Audiovisual Controller for Operating Theater Video Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In operating theaters, distinguishing between multiple video display devices is challenging due to their similar appearances, and the dynamic placement of mobile cart monitors complicates video routing, leading to potential errors in image data management.

Innovation Solution

An audiovisual controller that receives orientation and position information from imaging devices and monitors, adjusts the display orientation and position of surgical imaging data, and provides a user interface for easy identification and network configuration to ensure proper routing and monitoring overview, using common visual elements like color to differentiate monitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple video display devices are used in an operating theater, then the capability to display surgical imaging data is improved, but the difficulty of distinguishing between devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of video display devicesVSAvoiddifficulty of distinguishing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color coding to visually distinguish different video display devices. Each monitor is assigned a unique color identifier that is displayed on the device itself and corresponds to its representation in the graphical user interface. This allows medical staff to easily differentiate between multiple monitors without confusion, directly resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining device quantity while reducing identification difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized audiovisual controller as an intermediary device that manages multiple video display devices. This controller provides a graphical user interface that displays visual representations of all connected monitors with their unique identifiers, acting as a mediator between the user and the multiple display devices. This intermediary system simplifies device identification and routing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile cart monitors are used with dynamic placement, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the reliability of video routing decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic placement capabilityVSAvoidvideo routing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automatic detection and feedback mechanism where the audiovisual controller continuously monitors the physical positions of video display devices using sensors or position detection technology. When a monitor's position changes, the system automatically receives updated position information and adjusts the video routing accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that despite dynamic placement, the video routing remains reliable and accurately directs imaging data to the correct monitor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the video routing system dynamic by enabling automatic adjustment based on real-time monitor positions. Instead of fixed routing configurations, the system adapts its routing paths dynamically as monitors are moved. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliable video routing even when monitor placements change during surgical procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual identification and routing of video devices is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of video routing operations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller interface simplicityVSAvoidvideo routing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically detecting video display devices and assigning them unique identifiers before any routing operations are needed. The system proactively establishes device identities and positions, so when video routing is required, the process is already optimized. This preliminary setup eliminates time-consuming manual identification steps while maintaining a simple user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the audiovisual controller automatically manages device identification and video routing without requiring manual intervention. The system independently detects devices, assigns identifiers, monitors position changes, and adjusts routing automatically. This self-service capability significantly improves video routing productivity while keeping the interface simple, as the system performs complex operations autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11812181B2Video routing in an operating theater
Publication Date: 2023.11.07 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US11812181B2 patent drawing
  • US11812181B2 patent drawing
  • US11812181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An audiovisual controller for routing input/output imaging data in an operating theater is disclosed. The controller comprises an imaging data input port for receiving surgical imaging data from an imaging data capturing device and an imaging data output port for transmitting said surgical imaging data to an output monitor for displaying the surgical imaging data. The controller is configured for receiving orientation information regarding the orientation of the imaging data capturing device and the output monitor. The controller is configured for adjusting an orientation or position of the displayed surgical imaging data as function of the orientation information.