Hierarchical Mode Selection for Medical Observation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The medical observation system switches unintentionally to modes that do not display images, leading to image loss during operations, particularly when operational errors occur.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus with a mode selection unit that organizes operational modes hierarchically in a tree structure, allowing selection from upper to lower levels and enabling switching back to higher modes after startup, including specific image processing modes to prevent unintended mode changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the medical observation system allows switching to any operational mode freely, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional mode switching causing image loss
Solution Approach 1:
The operational modes are segmented into different hierarchical levels (first level, second level, third level) with parent-child relationships. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile mode switching while preventing unintentional transitions by requiring deliberate actions to cross hierarchical boundaries, thus maintaining image display continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of modes into hierarchical levels before allowing switching. By pre-organizing modes with parent-child relationships and restricting transitions to same-level or downward transitions only, the system prepares the structure in advance to prevent reliability issues from unintentional switching.
2Reliability
If the system restricts mode switching to prevent unintentional changes, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The mode switching system is made dynamic by allowing different transition rules based on the current state and hierarchical level. Operators can freely switch within the same level or move to lower levels during operation, while upward transitions require system restart. This dynamic approach maintains reliability while preserving operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode structure is extended into a hierarchical dimension with multiple levels and parent-child relationships. This dimensional organization allows operators to navigate modes vertically (same level) and diagonally (downward to child modes) without restriction, while upward movement is controlled, thus balancing reliability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows free switching between parent and child modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of information increases due to unintended transitions to non-display modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by restricting upward mode transitions (from child to parent modes) unless the system has been restarted. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of unintentional transitions to non-display modes, ensuring that image information is not lost while still allowing adaptive mode selection within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of modes into hierarchical levels with designated display and non-display modes. By pre-organizing the mode structure and establishing transition rules before operation begins, the system prevents information loss while maintaining operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing apparatus 6 includes a mode selection unit 6124 that selects any operational mode from among a plurality of operational modes that include a regular operational mode in which a video signal for display is output, and are hierarchically organized in a tree form, the mode selection unit 6124 causing the signal processing apparatus 6 to operate in the selected operational mode. The operational modes include a plurality of lower-level operational modes as lower-level operational modes having a parent-child relation with the regular operational mode. The mode selection unit 6124, after the signal processing apparatus 6 has started up, selects any operational mode from among same-level operational modes for each level from an upper level toward a lower level and, when having selected any of the lower-level operational modes, can select an upper-level operational mode relative to the selected lower-level operational mode on condition that the signal processing apparatus 6 has again started up.