Medical system, remote control device, and control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical system or the like capable of reducing a risk when remotely controlling a medical device. A medical system (50) comprises: a medical device (45) including a first communication unit (141) and a second communication unit (142); and a remote control device (40) including a third communication unit (243) and a fourth communication unit (344). The remote control device (40) includes an input unit (43) that receives an input relating to an operation parameter of the medical device (45), and the first communication unit (141) and the third communication unit (243) perform radio communication on information relating to an input received by the input unit (43) according to a first communication protocol, the second communication unit (142) and the fourth communication unit (344) perform radio communication on information relating to an input received by the input unit (43) according to a second communication protocol, and the communication state of one of the radio communication according to the first communication protocol and the radio communication according to the second communication protocol is monitored on the basis of the communication state of the other.

Description

Medical system, remote control device and control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical system, a remote control device, and a control method.

[0002] Extracorporeal circulation systems have been widely used to temporarily maintain life during open-heart surgery for heart disease, or in the event of circulatory failure or cardiac arrest, by assisting the patient's blood circulation and breathing and substituting for the patient's cardiopulmonary function (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-14504

[0004] In such extracorporeal circulation systems, medical staff such as doctors may need to adjust the settings of the equipment as needed depending on changes in the condition of the patient being treated. For example, for patients being treated in an infection isolation room, the burden on medical staff can be reduced by using wireless communication to remotely control the medical equipment from outside the room.

[0005] However, wireless communication has the potential for transmitting erroneous or inaccurate signals due to external noise, equipment malfunctions, etc. If erroneous or inaccurate signals occur, medical professionals may be unable to properly assess the patient's condition, which could result in them being unable to adjust medical equipment appropriately.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a medical system etc. that can reduce risks when remotely controlling medical equipment.

[0007] The present invention provides a medical system (1) comprising: a medical device having a first communication unit and a second communication unit; and a remote control device having a third communication unit and a fourth communication unit; the remote control device has an input unit that accepts input related to operating parameters of the medical device; the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input accepted by the input unit using a first communication protocol; the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input accepted by the input unit using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; and the medical system monitors the communication status of one of the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol based on the communication status of the other.

[0008] Here, an embodiment of the present invention is (2) in the medical system described in (1) above, it is preferable that the information regarding the input received by the input unit via the first communication protocol and the information regarding the input received by the input unit via the second communication protocol are different information from each other.

[0009] (3) In the medical system described in (1) above, it is preferable that the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol mutually monitor each other based on the communication status of the other.

[0010] (4) It is preferable that the medical system described in any one of (1) to (3) above includes a notification unit that notifies when either the wireless communication using the first communication protocol or the wireless communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted.

[0011] (5) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (4) above, when either the wireless communication using the first communication protocol or the wireless communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted, it is preferable that communication to complement the interrupted wireless communication is performed using the other communication protocol.

[0012] (6) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (5) above, it is preferable that the data communicated using the first communication protocol and / or the data communicated using the second communication protocol each include a timestamp.

[0013] (7) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that the wireless communication according to the first communication protocol uses a frequency band different from that of the wireless communication according to the second communication protocol.

[0014] (8) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (7) above, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, it is preferable to notify via the second communication protocol that communication via the first communication protocol has been interrupted, store data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol, and transmit the stored data when communication via the first communication protocol is restored.

[0015] (9) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (8) above, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, it is preferable that a portion of the data that should be transmitted via the first communication protocol is transmitted via the second communication protocol.

[0016] (10) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (9) above, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, it is preferable to store data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol, transmit part of the data via the second communication protocol, and when communication via the first communication protocol is restored, transmit the data via the first communication protocol.

[0017] (11) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (10) above, it is preferable that a portion of the data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol that is transmitted via the second communication protocol is recorded in a distinguishable form.

[0018] (12) In the medical system according to any one of (1) to (11) above, it is preferable that the data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol is compressed data.

[0019] (13) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (12) above, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, it is preferable to store data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol together with a timestamp, and when communication via the first communication protocol is restored, transmit only the data with the most recent timestamp via the first communication protocol.

[0020] (14) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (13) above, it is preferable that the first communication protocol uses a higher frequency band than the second communication protocol, and that the medical system is provided with a notification unit that notifies when communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted.

[0021] (15) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (14) above, it is preferable that the first communication protocol uses a lower frequency band than the second communication protocol, and that the medical system is provided with a notification unit that notifies when communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted.

[0022] (16) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (15) above, it is preferable that the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate output information from the medical device corresponding to information regarding the input received by the input unit using the first communication protocol, and the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate output from the medical device corresponding to information regarding the input received by the input unit using the second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

[0023] (17) In the medical system described in any one of (1) to (16) above, the medical device has an oxygenator and a circulation circuit through which blood circulates, and the operating parameter is preferably at least one of an operating parameter of a device that controls the flow rate in the circulation circuit, an oxygen flow rate of a gas blender connected to the oxygenator, and an oxygen concentration.

[0024] (18) It is preferable that the remote control device comprises: an input unit that receives input regarding operating parameters of a medical device; a generation unit that generates a control signal for remotely controlling the medical device based on the input received by the input unit; a third communication unit that communicates the control signal generated by the generation unit with a first communication unit possessed by the medical device via wireless communication using a first communication protocol; a fourth communication unit that communicates the control signal generated by the generation unit with a second communication unit possessed by the medical device via wireless communication using a second communication protocol; and a monitoring unit that monitors the communication status of one of the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol based on the communication status of the other.

[0025] (19) A control method for controlling a medical system including a medical device having a first communication unit and a second communication unit, and a remote control device having a third communication unit and a fourth communication unit, wherein the remote control device receives input regarding operating parameters of the medical device, the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate information regarding the input using a first communication protocol, and the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate information regarding the input using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and preferably monitors the communication status of one of the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol based on the communication status of the other.

[0026] In one aspect, a medical system or the like that can remotely control medical equipment can be provided.

[0027] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of a medical system. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of a medical system. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a medical device. FIG. 2 is a front view of a remote control device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a medical system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a medical system. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program. FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged view of an operation module. FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged view of an operation module. FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of an operation module. FIG. 10 is an example screen of a third display unit. FIG. 11 is an example screen of a third display unit. FIG. 12 is an example screen of a display module. FIG. 13 is an example screen of a display module. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program of embodiment 2. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of a medical system of embodiment 3. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program of embodiment 3. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of a program of embodiment 4. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a medical system of embodiment 5.

[0028] [Embodiment 1] Patients suffering from highly dangerous infectious diseases and patients with weakened resistance to infectious diseases due to immunodeficiency syndrome or the like are treated in an infection isolation room. When medical personnel enter the infection isolation room, infection prevention measures are implemented, such as wearing personal protective equipment such as infection protection suits. After leaving the infection isolation room, medical personnel immediately remove the personal protective equipment.

[0029] Putting on and taking off personal protective equipment takes time, placing a heavy burden on medical staff. Furthermore, most personal protective equipment is single-use, meaning it is discarded after a single use, resulting in costs each time it is used. Furthermore, frequent entry and exit from infection isolation rooms places a heavier burden on medical staff, increasing the risk of infection even when everyone entering and exiting the room is wearing the correct personal protective equipment.

[0030] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use of a medical system 50. A patient is lying on a bed placed in an infection isolation room 52. A medical device 45 and a second medical device 452 are connected to the patient. A medical worker holding a remote control device 40 is standing outside the infection isolation room 52. The remote control device 40 and the medical device 45 are connected via wireless communication.

