color may indicate that the modular energy system is in runtime mode and therefore ready for use. In another example, only the green LED 4766b may be active. The green notification color may indicate that the modular energy system or one of its functional modules is currently active and in runtime mode, for example, supplying power to a smart electrosurgical instrument. In yet another example, only the red LED 4766a may be active. The red notification color may indicate one of several failure conditions. For example, the red notification color may indicate that the processor under test 4720 failed to complete its boot-up process and that action is required.

[0227] Returning to the processor under test 4720, if the processor has successfully completed the boot-up procedure (4726), the processor may send configuration data to the multicolor visualization device 4760 (4730). A typical LED driver circuit may receive the configuration data from the processor (4762). The typical LED driver circuit may then activate LEDs 4766a, b, and c to display an appropriate color indicating the status of the modular energy device, such as dim white or bright white.

[0228] Alternatively, if the hardware timing circuit 4740 reaches a predetermined value (4744), the timing circuit 4740 may transmit a fault signal to the multicolor visualization device 4760 (4748). The fault signal may be received by an LED driver override circuit that can activate the red LED 4766a regardless of the state of the general LED driver circuit (4764). In this way, the red LED signal may be perceived by a user who understands that a boot-up failure has occurred in the processor under test 4720. [Examples]

[0229] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following numbered examples.

[0230] Example 1. A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, wherein the system comprises a plurality of modules, each of which includes one of an initial module, a terminal module, and a functional module, each of which includes a module control circuit and a local data bus, each of which includes a communication switch, a first switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit, a second switch data path communicating with the communication switch, and a third switch data path communicating with the communication switch, and the initial module includes an initial module control circuit and a local data bus, each of which includes an initial module control circuit and a local data bus, each of which includes an initial module control circuit and a local data bus, each of which includes a A modular energy system comprising: multiple modules, each including a physical layer transceiver (PHY) for data communication; a termination unit for data communication with a third data path of an end module; and an internal data bus including a serial array of local data buses of multiple functional modules and end modules, wherein the third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with a second switch data path of functional module N+1, the second switch data path of an end module communicates data with a third switch data path of a preceding functional module, and the internal data bus further comprises a physical layer transceiver (PHY) of an initial module for data communication with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module.

[0231] Example 2. The modular energy system according to Example 1, further comprising a routing system, the routing system being configured to communicate with an internal data bus and to enable data communication between the internal data bus and a device or system separate from the modular energy system.

[0232] Example 3. The modular energy system according to Example 2, wherein one of the multiple modules comprises a routing system.

[0233] Example 4. The modular energy system according to Example 3, wherein one of the multiple modules comprising a routing system further comprises a header module or a communication module.

[0234] Example 5. A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 3 and 4, wherein the routing system is detachably connected to one of a plurality of modules.

[0235] Example 6. The modular energy system according to Example 5, wherein one of a plurality of modules, each having a detachably connected routing system, is configured to detect the presence of the detachably connected routing system.

[0236] Example 7. A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 2 to 6, wherein the routing system comprises a routing system processor and a routing system memory unit, the routing system memory unit being configured to store instructions that, when executed by the routing system processor, cause the processor to execute one or more communication security protocols.

[0237] Example 8. The modular energy system according to Example 7, wherein one or more communication security protocols include one or more of the following: MAC address table filtering, IP address filtering, software protocol filtering, or port number filtering, stateful communication packet inspection, and application layer firewall.

[0238] Example 9. A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of modules include at least three modules.

[0239] Example 10. For module N, when the communication switch of module N is not functioning, the data communication between module N + 1 and module N - 1 is routed around the communication switch of module N. The modular energy system according to Example 9.

[0240] Example 11. The local data bus of each of a plurality of modules is a multiplexer, further comprising a multiplexer including a first multiplex data path, a second multiplex data path, a third multiplex data path, and a data path selection line. The fourth switch data path for the functional module or the terminal module is configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the first multiplex data path of the multiplexer. The modular energy system according to Example 10.

[0241] Example 12. The modular energy system according to Example 11, wherein the third multiplex data path of module N + 1 communicates with the second multiplex data path of module N - 1.

[0242] Example 13. When the communication switch of module N is not functioning, module N + 1 is configured to form a communication exchange with module N - 1 via the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N + 1, the third multiplex data path of the data multiplexer of module N + 1, the second multiplex data path of the data multiplexer of module N - 1, and the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N - 1. The modular energy system according to Example 12.

[0243] Example 14. The internal data bus further includes a plurality of address lines, an address fault line that communicates electrically with a voltage source, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the value of the analog voltage of the address fault line into a digital value. Each module N of the plurality of functional modules further includes a local address generator circuit, a local address parity circuit, and a predicted address parity circuit for module N+1. The modular energy system according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 13.

