Medical Environment Control System with Modular Client-Server Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for medical environments are limited in functionality and convenience due to the need for custom-built software and require programming knowledge, making them difficult to set up and manage, especially when medical devices are added or removed, and end-users cannot edit or change system settings without a certified developer.
Innovation Solution
A distributed client-server system with a graphical user interface that allows users to control audio/video and medical devices through a server connected to client systems, enabling easy configuration and management of devices without programming knowledge, using a touch screen interface for device control and configuration settings stored in XML files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built software is used for control systems in medical environments, then the system can be adapted to specific medical devices and environments, but the system becomes difficult to set up and manage when devices are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular components: a central controller, multiple client devices (touch panels, laptops), and server components. Each client can independently configure and control specific medical devices without affecting the entire system. This modular architecture allows easy addition or removal of devices without requiring system-wide reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the graphical user interface automatically adapts to show only the devices and controls relevant to each user's role and location. The system can dynamically add, remove, or modify device connections without requiring programming changes, allowing flexible adaptation to changing medical environment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If programming knowledge is required for system configuration, then the system can provide customized control functionality, but it becomes inaccessible to end-users who need to make changes
Solution Approach 1:
A graphical user interface serves as an intermediary between end-users and the underlying programming system. The GUI provides visual, intuitive controls for configuring medical devices without exposing the complex programming language. Users can add, remove, or modify device connections through visual drag-and-drop operations rather than writing code, maintaining customization capability while eliminating the need for programming knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses template-based configuration where pre-defined device templates and configuration patterns are copied and applied to new devices. When a medical device is added, the system automatically copies relevant configuration parameters and creates appropriate control interfaces, eliminating the need for users to recreate configurations from scratch or write programming code.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control system is highly customized for each medical environment, then it can address specific environmental needs, but it cannot be easily modified when devices are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures standardized communication protocols and control templates for common medical devices before they are deployed. When a device is added to a medical environment, the system automatically detects the device type and applies the pre-prepared configuration template, eliminating the need for manual programming or complex setup procedures while maintaining environment-specific customization.
4Device complexity
If a centralized control system is used, then system coordination is simplified, but it reduces flexibility for individual users to control specific devices
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system is segmented into multiple independent client devices (touch panels, laptops, tablets) that each can control specific devices. Each client operates as an independent unit with its own graphical interface, allowing users to control only the devices relevant to their role while maintaining coordination through the central server architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
What is presented is a medical environment control system includes a plurality of audio/video devices, a server and a client system. Each one of the plurality of audio/video devices receives or sends an audio/video signal. The server is connected to each one of the plurality of audio/video devices and is configured to controllably receive and send audio/video signals to and from the plurality of audio/video devices. The client system is interoperable with the server and with a user of the client system through a user interface. At least one medical device is also connected to communicate with the server. The user can control the plurality of audio/video devices through the client system and the server, and receive the one audio/video signal outputted from any one of the plurality of audio/video devices and the at least one medical device at the client system.