[0031] 1, the burden on medical personnel can be reduced by remotely controlling the medical equipment 45 from outside the infection isolation room 52. Furthermore, this can contribute to cost reduction and a lower risk of infection.

[0032] The medical device 45 to be remotely controlled is, for example, an extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (hereinafter referred to as ECMO), more specifically, a blood circulation pump used in ECMO, as well as life support devices such as an artificial heart-lung machine, an artificial dialysis machine, and an infusion pump. ECMO has a circulation circuit through which blood circulates. The medical device 45 may also be a device used to monitor the condition of a patient, such as an imaging diagnostic device or a monitoring device.

[0033] An example will be described in which a patient who has contracted COVID-19 and has become seriously ill is receiving treatment in an infection isolation room 52, the interior of which is maintained at negative pressure. The medical device 45 is an ECMO including a circulatory pump, and the second medical device 452 is an artificial respirator.

[0034] Various display parameters representing the operating status of the medical device 45 are constantly transmitted from the medical device 45 to the remote control device 40. Medical personnel such as doctors and nurses check the display parameters displayed on the remote control device 40 and adjust the rotation speed of the circulation pump, which is an operating parameter of ECMO, by remote control as necessary. The rotation speed of the blood circulation pump determines the flow rate and volume of blood in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit through which blood circulates in ECMO.

[0035] The display parameters after the user has adjusted the operating parameters are an example of output information output from the medical device 45 that has accepted remote control from the remote control device 40.

[0036] The operating parameter may be the oxygen flow rate of the oxygen lung connection gas blender 71 or the oxygen concentration of the mixed gas in the oxygen lung connection gas blender 71. Any other parameter that can be controlled by a medical professional may be used as the operating parameter.

[0037] Incidentally, reliability is important in a medical system 50 related to medical equipment 45, such as ECMO, which is important for maintaining the life of a patient. It is desirable to avoid problems such as interference with communication noise, crosstalk with other communications, or equipment malfunction.

[0038] Furthermore, if a problem does occur, it is desirable to quickly detect the problem and notify the user. By notifying the user, it is possible to prevent the user from performing remote control without realizing the problem, and it is also possible for paramedical staff, such as clinical engineers, to quickly resolve the problem. In this embodiment, a remote control device that can meet these needs will be described.

[0039] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the medical system 50. The medical system 50 includes the above-mentioned medical device 45 and a remote control device 40. The medical device 45 includes a first communication unit 141, a second communication unit 142, and a first notification unit 491. The remote control device 40 includes an input unit 43, a third communication unit 243, a fourth communication unit 344, and a second notification unit 442.

[0040] The first communication unit 141 and the third communication unit 243 communicate using a first communication protocol. Display parameters and the like representing the operating state of the medical device 45 are transmitted from the first communication unit 141 to the third communication unit 243. A command instructing a change in an operating parameter such as the rotation speed is transmitted from the third communication unit 243 to the first communication unit 141.

[0041] The second communication unit 142 and the fourth communication unit 344 communicate using a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol is a communication protocol that does not interfere with the first communication protocol. Display parameters and the like that indicate the operating state of the medical device 45 are transmitted from the second communication unit 142 to the fourth communication unit 344. Commands instructing changes to operating parameters such as the rotation speed are transmitted from the fourth communication unit 344 to the second communication unit 142.

[0042] Within the medical device 45, the communication status of the first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 142 and the commands received from the remote control device 40 are monitored. For example, if an abnormality is detected, such as a communication interruption or a discrepancy between the commands received by the first communication unit 141 and the commands received by the second communication unit 142, the first notification unit 491 issues a notification to the user. Specific examples of notifications will be described later.

[0043] In remote control device 40, input unit 43 accepts inputs such as instructions to change operating parameters from the user. Commands corresponding to the accepted instructions are transmitted from third communication unit 243 to first communication unit 141 and from fourth communication unit 344 to second communication unit 142.

[0044] The command transmitted from the third communication unit 243 to the first communication unit 141 via the first protocol is information relating to the input accepted by the input unit 43. The command transmitted from the fourth communication unit 344 to the second communication unit 142 via the second protocol is also information relating to the input accepted by the input unit 43. The information transmitted from the third communication unit 243 to the first communication unit 141 and the information transmitted from the fourth communication unit 344 to the second communication unit 142 may be different.

[0045] For example, the information transmitted via the first protocol and the information transmitted via the second protocol may have different transmission frequencies, i.e., different frame rates, and the information transmitted via the lower frame rate may be an integral of the information transmitted via the higher frame rate.

[0046] Remote control device 40 monitors the communication status of third communication unit 243 and fourth communication unit 344. For example, if an abnormality such as a communication interruption is detected, second notification unit 442 issues a notification to the user. Specific examples of notifications will be described later.

[0047] The communication protocols used for the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are, for example, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), UWB (UltraWide Band), specific low-power radio, or various wireless LANs (Local Area Networks) defined by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard.

[0048] For example, different communication protocols may be used as the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH as the first communication protocol and IEEE 802.11n as the second communication protocol. Different communication protocols may also be used in a wireless LAN, such as IEEE 802.11ad as the first communication protocol and IEEE 802.11g as the second communication protocol.

[0049] Generally, in wireless communication, the higher the frequency band used, the higher the speed, and the lower the frequency band, the slower the speed. It is also known that the lower the frequency band, the higher the degree of confidentiality of the communication. By using different communication protocols for the first and second communication protocols, it is possible to realize a medical system 50 that has both a communication path capable of transmitting large amounts of information at high speed and a communication path that is slow but highly confidential.

[0050] 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a medical device 45. In FIG. 3, the medical device 45 is an ECMO. The medical device 45 is composed of various devices including a base unit 46, an expansion unit 10, and an oxygenator-connected gas blender 71, and is mounted on a rack with casters. The medical device 45 may have a housing that covers the entire device.

[0051] The base unit 46 and the oxygenator connection gas blender 71 are connected to the expansion unit 10. The configurations of the base unit 46 and the expansion unit 10 will be described later. The oxygenator connection gas blender 71 is a device that adjusts the oxygen concentration and flow rate of oxygen supplied to the oxygenator of ECMO. Explanation of the configuration of the oxygenator connection gas blender 71 will be omitted. Furthermore, the oxygenator connection gas blender 71 will not be shown in the following figures.

[0052] 4 is a front view of the remote control device 40. The remote control device 40 includes a display module 20 and an operation module 30. The display module 20 is a slate-type general-purpose information device such as a smartphone or a tablet. A touch panel 25 is provided on one surface of the display module 20.

[0053] The operation module 30 is a dish-shaped device having a recess capable of holding the display module 20. On the edge of the operation module 30, a third display unit 35, an operation unit 36, and an indicator 38 are arranged.

[0054] The operation unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a first operation unit 361 and a second operation unit 362 indicating a pair of directions, a third operation unit 363 indicating a left-pointing arrow, and a fourth operation unit 364 indicating a check mark. The first operation unit 361 to the fourth operation unit 364 are, for example, push button switches such as membrane switches. The first operation unit 361 and the second operation unit 362 are surrounded by an oval.

[0055] The indicators 38 are, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In the example shown in Fig. 4, four indicators 38 are arranged in a row. Near each indicator 38, a letter indicating the meaning of each indicator 38 is provided.