[0244] Example 15. The modular energy system according to Example 14, wherein the terminal unit includes a local address parity circuit.

[0245] Example 16. The modular energy system according to any one or more of Examples 14 and 15, wherein each module N of the plurality of functional modules includes a parity comparison circuit configured to compare the predicted address parity value for module N+1 with the local address parity value of module N+1.

[0246] Example 17. For each module N of the plurality of modules, when the predicted address parity value for module N+1 is not equal to the local address parity value of module N+1, module N changes the value of the analog voltage of the address fault line. The modular energy system according to Example 16.

[0247] Example 18. The modular energy system according to Example 17, wherein the change in the value of the analog voltage indicates an address fault in module N+1.

[0248] Example 19. A system for notifying a user of a processor boot-up failure in a computerized device, wherein the computerized device comprises a processor and a memory unit configured to store a plurality of instructions for execution by the processor, the system comprises a timing circuit and a notification device, the processor is configured to start a boot-up process based on at least some of the instructions stored in the memory unit when power is applied to the computerized device, the timing circuit is configured to start a timing procedure when power is applied to the computerized device, and the timing circuit is configured to send a failure signal to the notification device when the timing circuit reaches a predetermined value.

[0249] Example 20. The system according to Example 19, wherein the timing circuit comprises a first timing circuit, the first timing circuit comprising a digital counter configured to receive a timing signal and a memory device configured to store a predetermined value, the timing signal being initiated when power is applied to a computerized device.

[0250] Example 21. A system according to one or more of Examples 19 and 20, wherein the time circuit comprises a second timing circuit, the second timing circuit includes an RC circuit, a comparator, and a circuit configured to generate a voltage threshold, and when power is applied to a computerized device, a timing voltage is applied to the RC circuit, and the voltage threshold includes a predetermined value.

[0251] Example 22. The system according to one or more of Examples 19 to 21, wherein the processor is configured to send an override signal to the timing circuit when the boot-up process is complete, and the timing circuit is configured to abort the timing procedure when it receives the override signal from the processor.

[0252] Example 23. A system according to one or more of Examples 19 to 22, wherein the notification device comprises a multicolor visualization device.

[0253] Example 24. The system according to Example 23, wherein the processor is further configured to send a configuration signal to a multicolor visualization device upon completion of the boot-up process.

[0254] Example 25. The system according to one or more of Examples 23 and 24, wherein the multicolor visualization device comprises three-color LEDs.

[0255] Example 26.3: The system according to Example 25, wherein the 3-color LED is configured to display red when it receives a fault signal from the timing circuit.

[0256] Example 27.3: The system according to one or more of Examples 25 and 26, wherein the 3-color LED is configured to display a dim white when the computerized device is in standby mode and a bright white when the computerized device is in runtime mode.

[0257] While several forms have been shown and described, it is not the applicant's intention to limit or restrict the attached claims to such details. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these forms can be implemented and will be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the structure of each element related to the described form can be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by that element. Also, while materials are disclosed with respect to specific components, other materials may be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description and the attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as being included within the scope of the disclosed forms. The attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents.

[0258] The detailed descriptions above have described various forms of apparatus and / or processes using block diagrams, flowcharts and / or embodiments. To the extent that such block diagrams, flowcharts and / or embodiments include one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation included in such block diagrams, flowcharts and / or embodiments can be implemented individually and / or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that some or all of the forms disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented on integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or substantially any combination thereof, and that designing circuits and / or writing software and / or firmware code falls within the scope of the skills of those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed in various forms as one or more program products, and the specific forms of the subject matter described herein are applicable regardless of the particular type of signal carrier medium used to actually carry out the distribution.

[0259] Instructions used to program logic to implement various disclosed embodiments may be stored in system memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Furthermore, instructions may be distributed over a network or by other computer-readable media. Thus, machine-readable media may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but are not limited to floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disks, read-only memory (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROMs), random access memory (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage used for transmitting information over the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, non-temporary computer-readable media may include any type of tangible machine-readable media suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0260] When used in any aspect of this specification, the term “control circuit” can mean, for example, hardwired circuits, programmable circuits (e.g., computer processors, processing units, processors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) including one or more individual instruction processing cores), state-machine circuits, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuits, and any combination thereof. Control circuits can be embodied collectively or individually as circuits that form part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, or a smartphone. Accordingly, as used herein, “control circuit” includes, but is not limited to, an electrical circuit having at least one separate electrical circuit, an electrical circuit having at least one integrated circuit, an electrical circuit having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, an electrical circuit forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that performs at least partially the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that performs at least partially the processes and / or devices described herein), an electrical circuit forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of random access memory), and / or an electrical circuit forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optical-electric installation). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog form, digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0261] When used in any aspect of this specification, the term “logic” may mean an application, software, firmware, and / or circuit configured to perform any of the operations described above. Software may be embodied as software packages, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction sets, and / or hardcoded (e.g., non-volatile) data in a memory device.

