Audio Routing System for Remote Medical Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical remote operation systems are technically complex and error-prone, making it difficult for remote operators to reliably provide instructions to local operators and patients during medical imaging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a local computing device with dual audio interfaces and devices, allowing a remote operator to selectively output audio instructions to either a local operator or a patient, via a processor that receives and processes audio and control inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical actuator is used to enable remote operator speech output, then remote operation capability is achieved, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with a direct digital audio routing system. Instead of using a robotic arm to physically press buttons, the system uses software-controlled audio interface switching to route speech signals directly to the appropriate output device (local operator or patient), eliminating mechanical components and their associated reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives control signals from the remote operator and automatically routes audio signals to the appropriate output. This intermediary eliminates the need for mechanical actuators by using intelligent signal routing based on control input analysis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical actuator is used for speech device control, then remote operator can communicate with patient, but error rate increases due to malfunctions and position slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical actuator that caused malfunctions and position slippage by replacing it with a digital audio routing system. The processor-controlled switching of audio interfaces provides reliable, repeatable signal routing without mechanical wear or positioning errors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual audio interfaces are implemented for selective output, then communication flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio processing architecture where a single processor handles multiple audio routing functions. The same processor that receives control signals also manages audio interface switching, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control signal processing and audio signal routing functions into a single integrated system. The processor that analyzes control input from the remote operator also performs the audio interface switching, merging multiple functions into one component to reduce overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for processing and locally outputting audio input received from a remote operator in a medical system supporting medical remote operation and a method for operating the system (100) are presented. The system (100) comprises a local computing device (200). The local computing device (200) comprises a first audio interface (210) configured for processing audio input, wherein a first audio device (400) is connected to the first audio interface (210) and wherein the first audio device (400) is configured to output the audio input processed by the first audio interface (210) to a local operator of a medical imaging device (500), and a second audio interface (220) configured for processing audio input, wherein a second audio device (510) is connected to the second audio interface (220) and wherein the second audio device (510) is configured to output the audio input processed by the second audio interface (220) to a patient situated in the medical imaging device (500). The local computing device (200) further comprises a processor (230) configured to receive audio input from the remote operator and control input from the remote operator, select, based on the control input received from the remote operator, one of the first audio interface (210) and the second audio interface (220) for processing the audio input received from the remote operator, output the audio input processed by the first audio interface (210) via the first audio device (400) when the first audio interface (210) is selected based on the received control input, and output the audio input processed by the second audio interface (220) via the second audio device (510) when the second audio interface (220) is selected based on the received control input.