[0056] The third display unit 35 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The third display unit 35 may be configured with a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. The indicator 38 may be displayed on a part of the third display unit 35 instead of using an independent LED. The third display unit 35 may be a touch panel, and the operation unit 36 ​​may be realized by buttons on the screen displayed on the third display unit 35.

[0057] 4, the display module 20 is held in a recess in the operation module 30 with the touch panel 25 facing outward. The entire remote control device 40 with the display module 20 attached to the operation module 30 is configured as a slate that is slightly larger than the display module 20. The display module 20 and the operation module 30 are connected by wired or wireless communication.

[0058] 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the configuration of the medical system 50. The configuration of the medical device 45 will be described using Fig. 5. As described above, the medical device 45 includes the expansion unit 10 and the base unit 46. Other devices that make up the medical device 45 are not shown in the drawings.

[0059] The base unit 46 is a unit that realizes the functions of the medical device 45, such as life support functions. Detailed explanation of the configuration and operation of the base unit 46 will be omitted. The expansion unit 10 is a unit that controls communication between the medical device 45 and the remote control device 40, and realizes the medical system 50 of this embodiment. The base unit 46 and the expansion unit 10 are connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0060] The expansion unit 10 includes a first control unit 11, a main memory device 12, an auxiliary memory device 13, a first communication unit 141, a second communication unit 142, and a bus. The first control unit 11 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The first control unit 11 uses one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), multi-core CPUs, etc. The first control unit 11 may be a logic circuit device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPCA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The first control unit 11 is connected to each hardware component constituting the expansion unit 10 via the bus.

[0061] The main memory device 12 is a memory device such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 12 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the first control unit 11 and programs currently being executed by the first control unit 11.

[0062] The auxiliary storage device 13 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores programs to be executed by the first control unit 11 and various data required for executing the programs.

[0063] As described above, the first communication unit 141 is an interface for communicating with the third communication unit 243, and the second communication unit 142 is an interface for communicating with the fourth communication unit 344. In addition to the first communication unit 141 and the second communication unit 142, the expansion unit 10 may also include an interface for communicating with the base unit 46 and the network.

[0064] The first control unit 11, the main memory device 12, the auxiliary memory device 13, the first communication unit 141, and the second communication unit 142 may be integrated into one unit using, for example, a one-board microcomputer or a one-chip microcomputer. The expansion unit 10 may be integrated with the base unit 46, and the control unit of the base unit 46 may also function as the first control unit 11.

[0065] The configuration of the remote control device 40 will be described using Figure 6. As described above, the remote control device 40 includes the display module 20 and the operation module 30. The display module 20 and the operation module 30 are connected by a connection line 42. Instead of the physical connection line 42, the display module 20 and the operation module 30 may be connected by wireless communication.

[0066] The display module 20 includes a second control unit 21, a main storage device 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, and a bus, in addition to the third communication unit 243 and the touch panel 25 described above. The second control unit 21 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The second control unit 21 uses one or more CPUs, GPUs, multi-core CPUs, etc. The second control unit 21 is connected to each hardware unit that constitutes the display module 20 via the bus.

[0067] The main memory device 22 is a memory device such as an SRAM, a DRAM, a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 22 temporarily stores information required during the processing performed by the second control unit 21 and programs being executed by the second control unit 21.

[0068] The auxiliary storage device 23 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores programs to be executed by the second control unit 21 and various data required for executing the programs. As described above, the third communication unit 243 is an interface for communicating with the first communication unit 141. In addition to the third communication unit 243, the operation module 30 may also include an interface for communicating with a network.

[0069] The touch panel 25 includes a second display unit 251 and an operation unit 252 laminated on the second display unit 251. The second display unit 251 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel.

[0070] The operation module 30 includes the fourth communication unit 344, the third display unit 35, the operation unit 36, and the indicator 38, as well as a third control unit 31, a main memory unit 32, an auxiliary memory unit 33, and a bus. The third control unit 31 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The third control unit 31 uses one or more CPUs, GPUs, multi-core CPUs, etc. The third control unit 31 may also be a logic circuit device such as an ASIC, FPCA, or CPLD. The third control unit 31 is connected to each hardware unit that constitutes the display module 20 via the bus.

[0071] The main memory device 32 is a memory device such as an SRAM, a DRAM, a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 32 temporarily stores information required during the processing performed by the third control unit 31 and programs being executed by the third control unit 31.

[0072] The auxiliary storage device 33 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores programs to be executed by the third control unit 31 and various data required for executing the programs. As described above, the fourth communication unit 344 is an interface for communicating with the second communication unit 142. In addition to the fourth communication unit 344, the operation module 30 may also include an interface for communicating with a network.

[0073] The reliability of communication between the display module 20 and the operation module 30 via the connection line 42 is higher than the reliability of communication between the first communication unit 141 and the third communication unit 243 and the reliability of communication between the second communication unit 142 and the fourth communication unit 344.

[0074] The third control unit 31, the main storage device 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the fourth communication unit 344 may be integrated into one unit using, for example, a one-board microcomputer or a one-chip microcomputer.

[0075] The display module 20 and the operation module 30 may be configured as an integrated unit, and the second control unit 21, the main memory device 22, and the auxiliary memory device 23 may also function as the third control unit 31, the main memory device 32, and the auxiliary memory device 33, respectively. When they are configured as an integrated unit, a bus functions as the connection line 42 that connects the display module 20 and the operation module 30.

[0076] In the following description, the state in which the medical system 50 is operating autonomously and normally is referred to as the normal operation mode. When the medical system 50 is operating in the normal operation mode, medical personnel such as doctors and nurses patrol the corridors facing the infection isolation room 52 as shown in FIG. 1 as needed to check the condition of the patient and adjust the operating parameters of the medical devices 45 via the remote control devices 40. When the medical devices 45 are capable of outputting a large number of types of display parameters, the medical personnel can adjust the types of display parameters transmitted from the medical devices 45 to the remote control devices 40 via the remote control devices 40, or the transmission frequency of the display parameters, etc.

[0077] An overview of the operation of the medical system 50 in normal operation mode will be described. The first control unit 11 acquires display parameters representing the operating status from the base unit 46 and transmits them in real time to the display module 20 and the operation module 30. The second control unit 21 displays the display parameters on the touch panel 25. The third control unit 31 displays the display parameters on the third display unit 35.

[0078] 4 , the touch panel 25 has a larger screen than the third display unit 35. Therefore, the amount of information that can be displayed on the touch panel 25 is greater than the amount of information that can be displayed on the third display unit 35. The first control unit 11 transmits some of the display parameters to be transmitted to the display module 20 to the operation module 30. Note that the first control unit 11 may transmit the same number of display parameters to the display module 20 and the operation module 30, and the third control unit 31 may display some of the received display parameters on the third display unit 35.

[0079] When the first control unit 11 transmits some of the display parameters to the display module 20 to the operation module 30, it is desirable that the first communication protocol, which transmits a larger amount of data, be a communication protocol that enables faster communication than the second communication protocol. As described above, in general, in wireless communication, the higher the frequency band used, the higher the speed, and the lower the frequency band, the slower the speed, so it is desirable that the frequency band of the first communication protocol be higher than the frequency band of the second communication protocol.

[0080] However, if a sufficient communication speed can be ensured even with the communication protocol having the lower frequency of the two communication protocols, the frequency of the first communication protocol may be lower than the frequency of the second communication protocol.

[0081] Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the touch panel 25 is larger than the third display unit 35, the touch panel 25 and the third display unit 35 may be substantially the same size and may be capable of displaying substantially the same amount of information.