[0262] When used in any aspect of this specification, terms such as “component,” “system,” and “module” may refer to computer-related entities that are hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or running software.

[0263] Where used in any aspect of this specification, “algorithm” means a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, and “step” means the manipulation of physical quantities and / or logical states that can take the form of electrical or magnetic signals, which are not necessarily required but can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. These signals are commonly referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities, or simply are convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0264] A packet-switched network is one example of a network. Communication devices can communicate with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. One exemplary communication protocol is the Ethernet communication protocol, which can enable communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the "IEEE 802.3 Standard" published in December 2008 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and / or later versions of the Ethernet standard. Alternatively or additionally, communication devices can communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards published by the International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, communication devices can communicate with each other using the Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol conforms to or may be compatible with standards published by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, transceivers may communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol conforms to or may be compatible with the ATM standard and / or later versions of this standard, published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 under the title "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0". Naturally, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are equally construed herein.

[0265] Unless otherwise expressly defined, as will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure, throughout the foregoing disclosure, the use of terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "displaying", etc. refers to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as a physical (electronic) quantity in the registers and memories of the computer system into other data similarly represented as a physical quantity in the memory or registers of the computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0266] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to", "configurable to", "operable / operative to", "adapted / adaptable", "able to", "conformable / conformed to", etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that "configured to" generally encompasses components in an active state and / or components in a non-active state and / or components in a standby state, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0267] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician operating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located farther from the clinician. It will be further understood that, for the sake of convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, the surgical instrument is used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0268] Those skilled in the art will generally understand that the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the text of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to"). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that if a particular number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intent is clearly stated in the claim, and if such statement is not present, such intent does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, subsequent appended claims may include the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as suggesting that any particular claim containing such introduced claim description is limited to claims containing only one such description, even if the same claim contains an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when introducing a claim description using a definite article.

[0269] In addition, even if a specific number is explicitly stated in the introduced claim, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that such a statement should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the number stated (for example, if there is a statement that is simply “two descriptions” without any other modifiers, it generally means at least two descriptions, or two or more descriptions). Furthermore, when a notation similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, such a notation is generally intended to be understood in a way that those skilled in the art will understand (for example, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” is not limited to systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C and / or all of A, B and C, etc.). When expressions similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" are used, such expressions are generally intended to be understood in a way that a person skilled in the art would understand (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C). Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that, typically, any disjunctive word and / or phrase representing two or more selective terms should be understood, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, as intended to include the possibility of including one of those terms, any of those terms, or both of those terms, unless the context requires a different interpretation. For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0270] With respect to the attached claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations cited herein may generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, while various operations are shown in sequence(s), it should be understood that the operations may be performed in any order other than those shown, or simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include repetition, alternation, interruption, reordering, augmentation, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other different orderings, unless the context should imply otherwise. Moreover, terms such as “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context should imply otherwise.

[0271] It is worth noting that any reference to “one aspect,” “aspect,” “example,” or “example” means that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases “in one aspect,” “in aspect,” “example,” and “example” found in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any preferred manner in one or more aspects.

[0272] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced herein and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with this Specified. Disclosures expressly stated herein, both in themselves and to the extent required, shall supersede any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or any part thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the current disclosures.

[0273] In summary, the numerous benefits that can be obtained as a result of using the concepts described herein have been described. The above descriptions of one or more forms are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. They are not intended to be comprehensive or to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. One or more forms have been selected and described to illustrate the principle and practical applications, thereby enabling a person skilled in the art to utilize the various forms, along with various modifications, for specific conceivable uses. The claims presented herein are intended to define the overall scope.

[0274] [Implementation Method] (1) A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, wherein the system is A plurality of modules, each of which includes one of an initial module, a terminal module, and a functional module. Each of the aforementioned functional module and terminal module is: Module control circuit and It is a local data bus, Communication switch, A first switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit, A second switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, A local data bus includes a third switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, The initial module includes multiple modules, each containing a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. A termination unit that communicates data with the third data path of the terminal module, The system comprises an internal data bus including a serial array of the local data buses of the plurality of functional modules and the terminal modules, The third switch data path of functional module N communicates data with the second switch data path of functional module N+1. The second switch data path of the terminal module communicates data with the third switch data path of the preceding functional module. A modular energy system comprising the internal data bus further comprising the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module which communicates data with a second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. (2) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a routing system, the routing system communicating with the internal data bus and configured to enable data communication between the internal data bus and a device or system separate from the modular energy system. (3) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 2, wherein one of the plurality of modules comprises the routing system. (4) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 3, wherein one of the plurality of modules comprising the routing system further comprises a header module or a communication module. (5) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the routing system is detachably connected to one of the plurality of modules.

