Medical Imaging Instrument Wireless Adapter for Secure Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging instruments face challenges with cable interference, compatibility issues with new display devices, incorrect data transmission to unintended devices, and difficulties in establishing reliable pairings, particularly in time-critical situations, which can lead to safety risks and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A medical system comprising a medical imaging instrument with a plug port for a data cable and a detachable data transmission adapter that enables wireless data transmission, along with a pairing and security unit to ensure correct pairing and user confirmation, and a recognition feature for activating functions based on object presence or user gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wired endoscope with data cable is used for data transmission, then data transmission reliability is ensured, but cable interference and restriction of medical staff freedom of movement occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmedical staff freedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical data cable connection with a wireless communication system. The endoscope and display device are equipped with wireless communication modules that transmit image data through electromagnetic waves, eliminating the physical cable and its associated interference while maintaining data transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an older wired endoscope is used with a new display device, then compatibility issues arise, but purchasing multiple display devices increases system complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendoscope-display device compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the endoscope universally compatible with different display devices by equipping it with wireless communication capabilities. This allows the same endoscope to work with various display devices that have corresponding wireless reception modules, eliminating the need for multiple specialized display devices and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module acts as an intermediary between the endoscope and display device, providing a standardized interface that enables compatibility across different device models and manufacturers without requiring direct cable connections or multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless data transmission is implemented, then medical staff freedom of movement is improved, but risks of incorrect pairing and transmission to unintended devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedical staff freedom of movementVSAvoiddata transmission accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a confirmation mechanism where the display device shows a visual confirmation (such as a checkmark or message) when successfully paired with the endoscope. This feedback loop ensures that medical staff can verify the correct pairing before data transmission begins, preventing transmission to unintended devices while maintaining wireless freedom of movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs pairing and confirmation actions before actual data transmission begins. The wireless modules establish connections and verify correctness in advance, ensuring that when image data is transmitted, it goes to the intended display device, thereby preventing errors while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If manual pairing procedures are required for wireless devices, then pairing accuracy can be ensured, but time is lost in time-critical situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accuracyVSAvoidpairing establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables automatic pairing where the wireless modules on the endoscope and display device automatically establish connections without requiring manual intervention from medical staff. The system performs pairing autonomously while still providing visual confirmation, significantly reducing pairing time in emergency situations while maintaining accuracy through the confirmation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250228429A1Medical system, medical imaging instrument, method of operating a medical system and/or a medical imaging instrument, and method of connecting a medical imaging instrument to a display device

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a medical system comprising a medical imaging instrument adapted to generate image data, a display device adapted to receive image data and to generate a representation for a user, a pairing unit adapted to establish a pairing of the imaging instrument and the display device, wherein, in a paired state, the image data is transmittable from the imaging instrument to the display device, and a security unit adapted to recognize a conformation of the pairing by the user, wherein the security unit is adapted to prevent the transmission of the image data from the imaging instrument to the display device in the absence of the confirmation of the pairing by the user.