[0082] 7 to 11 are flowcharts illustrating the flow of program processing. The following flowcharts start with the medical system 50 operating in normal operation mode. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a user, such as a medical professional, receives an instruction via the touch panel 25.

[0083] Before accepting an instruction from the user, remote control device 40 may perform user authentication using an ID and password, biometric authentication, etc. User authentication has been used for a long time, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] The second control unit 21 receives an instruction from the user via the touch panel 25 (step S601). The instruction from the user is an interrupt instruction for the medical system 50 operating in the normal operation mode. In step S601, the touch panel 25 realizes the function of the input unit 43 described with reference to FIG. 2 .

[0085] In the following description, a case will be described in which the second control unit 21 can accept both an instruction to change the display parameters transmitted from the medical device 45 and an instruction to change the operating parameters of the medical device 45. The second control unit 21 may be configured not to accept an instruction to change the operating parameters.

[0086] The second control unit 21 transmits a command to the operation module 30 and the medical device 45 (step S602). The command transmitted by the second control unit 21 to the medical device 45 is a command for causing the first control unit 11 to execute the instruction received in step S601. The command transmitted by the second control unit 21 to the operation module 30 is a command for causing the operation module 30 to transmit the instruction received in step S601 to the medical device 45. The transmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the display module 20.

[0087] In step S602 , the second control unit 21 realizes the function of a generation unit that generates a control signal for remotely controlling the medical device 45 based on the input received by the input unit 43 .

[0088] The third control unit 31 receives the command (step S501). Based on the received command, the third control unit 31 transmits a command to the medical device 45 to execute the instruction accepted by the second control unit 21 in step S601 (step S502). The transmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the operation module 30. The transmitted command may include both a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the display module 20 and a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the operation module 30.

[0089] The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the display module 20 (step S701). The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the operation module 30 (step S702).

[0090] The first control unit 11 compares the command received in step S701 with the command received in step S702 to determine whether the commands are normal (step S703). Specifically, the first control unit 11 determines whether the user's instructions match and whether there are any inconsistencies in the timestamps. At this time, the first control unit 11 realizes the function of a monitoring unit that monitors the communication status using the first communication protocol based on the communication status using the second communication protocol, and monitors the communication status using the second communication protocol based on the communication status using the first communication protocol.

[0091] If it is determined that the operation is normal (YES in step S703), the first control unit 11 determines whether the instruction from the user is to change display parameters (step S704). If it is determined that the instruction is not to change display parameters (NO in step S704), the first control unit 11 transmits a command to change the operating parameters to the base unit 46 (step S705). The base unit 46 changes the operating parameters in accordance with the command.

[0092] In addition, if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the operation module 30 (step S702) even after a predetermined time has passed since it received a command from the display module 20 (step S701), or if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the display module 20 (step S701) even after a predetermined time has passed since it received a command from the operation module 30 (step S702), it proceeds to step S703 without waiting for the second command to be received, and determines that the condition is not normal (NO in step S703).

[0093] If communication between the display module 20 and the expansion unit 10, or between the operation module 30 and the expansion unit 10, is interrupted, the first control unit 11 proceeds to step S703 without waiting to receive a command from the interrupted communication path, and determines that the communication path is not normal (NO in step S703).

[0094] The explanation will be continued with reference to Fig. 8. If it is determined that the instruction from the user is to change the display parameters (YES in step S704), or after step S705 is completed, first control unit 11 acquires the display parameters from base unit 46 (step S711). Note that the loop process from step S711 onwards, surrounded by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 8, indicates the operation of remote control device 40 in the normal operation mode.

[0095] The first control unit 11 transmits the acquired display parameters and a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the expansion unit 10 to the display module 20 and the operation module 30 (step S712). As described above, the first control unit 11 may transmit some or all of the display parameters to be transmitted to the display module 20 to the operation module 30. The first control unit 11 returns to step S711. During operation in the normal operation mode, the first control unit 11 repeats the loop of steps S711 and S712 at predetermined intervals.

[0096] The second control unit 21 receives the display parameters and the timestamp (step S611). The second control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a missing timestamp that should be received at approximately regular intervals during operation in the normal operation mode (step S612).

[0097] The third control unit 31 receives the display parameters and the timestamp (step S511). The third control unit 31 determines whether the timestamps that should be received at approximately regular intervals during operation in the normal operation mode are missing (step S512). The third control unit 31 transmits the determination result to the display module 20 (step S513).

[0098] The second control unit 21 receives the determination result from the operation module 30 (step S613). Based on the result of the determination in step S612 and the data received in step S613, the second control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a defect in either or both of the display parameters received by the display module 20 and the display parameters received by the operation module 30 (step S614).

[0099] If the second control unit 21 has not received the signal in step S611 or S613 after a predetermined time has elapsed, the second control unit 21 proceeds to step S614 without waiting for reception and determines that there is a missing signal. In step S614, the second control unit 21 monitors the communication status according to the first communication protocol based on the communication status according to the second communication protocol, and also performs the function of a monitoring unit that monitors the communication status according to the second communication protocol based on the communication status according to the first communication protocol. The function of the monitoring unit may be performed by the third control unit 31.

[0100] If it is determined that there is no defect in either of the images (NO in step S614), the second control unit 21 transmits a message indicating that there is no defect to the operation module 30 (step S615). The second control unit 21 displays the display parameters received in step S611 on the touch panel 25 (step S616). The second control unit 21 returns to step S611.

[0101] The third control unit 31 receives the notification that there is no defect (step S514), and displays the display parameters received in step S511 on the third display unit 35 (step S515), and the third control unit 31 returns to step S511.

[0102] 9, an operation outside the normal operation mode that is executed when a timestamp is missing will be described. When it is determined that a timestamp is missing (YES in step S614), the second control unit 21 transmits a command to the operation module 30 and the medical device 45 (step S621).

[0103] The command transmitted by the second control unit 21 to the medical device 45 is a command requesting the retransmission of display parameters. The command transmitted by the second control unit 21 to the operation module 30 is a command causing the operation module 30 to transmit a request for retransmission of display parameters to the medical device 45. The transmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the display module 20.

[0104] If losses occur consecutively, the second control unit 21 requests retransmission of the display parameters at the multiple times when the losses occurred.

[0105] The third control unit 31 receives the command (step S521). Based on the received command, the third control unit 31 transmits a command to the medical device 45 requesting retransmission of the display parameters (step S522).

[0106] The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the display module 20 (step S721). The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the operation module 30 (step S722). The first control unit 11 notifies a smartphone used by a person in charge, such as a clinical engineer, or a computer installed at a nurse's station, that data loss has occurred (step S723). In step S723, the first control unit 11 realizes the function of the first notification unit 491 described using FIG. 2. The person in charge confirms the notification and takes measures to restore normal operation of the medical system 50.

[0107] Note that if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the operation module 30 (step S722) even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a command from the display module 20 (step S721), or if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the display module 20 even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a command from the operation module 30 (step S722), the first control unit 11 proceeds to step S723 without waiting for the second command to be received. In such cases, the first control unit 11 includes information regarding the command reception status in the notification of step S723.

[0108] If communication between the display module 20 and the expansion unit 10 or between the operation module 30 and the expansion unit 10 is interrupted, the first control unit 11 includes information about the communication interruption status in the notification of step S723.

[0109] The first control unit 11 retransmits the display parameters and the timestamp (step S724). The timestamp indicates the time of retransmission. The first control unit 11 returns to step S711.