[0275] (6) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 5, wherein one of the plurality of modules comprising the detachably connected routing system is configured to detect the presence of the detachably connected routing system. (7) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 2, wherein the routing system comprises a routing system processor and a routing system memory unit, the routing system memory unit being configured to store instructions that, when executed by the routing system processor, cause the processor to execute one or more communication security protocols. (8) The one or more communication security protocols MAC address table filter, Packet filtering based on IP address, software protocol, or port number, Stateful communication packet inspection and The modular energy system according to Embodiment 7, comprising one or more of the following: an application layer firewall. (9) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of modules includes at least three modules. (10) With respect to module N, when the communication switch of module N is not functioning, data communication between module N+1 and module N-1 is routed by bypassing the communication switch of module N, as described in Embodiment 9.

[0276] (11) The local data bus of each of the plurality of modules It is a multiplexer, The first multiplexed data path, The second multiple data path, A third multiple data path, A multiplexer further comprising a data path selection line, The modular energy system according to Embodiment 10, wherein a fourth switch data path for a functional module or terminal module is configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the first multiplex data path of the multiplexer. (12) The modular energy system according to embodiment 11, wherein the third multiplexed data path of module N+1 communicates data with the second multiplexed data path of module N-1. (13) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 12, wherein when the communication switch of module N+1 is not functioning, module N+1 is configured to form a communication exchange with module N-1 via the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N+1, the third multiplex data path of the data multiplexer of module N+1, the second multiplex data path of the data multiplexer of module N-1, and the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N-1. (14) The internal data bus, Multiple address lines, A voltage source and an address interference line that communicates electrically, The system further comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the analog voltage value of the address fault line into a digital value, Each module N of the aforementioned plurality of functional modules is: Local address generator circuit, Local address parity circuit, The modular energy system according to Embodiment 1 further comprises a predictive address parity circuit for functional module N+1. (15) The modular energy system according to embodiment 14, wherein the termination unit includes a local address parity circuit.

[0277] (16) The modular energy system according to embodiment 14, wherein each of the plurality of functional modules N includes a parity comparison circuit configured to compare a predicted address parity value for module N+1 with the local address parity value of module N+1. (17) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 16, wherein for each module N of the plurality of modules, module N changes the value of the analog voltage of the address fault line when the predicted address parity value for module N+1 is not equal to the local address parity value of module N+1. (18) The modular energy system according to embodiment 17, wherein the change in the value of the analog voltage indicates an address fault in module N+1. (19) A system for notifying a user of a processor boot-up failure in a computerized device, wherein the computerized device comprises a processor and a memory unit configured to store a plurality of instructions for execution by the processor, and the system Timing circuit and, Equipped with a notification device, The processor is configured to initiate a boot-up process based on at least some of the instructions stored in the memory unit when power is applied to the computerized device. The timing circuit is configured to initiate a timing procedure when power is applied to the computerized device. The timing circuit is configured to send a fault signal to the notification device when the timing circuit reaches a predetermined value. (20) The timing circuit comprises a first timing circuit, and the first timing circuit is A digital counter configured to receive timing signals, A memory device configured to store the predetermined value, The system according to embodiment 19, wherein the timing signal is initiated when power is applied to the computerized device.

[0278] (21) The time circuit comprises a second timing circuit, and the second timing circuit is RC circuit and Comparator and, Includes a circuit configured to generate a voltage threshold, When power is applied to the computerized device, a timing voltage is applied to the RC circuit. The system according to embodiment 19, wherein the voltage threshold includes the predetermined value. (22) The processor is configured to send an override signal to the timing circuit when the boot-up process is completed, The system according to embodiment 19, wherein the timing circuit is configured to abort the timing procedure when it receives the override signal from the processor. (23) The system according to embodiment 19, wherein the notification device comprises a multicolor visualization device. (24) The system according to embodiment 23, wherein the processor is further configured to transmit a configuration signal to the multicolor visualization device upon completion of the boot-up process. (25) The system according to embodiment 23, wherein the multicolor visualization device comprises three-color LEDs.

