Auxiliary Component for Medical Visualization Wireless Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless medical devices for visualization systems, such as endoscopes and laryngoscopes, face challenges in hospital settings due to limited use of communication frequencies, high latency requirements, and high costs, particularly for single-use products, which hinder widespread adoption and effective usability.
Innovation Solution
A medical visualization system comprising a medical visualization device with an image sensor and light emitter, coupled with an auxiliary component that enables wireless transmission of image data to a monitor device using high-frequency communication (above 10 GHz) for low latency and flexibility, where the auxiliary component is reusable and the main device part is disposable, reducing contamination risks and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented in medical visualization devices, then flexibility and usability are improved, but communication frequency limitations and latency issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from conventional frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) to millimeter wave frequencies (24 GHz, 60 GHz and above). This parameter change enables higher data transmission rates and lower latency while maintaining wireless flexibility, directly resolving the contradiction between usability improvement and latency reduction.
2Reliability
If single-use medical visualization devices are used, then infection risk is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the medical visualization system into two segments: a disposable main device part (including image sensor, light emitter, and handle) that contacts the patient, and a reusable auxiliary component (including wireless communication module and processing unit). This segmentation allows the critical patient-contact components to be single-use for infection control, while the expensive electronic components are reusable, thereby reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The main device part is designed as a cheap, single-use component that is discarded after one patient procedure. This eliminates the need for expensive sterilization processes and ensures complete infection control, while the reusable auxiliary component amortizes its cost over multiple uses, reducing the overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wireless communication frequencies are used, then compatibility is improved, but latency and data transmission performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) to millimeter wave frequencies (24 GHz, 60 GHz, 73-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz). This parameter change provides higher bandwidth and lower latency for real-time medical imaging transmission, while the system maintains adaptability through support for multiple frequency bands and communication protocols.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides flexible and cost-effective wireless image transmission with low latency, enhancing usability and safety by reducing the risk of infection and preserving resources through the use of disposable main device parts and reusable auxiliary components.
Implementation Method 1
the device wireless communication module is adapted to receive the encoded image data from the device processing unit and transmit the encoded image data using a downstream data channel to the monitor wireless communication module
Data Source
AI summary
A medical visualisation system includes a main device part and an auxiliary component, the main device part including: an image sensor adapted to generate image data indicative of a view from the main device part, a light emitter adapted to provide illumination of the view, and a main coupling part having one or more main terminals electrically connected to the light emitter and the image sensor. The auxiliary component couplable to the main device part includes: a device wireless communication module adapted to communicate with a monitor wireless communication module of a monitor device and transmit image data to the monitor wireless communication module.