[0110] The second control unit 21 receives the display parameters and the timestamp (step S622), and displays the received display parameters on the touch panel 25 (step S623).The second control unit 21 then returns to step S611.

[0111] The third control unit 31 receives the display parameters and the timestamp (step S523). The third control unit 31 displays the received display parameters on the third display unit 35 (step S524). The third control unit 31 returns to step S511.

[0112] In step S623, the second control unit 21 preferably displays the display parameters in a manner different from that in step S616, which is during the normal operation mode. Similarly, in step S524, the third control unit 31 preferably displays the display parameters in a manner different from that in step S515, which is during the normal operation mode. Here, a different manner means a manner that the user can recognize as being different.

[0113] In step S524, the third control unit 31 may light up the indicator 38 in a different manner from the normal manner, so that the user can easily recognize that the display parameters may not be displayed correctly.

[0114] In step S623, the second control unit 21 and the touch panel 25 realize the function of the second notification unit 442 described using Fig. 2. In step S524, the third control unit 31, the third display unit 35, and the indicator 38 realize the function of the second notification unit 442 described using Fig. 2.

[0115] If communication between the expansion unit 10 and the display module 20 is interrupted, the display module 20 does not receive the display parameters in step S622. Therefore, the display parameters displayed on the touch panel 25 are not updated. While the person in charge who received the notification in step S723 performs recovery work, the user can check the operating status of the medical device 45 using the display parameters displayed on the third display unit 35.

[0116] Similarly, if communication between the expansion unit 10 and the operation module 30 is interrupted, the operation module 30 does not receive the display parameters in step S523. Therefore, the display parameters displayed on the third display unit 35 are not updated. The user can check the operating status of the medical device 45 by the display parameters displayed on the touch panel 25.

[0117] The explanation will be continued with reference to FIG. 10. If it is determined that the received command is not normal (NO in step S703), the first control unit 11 transmits a command retransmission request and a timestamp to the display module 20 and the operation module 30 (step S731). The second control unit 21 receives the retransmission request (step S631). The second control unit 21 retransmits the command transmitted to the medical device 45 in the immediately preceding step S602 (step S632). The retransmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of retransmission from the display module 20.

[0118] The third control unit 31 receives the command (step S531). The third control unit 31 retransmits the command transmitted to the medical device 45 in the immediately preceding step S502 (step S532). The retransmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of retransmission from the operation module 30.

[0119] The first control unit 11 receives the command transmitted from the display module 20 (step S732).The first control unit 11 receives the command transmitted from the operation module 30 (step S733).

[0120] The first control unit 11 compares the command received in step S732 with the command received in step S733 and determines whether the command is normal (step S734). Specifically, the first control unit 11 determines whether the user's instructions match and whether there are any inconsistencies in the timestamps. If the first control unit 11 determines that the command is normal (YES in step S734), the first control unit 11 returns to step S704.

[0121] If it is determined that the command is not normal (NO in step S734), the first control unit 11 determines whether or not the instruction from the user is likely to be a change in display parameters (step S735). For example, if either the command received in step S732 or the command received in step S733 indicates a change in display parameters, the first control unit 11 determines that the instruction from the user is likely to be a change in display parameters.

[0122] If it is determined that there is a high possibility that the change is due to a change in display parameters (YES in step S735), the first control unit 11 notifies a smartphone used by a person in charge, such as a clinical engineer, or a computer located at a nurse's station, that there is a high possibility that the instruction to change the display parameters was not made correctly (step S736).

[0123] The first control unit 11 acquires display parameters for the same items as those before receiving the instruction from the user in step S601 from the base unit 46 (step S737). The first control unit 11 transmits the display parameters using the more reliable communication protocol of the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol (step S738). The first control unit 11 returns to step S737.

[0124] 10, an example will be described in which the reliability of the second communication protocol, which is the communication protocol between the third display unit 35 and the operation module 30, is high. The third control unit 31 receives the display parameters (step S533). The third control unit 31 displays the display parameters on the third display unit 35 (step S534). The third control unit 31 returns to step S533.

[0125] 10, the loop process from step S737 onwards, which is surrounded by a two-dot chain line, is a one-sided display mode in which display parameters are displayed in real time using only a highly reliable communication protocol. In the one-sided display mode, remote control device 40 does not accept commands input by the user and continues only to display the display parameters in real time.

[0126] The reason why the medical system 50 switches to the single-sided display mode will be explained below. If a discrepancy between a command sent to the expansion unit 10 via the first communication protocol and a command sent to the expansion unit 10 via the second communication protocol remains even after retransmission, there is a high possibility that some kind of trouble has occurred in the communication path.

[0127] In such a state, if a command is received from the remote control device 40, the user may erroneously operate the remote control device 40. By switching to the single-sided display mode, which uses the more reliable communication protocol, the user can quickly recognize that there may be a communication abnormality. The user can quickly take action, such as directly operating the medical device 45 without using the remote control device 40.

[0128] During execution of the one-sided display mode, it is desirable that the first control unit 11 associates the display parameters that have not been transmitted to the display module 20 with the timestamp and stores them in the main storage device 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. After a clinical engineer or the like returns the medical system 50 to a normal state and communication is restored, the first control unit 11 transmits the stored display parameters and timestamp to the display module 20. The second control unit 21 displays the delayed transmitted display parameters on the touch panel 25 in a different format from normal.

[0129] In addition, after a clinical engineer or the like returns the medical system 50 to a normal state and communication is restored, the first control unit 11 may send only the most recent display parameters and timestamps among the stored display parameters and timestamps to the display module 20.

[0130] Instead of transitioning to the one-sided display mode, the first control unit 11 may transmit the display parameters to both the display module 20 and the operation module 30 in step S738. The display parameters displayed on the module that received the display parameters are updated in real time.

[0131] If it is determined that the request is not a change to a display parameter (NO in step S735), the first control unit 11 notifies a smartphone used by a person in charge, such as a clinical engineer, or a computer located at a nurse's station, that a request to change an abnormal operating parameter may have been sent (step S739).

[0132] The first control unit 11 ends the process of accepting remote control from the remote control device 40. Note that even after the process of accepting remote control ends, the medical device 45 continues to perform operations such as maintaining the life of the patient. The user can quickly take action, such as directly operating the medical device 45, without using the remote control device 40.

[0133] The state in which step S739 is executed may be a state in which the user intends to change the operating parameters of the medical device 45 but is unable to do so by remote control. Therefore, it is desirable that the notification in step S739 conveys a higher level of urgency than the notifications in steps S723 and S736.

[0134] After step S739 is completed, the first control unit 11 may proceed to step S737 and transition to the one-sided display mode.

[0135] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing that is executed in place of the flowchart described using FIG. 7 when an instruction is received from the user via the operation unit 36 ​​while the medical system 50 is operating in the normal operation mode.

[0136] The third control unit 31 receives an instruction from the user via the operation unit 36 ​​(step S541). The instruction from the user is an interrupt instruction for the medical system 50 operating in the normal operation mode. In step S541, the operation unit 36 ​​realizes the function of the input unit 43 described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0137] In the following description, a case will be described in which the third control unit 31 can accept both an instruction to change the display parameters transmitted from the medical device 45 and an instruction to change the operating parameters of the medical device 45. The third control unit 31 may be configured not to accept an instruction to change the display parameters.