[0279] (26) The system according to embodiment 25, wherein the three-color LED is configured to display red when it receives the fault signal from the timing circuit. (27) The system according to embodiment 25, wherein the three-color LED is configured to display a dim white when the computerized device is in standby mode and a bright white when the computerized device is in runtime mode.

Claims

1. A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, wherein the modular energy system is A plurality of modules, each of which includes one of an initial module, a terminal module, and a functional module. Each of the aforementioned functional module and terminal module is: Module control circuit and It is a local data bus, Communication switch, A first switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit, A second switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, A local data bus includes a third switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, The initial module includes multiple modules, each containing a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. A termination unit that communicates data with the third switch data path of the terminal module, The system comprises an internal data bus including a serial array of the local data buses of the plurality of functional modules and the terminal modules, The third switch data path of the functional module N communicates data with the second switch data path of the functional module N+1. The second switch data path of the terminal module communicates data with the third switch data path of the preceding functional module. The internal data bus further comprises the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module which communicates data with the second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. The system further comprises a routing system, which communicates with the internal data bus and is configured to enable data communication between the internal data bus and a device or system separate from the modular energy system. One of the aforementioned multiple modules includes the routing system, The routing system is detachably connected to one of the plurality of modules. Modular energy system.

2. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of modules comprising the routing system further comprises a header module or a communication module.

3. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of modules, each comprising the detachably connected routing system, is configured to detect the presence of the detachably connected routing system.

4. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the routing system comprises a routing system processor and a routing system memory unit, and the routing system memory unit is configured to store instructions that, when executed by the routing system processor, cause the routing system processor to execute one or more communication security protocols.

5. The one or more communication security protocols mentioned above MAC address table filter and, Packet filtering based on IP address, software protocol, or port number, Stateful communication packet inspection and The modular energy system according to claim 4, comprising one or more of the following: an application layer firewall.

6. The aforementioned internal data bus, Multiple address lines, A voltage source and an address interference line that communicates electrically, The system further comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the analog voltage value of the address fault line into a digital value, Each module N of the aforementioned plurality of functional modules is: A local address generator circuit that generates the local address of the local data bus, A local address parity circuit that generates the parity value of the local address, The modular energy system according to claim 1, further comprising a predictive address parity circuit for functional module N+1.

7. The modular energy system according to claim 6, wherein the termination unit includes a local address parity circuit.

8. The modular energy system according to claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of functional modules N includes a parity comparison circuit configured to compare a predicted address parity value for module N+1 with the local address parity value of module N+1.

9. The modular energy system according to claim 8, wherein for each module N of the plurality of modules, module N changes the value of the analog voltage of the address fault line when the predicted address parity value for module N+1 is not equal to the local address parity value of module N+1.

10. The modular energy system according to claim 9, wherein the change in the value of the analog voltage indicates an address fault in module N+1.

11. A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, wherein the modular energy system comprises: A plurality of modules, each of which includes one of an initial module, a terminal module, and a functional module. Each of the aforementioned functional module and terminal module is: Module control circuit and It is a local data bus, Communication switch, A first switch data path configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the module control circuit, A second switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, A local data bus includes a third switch data path that communicates data with the aforementioned communication switch, The initial module includes multiple modules, each containing a physical layer transceiver (PHY) that communicates data with the initial module control circuit. A termination unit that communicates data with the third switch data path of the terminal module, The system comprises an internal data bus including a serial array of the local data buses of the plurality of functional modules and the terminal modules, The third switch data path of the functional module N communicates data with the second switch data path of the functional module N+1. The second switch data path of the terminal module communicates data with the third switch data path of the preceding functional module. The internal data bus further comprises the physical layer transceiver (PHY) of the initial module which communicates data with the second switch data path of a subsequent functional module. The aforementioned plurality of modules include at least three modules, A modular energy system in which, when the communication switch of module N is not functioning, data communication between module N+1 and module N-1 is routed by bypassing the communication switch of module N.

12. Each of the local data buses of the plurality of modules It is a multiplexer, The first multiplexed data path, The second multiple data path, A third multiple data path, A multiplexer further comprising a data path selection line, The modular energy system according to claim 11, wherein a fourth switch data path for a functional module or terminal module is configured to enable data communication between the communication switch and the first multiplex data path of the multiplexer.

13. The modular energy system according to claim 12, wherein the third multiplexed data path of module N+1 communicates data with the second multiplexed data path of module N-1.

14. The modular energy system according to claim 13, wherein when the communication switch of module N is not functioning, module N+1 is configured to form a communication exchange with module N-1 via the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N+1, the third multiplex data path of the multiplexer of module N+1, the second multiplex data path of the multiplexer of module N-1, and the fourth switch data path of the communication switch of module N-1.

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