[0138] The third control unit 31 transmits a command to the display module 20 and the medical device 45 (step S542). The command transmitted by the third control unit 31 to the medical device 45 is a command for causing the first control unit 11 to execute the instruction received in step S541. The command transmitted by the third control unit 31 to the display module 20 is a command for causing the display module 20 to transmit the instruction received in step S541 to the medical device 45. The transmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the operation module 30.

[0139] In step S542 , the third control unit 31 realizes the function of a generation unit that generates a control signal for remotely controlling the medical device 45 based on the input received by the input unit 43 .

[0140] The second control unit 21 receives the command (step S641). Based on the received command, the second control unit 21 transmits a command to the medical device 45 to execute the instruction accepted by the third control unit 31 in step S541 (step S642). The transmitted command includes a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the display module 20. The transmitted command may include both a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the operation module 30 and a timestamp indicating the time of transmission from the display module 20.

[0141] The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the operation module 30 (step S741). The first control unit 11 receives a command transmitted from the display module 20 (step S742).

[0142] The first control unit 11 compares the command received in step S741 with the command received in step S742 to determine whether or not they are normal (step S743). The processing from step S743 onwards is the same as the processing flow after step S703 described using Figure 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] In addition, if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the display module 20 (step S742) even after a predetermined time has passed after receiving a command from the operation module 30 (step S741), or if the first control unit 11 does not receive a command from the operation module 30 (step S741) even after a predetermined time has passed after receiving a command from the display module 20 (step S742), the first control unit 11 proceeds to step S743 without waiting for the second command to be received, and determines that the condition is not normal (NO in step S743).

[0144] 12 to 14 are partial enlarged views of the operation module 30. An overview of the operation for changing operating parameters will be described using FIGS. 12 to 14. As described using FIG. 4, the third display unit 35, operation unit 36, and indicators 38 are arranged on the edge of the operation module 30. For example, the top indicator 38 lights up when the power of the operation module 30 is ON.

[0145] 12, the state of the third display unit 35 in the normal operation mode will be described. A display parameter column 67 is located on the left side of the third display unit 35. An operation parameter column 61 and a parameter setting column 62 are located vertically in the center of the third display unit 35. The strength of the radio waves during communication with the medical device 45 is displayed in the upper right corner of the third display unit 35.

[0146] The display parameter field 67 displays one display parameter transmitted from the medical device 45. Note that multiple display parameter fields 67 may be displayed on the third display unit 35. The operation parameter field 61 displays the actual value of the operation parameter. The parameter setting field 62 displays the set value of the operation parameter. After an instruction to set the operation parameter is received, when the state of the medical device 45 has stabilized, the operation parameter field 61 and the parameter setting field 62 display approximately the same numerical value.

[0147] When the user wishes to change an operating parameter, the user first presses down the third operation unit 363. The display on the third display unit 35 changes to the state shown in FIG. 13. The numerical value in the parameter setting field 62 is displayed in inverse video. When the user presses down the first operation unit 361, the numerical value in the parameter setting field 62 increases. When the user presses down the second operation unit 362, the numerical value in the parameter setting field 62 decreases.

[0148] A check mark and the word "OK?" are displayed on the right edge of the third display unit 35. When the user presses down the fourth operation unit 364 on which the check mark is displayed, the user can recognize that the number in the parameter setting field 62 is accepted by the operation module 30.

[0149] 14 shows the state after the user presses down the fourth operation unit 364. The medical device 45 receives and executes the instruction to change the operating parameter from "2500" to "2600." The real-time value of the operating parameter displayed in the operating parameter field 61 gradually increases and stabilizes at "2600." In this way, the operating parameter of the medical device 45 is changed by remote control.

[0150] Fig. 15 is an example of a screen displayed on the third display unit 35. Fig. 15 shows an example of a screen displayed when display parameters are not received for a predetermined period of time or longer during execution of the flowcharts described with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. The third control unit 31 displays a notification field 68 including a comment saying "Warning: Data not received" in a superimposed manner on the third display unit 35.

[0151] Although an example screen is omitted, if display parameters have not been received for a predetermined period of time or longer, the second control unit 21 also displays a notification field 68 containing a similar comment on the touch panel 25. The second control unit 21 or the third control unit 31 may attract the user's attention by flashing the notification field 68, sounding a beep, or outputting audio with the same content as in the notification field 68, or by other processing.

[0152] Fig. 16 shows an example of a screen on the third display unit 35. Fig. 16 shows an example of a screen on the third display unit 35 when communication with the medical device 45 is interrupted when a command is sent to the medical device 45, for example, in step S502 in Fig. 7 or step S542 in Fig. 11. The third control unit 31 superimposes a notification field 68 on the third display unit 35, the notification field 68 including the comment "Alert: Data transmission failed."

[0153] Although an example screen is omitted, for example, when a command is sent to the medical device 45 in step S602 in Fig. 7 or step S642 in Fig. 11, if communication with the medical device 45 is interrupted, the second control unit 21 also displays a notification field 68 including a similar comment on the touch panel 25. The second control unit 21 and the third control unit 31 may display the notification field 68 when communication between the display module 20 and the operation module 30 is interrupted.

[0154] 17 to 19 are example screens of the display module 20. The screen shown in Fig. 17 includes a graph column 671 and a latest value column 672. The graph column 671 displays a time series change in one type of display parameter using a bar graph. The horizontal axis of the graph column 671 represents time. The vertical axis of the latest value column 672 represents the unit of the display parameter.

[0155] The latest values ​​of the two types of display parameters are displayed numerically in the latest value column 672. The display parameters displayed in the latest value column 672 may include display parameters whose time-series changes are displayed in the graph column 671.

[0156] The graph column 671 may display time-series changes of multiple display parameters. Multiple graph columns 671 may be displayed side by side. The latest value column 672 may display one, or three or more display parameters.

[0157] Fig. 17 shows an example of a screen when the display module 20 continues to receive display parameters normally from the medical device 45. Fig. 18 shows an example of a screen after some time has passed since the display module 20 became unable to receive display parameters due to, for example, a communication interruption between the expansion unit 10 and the display module 20.

[0158] The second control unit 21 sets the display parameters corresponding to times when no display parameters have been received to, for example, zero, and continues to display the graph column 671. The second control unit 21 superimposes a strikethrough on the latest value column 672 to indicate that the value displayed in the latest value column 672 is not the latest value. The second control unit 21 displays a notification column 68 at the top of the screen.

[0159] 19 shows an example of a screen after communication between the expansion unit 10 and the display module 20 is restored. The second control unit 21 displays the portion showing the display parameters retransmitted in step S724 described using FIG. 9 in the graph column 671 in a different format than usual. The user can easily distinguish between the portion displayed as a result of retransmission and the normal portion.

[0160] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a medical system 50 that can remotely control a medical device 45. When the medical device 45 is used in an infection isolation room 52, it is possible to provide a medical system 50 that reduces the burden on medical staff by reducing the number of times that personal protective equipment is put on and taken off. It is possible to provide a medical system 50 that reduces the risk of infection spreading and the risk of infection to patients by reducing the frequency of entering and leaving the infection isolation room 52.

[0161] By simultaneously using the first and second communication protocols, which have different characteristics, it is possible to realize a medical system 50 that can detect communication abnormalities between the medical device 45 and the remote control device 40 at an early stage and notify appropriate staff. Technical staff, such as clinical engineers, can check the status of the medical system 50 and take necessary measures to prevent erroneous operation of the medical device 45 due to communication abnormalities.

[0162] [Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to a medical system 50 that displays, on the display module 20, display parameters received by the operation module 30 when communication between the display module 20 and a medical device 45 is not normal. Explanation of parts common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0163] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to embodiment 2. In the flowchart shown in Fig. 20, the part of the one-sided display mode surrounded by a two-dot chain line differs from the one-sided display mode of embodiment 1 described in Fig. 10. Note that the following description will be given taking as an example a case where the second communication protocol is more reliable than the first communication protocol.

[0164] The process up to entering the single-sided display mode is the same as the process flow of the first embodiment described using Figure 10, so the description will be omitted. The first control unit 11 acquires display parameters from the base unit 46 (step S737). The first control unit 11 transmits the display parameters to the operation module 30 (step S738). The first control unit 11 returns to step S737.

[0165] The third control unit 31 receives the display parameters (step S533). The third control unit 31 transmits the received display parameters to the display module 20 (step S551). The third control unit 31 displays the display parameters on the third display unit 35 (step S534). The third control unit 31 returns to step S533.

[0166] The second control unit 21 receives the display parameters (step S651), displays the display parameters on the touch panel 25 (step S652), and returns to step S651.

[0167] For example, if the display parameters normally transmitted from the medical device 45 to the display module 20 cannot be transmitted using the second communication protocol, the touch panel 25 displays parameters within the range that can be transmitted using the second communication protocol.

[0168] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a medical system 50 that displays display parameters on the touch panel 25 even when communication between the display module 20 and the medical device 45 is interrupted.

[0169] In step S738, the first control unit 11 may compress the transmission parameters and transmit them to the operation module 30. The first control unit 11 can transmit to the operation module 30 an amount of data that would normally be unable to be transmitted using the second communication protocol. Therefore, the first control unit 11 can use the second communication protocol to perform communication that complements the communication using the first communication protocol that has been interrupted.

[0170] If the operation module 30 does not have a file decompression function, the third control unit 31 may send the received compressed file directly to the display module 20 , and the display module 20 may decompress the file and display it on the touch panel 25 .

[0171] 20 illustrates an example in which the first communication protocol is interrupted. When the second communication protocol is interrupted, the first control unit 11 transmits display parameters to the display module 20. The second control unit 21 transmits display parameters to the operation module 30. In this case, the first control unit 11 may also compress the data before transmitting it to the display module 20.

[0172] [Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to a medical system 50 that detects abnormalities by comparing display parameters received by the display module 20 with display parameters received by the operation module 30. Explanation of parts common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0173] 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of medical system 50 according to embodiment 3. Differences from embodiment 1, which was explained using FIG. 2, will be explained. Within remote control device 40, the communication states of third communication unit 243 and fourth communication unit 344 and the display parameters received from remote control device 40 are monitored.

[0174] 22 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the program according to embodiment 3. Steps S712, S611, and S511 are the same as the processing flow of embodiment 1 described using FIG. 8, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0175] The third control unit 31 transmits the received display parameters to the display module 20 (step S561). The second control unit 21 receives the display parameters from the operation module 30 (step S661).

[0176] The second control unit 21 compares the display parameters and timestamp received in step S611 with the display parameters and timestamp received in step S661 (step S662). Note that if the number of display parameters transmitted by the first control unit 11 to the display module 20 differs from the number of display parameters transmitted by the first control unit 11 to the operation module 30, the second control unit 21 compares the display parameters transmitted to both.

[0177] The second control unit 21 determines whether the compared display parameters and timestamp match (step S663). If it is determined that they match (YES in step S663), the second control unit 21 transmits to the operation module 30 a message indicating that the display parameters match (step S664). The second control unit 21 displays the display parameters received in step S611 on the touch panel 25 (step S616). The second control unit 21 returns to step S611.

[0178] The third control unit 31 receives the information that the parameters match (step S562). The third control unit 31 displays the display parameters received in step S511 on the third display unit 35 (step S515). The third control unit 31 returns to step S511.

[0179] If it is determined that they do not match (NO in step S663), the second control unit 21 proceeds to step S621 in the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

[0180] If the reception at step S611 or step S661 is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the second control unit 21 proceeds to step S663 without waiting for reception, and determines that there is no match.

[0181] In step S663, the second control unit 21 monitors the communication state according to the first communication protocol based on the communication state according to the second communication protocol, and also performs the function of a monitoring unit that monitors the communication state according to the second communication protocol based on the communication state according to the first communication protocol. Note that the function of the monitoring unit may be performed by the third control unit 31.

[0182] According to this embodiment, since the display parameters themselves are verified, it is possible to provide a medical system 50 that detects and notifies abnormalities such as bit inversion due to noise.

[0183] [Embodiment 4] This embodiment relates to a medical system 50 in which the third control unit 31 transmits a receipt signal to the expansion unit 10 after receiving display parameters from the expansion unit 10. If the receipt signal is not received after a predetermined time has elapsed, the first control unit 11 retransmits the display parameters to the operation module 30. Explanation of parts common to embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0184] 23 and 24 are flowcharts illustrating the processing flow of the program according to embodiment 4. Steps S712, S611, and S511 are the same as the processing flow of embodiment 1 described using FIG. 8, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0185] The third control unit 31 transmits a receipt signal to the expansion unit 10 (step S571). The receipt signal may include, for example, a timestamp of the data received in step S511.

[0186] The third control unit 31 determines whether the display parameters received in step S511 have been received in the past (step S572). If it is determined that the display parameters have not been received (NO in step S572), the third control unit 31 displays the display parameters received in step S511 on the third display unit 35 (step S573). If it is determined that the display parameters have been received (YES in step S572), or after step S573 ends, the third control unit 31 returns to step S511.

[0187] The first control unit 11 determines whether or not a receipt signal has been received from the operation module 30 (step S771). If it is determined that a receipt signal has been received (YES in step S771), the first control unit 11 returns to step S711.

[0188] If it is determined that the receipt signal has not been received (NO in step S771), the first control unit 11 notifies a smartphone used by a person in charge, such as a clinical engineer, or a computer installed in a nurse's station, that the receipt signal has not been returned from the operation module 30 (step 772). The person in charge confirms the notification and takes measures to restore normal operation of the medical system 50.

[0189] The first control unit 11 retransmits the display parameters and timestamp transmitted in step S712 to the operation module 30 (step S773). The timestamp here is the same as the timestamp transmitted in step S712. The first control unit 11 may add a flag indicating that the data is being retransmitted.

[0190] The third control unit 31 receives the display parameters and the timestamp (step S574), and then transmits a reception signal to the expansion unit 10 (step S575).

[0191] The third control unit 31 determines whether the display parameters received in step S574 have been received in the past (step S576). If it is determined that the display parameters have not been received (NO in step S576), the third control unit 31 displays the display parameters received in step S574 on the third display unit 35 (step S577). If it is determined that the display parameters have been received (YES in step S576), or after step S577 ends, the third control unit 31 returns to step S511.

[0192] The first control unit 11 determines whether or not an acknowledgment signal has been received from the operation module 30 (step S774). If it determines that the acknowledgment signal has been received (YES in step S774), the first control unit 11 records the transmission time of step S712 and the fact that an acknowledgment signal has been obtained by retransmission in a log file (not shown) (step S775).

[0193] If it is determined that the signal has not been received (NO in step S774), the first control unit 11 records the transmission time in step S712 and the fact that the reception signal was not obtained even after retransmission in a log file (not shown) (step S776).

[0194] After step S775 or step S776 is completed, the first control unit 11 returns to step S711. After step S776 is completed, the first control unit 11 may return to step S773 and repeat the loop of retransmitting the display parameters a predetermined number of times.

[0195] The second control unit 21 displays the display parameters received in step S611 on the touch panel 25 (step S616). The second control unit 21 returns to step S611.

[0196] After the display module 20 receives the display parameters, it may transmit a reception signal to the expansion unit 10, and processing based on the reception signal may be performed between the display module 20 and the expansion unit 10.

[0197] According to this embodiment, a medical system 50 can be provided that improves the probability of successful transmission of display parameters even when the radio wave conditions are poor, by retransmitting based on a reception signal.

[0198] In addition, if a receipt signal is not received, the medical system 50 may automatically transition to an operating mode in which data loss is determined using a timestamp as described in embodiment 1, or to an operating mode in which determination is made by comparing display parameters as described in embodiment 3.

[0199] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a medical system 50 according to a fifth embodiment. This embodiment relates to a medical system 50 that uses a control program that can be distributed as a program product. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. The operation module 30 according to this embodiment includes a reading unit 39 in addition to the third control unit 31, main memory device 32, auxiliary memory device 33, fourth communication unit 344, third display unit 35, operation unit 36, indicator 38, and bus described using Figure 6.

[0200] The program 97 is recorded on a portable recording medium 96. The third control unit 31 reads the program 97 via the reading unit 39 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 33. The third control unit 31 may also read the program 97 stored in a semiconductor memory 98 such as a flash memory implemented in the operation module 30. Furthermore, the third control unit 31 may download the program 97 from another server computer (not shown) connected via a network (not shown) and store it in the auxiliary storage device 33.

[0201] The program 97 is installed as a control program for the operation module 30, and is loaded into and executed in the main storage device 32. The third control unit 31 transmits the part of the program 97 that is executed by the display module 20 and the part that is executed by the first control unit 11 to the respective hardware.

[0202] The second control unit 21 stores the received program 97 in the auxiliary storage device 23. The program 97 is installed as a control program for the display module 20, loaded into the main storage device 22, and executed.

[0203] The first control unit 11 stores the received program 97 in the auxiliary storage device 13. The program 97 is installed as a control program for the expansion unit 10, and is loaded into and executed in the main storage device 12. In this way, the medical system 50 described in the first embodiment is realized.

[0204] The reading unit 39 that reads the program 97 may be provided in the display module 20 or the expansion unit 10. The reading unit 39 that reads the program 97 may be provided in each of the operation module 30, the display module 20, and the expansion unit 10. The program 97 in this embodiment is an example of a program product.

[0205] A computer program can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0206] The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should be considered not to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0207] Independent and dependent claims may be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, while the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), this is not a limitation. Multiple claims that reference at least one other claim (multi-multi claim format) may also be used.

[0208] 10 Expansion unit 11 First control unit 12 Main memory device 13 Auxiliary memory device 141 First communication unit 142 Second communication unit 20 Display module 21 Second control unit 22 Main memory device 23 Auxiliary memory device 243 Third communication unit 25 Touch panel 251 Second display unit 252 Operation unit 30 Operation module 31 Third control unit 32 Main memory device 33 Auxiliary memory device 344 Fourth communication unit 35 Third display unit 36 ​​Operation unit 361 First operation unit 362 Second operation unit 363 Third operation unit 364 Fourth operation unit 38 Indicator 39 Reading unit 40 Remote control device 42 Connection line 43 Input unit 442 Second notification unit 45 Medical device 452 Second medical device 46 Base unit 491 First notification unit 50 Medical system 52 Infection isolation room 61 Operation parameter column 62 Parameter setting column 67 Display parameter column 671 Graph column 672 Latest value column 68 Notification column 71 Oxygenator-connected gas blender 96 Portable recording medium 97 Program 98 Semiconductor memory

Claims

1. A medical system comprising: a medical device having a first communication unit and a second communication unit; and a remote control device having a third communication unit and a fourth communication unit, wherein the remote control device has an input unit that accepts inputs related to operating parameters of the medical device; the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input accepted by the input unit using a first communication protocol; the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input accepted by the input unit using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol; and the communication status of one of the wireless communications using the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol is monitored based on the communication status of the other.

2. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the input received by the input unit via the first communication protocol and the information relating to the input received by the input unit via the second communication protocol are different information from each other.

3. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication according to the first communication protocol and the wireless communication according to the second communication protocol mutually monitor each other based on the communication status of the other.

4. The medical system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies when either the wireless communication according to the first communication protocol or the wireless communication according to the second communication protocol is interrupted.

5. A medical system as described in claim 1, wherein, when either the wireless communication using the first communication protocol or the wireless communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted, communication to complement the interrupted wireless communication is performed using the other communication protocol.

6. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the data communicated via the first communication protocol and / or the data communicated via the second communication protocol each include a timestamp.

7. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication according to the first communication protocol uses a different frequency band from the wireless communication according to the second communication protocol.

8. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, the system notifies the user via the second communication protocol that communication via the first communication protocol has been interrupted, stores data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol, and transmits the stored data when communication via the first communication protocol is restored.

9. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein, when communication using the first communication protocol is interrupted, part of the data that should be transmitted via the first communication protocol is transmitted via the second communication protocol.

10. The medical system of claim 1, wherein, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol is stored, a portion of the data is transmitted via the second communication protocol, and when communication via the first communication protocol is restored, the data is transmitted via the first communication protocol.

11. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the data to be transmitted by the first communication protocol that is transmitted via the second communication protocol is recorded in a distinguishable form.

12. A medical system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol is data in a compressed form.

13. A medical system as described in claim 1, wherein, when communication via the first communication protocol is interrupted, data to be transmitted via the first communication protocol is stored together with a timestamp, and when communication via the first communication protocol is restored, only the data with the most recent timestamp is transmitted via the first communication protocol.

14. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication protocol uses a higher frequency band than the second communication protocol, and the medical system is provided with a notification unit that notifies when communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted.

15. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication protocol uses a lower frequency band than the second communication protocol, and the medical system is provided with a notification unit that notifies when communication using the second communication protocol is interrupted.

16. The medical system described in claim 1, wherein the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate output information from the medical device corresponding to information regarding the input received by the input unit using the first communication protocol, and the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate output from the medical device corresponding to information regarding the input received by the input unit using the second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

17. The medical system according to claim 1, wherein the medical device comprises an oxygenator and a circulation circuit through which blood circulates, and the operating parameter is at least one of an operating parameter of a device that controls the flow rate in the circulation circuit, an oxygen flow rate of a gas blender connected to the oxygenator, and an oxygen concentration.

18. A remote control device comprising: an input unit that receives input related to operating parameters of a medical device; a generation unit that generates a control signal for remotely controlling the medical device based on the input received by the input unit; a third communication unit that communicates the control signal generated by the generation unit with a first communication unit of the medical device via wireless communication using a first communication protocol; a fourth communication unit that communicates the control signal generated by the generation unit with a second communication unit of the medical device via wireless communication using a second communication protocol; and a monitoring unit that monitors the communication status of one of the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol based on the communication status of the other.

19. A control method for controlling a medical system comprising a medical device having a first communication unit and a second communication unit, and a remote control device having a third communication unit and a fourth communication unit, wherein the remote control device accepts input related to operating parameters of the medical device, the first communication unit and the third communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input using a first communication protocol, the second communication unit and the fourth communication unit wirelessly communicate information related to the input using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol, and the communication status of one of the wireless communication using the first communication protocol and the wireless communication using the second communication protocol is monitored based on the communication status of the other.

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