Multi-user Voice Control for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice-controlled medical systems are unable to safely execute simultaneous commands from multiple users, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety risks during surgical procedures, as they typically only allow single-user input and reject multiple commands due to signal quality issues and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-user voice-controlled medical system with a controller comprising first and second speech recognition modules and a decision module, utilizing first and second microphones to generate and process voice commands, accepting a subset of commands, and assembling a third set to operate medical devices while providing alerts for conflicts or unsafe conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ambient microphones are used to enable multiple users to issue commands, then the system can receive commands from multiple users, but the signal quality and voice recognition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio input into multiple separate channels, each dedicated to a specific user. Multiple microphones are positioned to capture voice signals from different users independently, creating segmented audio streams that are processed separately by the speech recognition system. This segmentation maintains high signal quality for each user while enabling multi-user command reception.
2Productivity
If the system accepts commands from multiple users simultaneously, then operational efficiency improves, but safety risks increase due to potential conflicting commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system provides audible confirmation to users when their commands are received, accepted, or rejected. This real-time feedback allows users to verify that their voice commands were properly detected and executed, or to understand why a command was rejected, thereby maintaining safety while enabling multi-user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of voice commands including noise filtering, speech activity detection, and command validation before executing medical device operations. This preliminary action ensures that only valid, non-conflicting commands are executed, maintaining safety while enabling efficient multi-user control.
3Ease of operation
If a single wireless headset is used for voice control, then sterility is maintained and ease of operation is improved, but the system can only receive commands from one user at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal voice control system that can serve multiple users through multiple microphones and speech recognition modules. The system is designed to handle commands from any authorized user without requiring physical contact or breaking sterility, making it universally accessible to all members of the surgical team while maintaining the benefits of wireless voice control.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a controller having first and second speech recognition modules and a decision module. The system includes at least one medical device operable by the controller. The system includes a first microphone in communication with the first speech recognition module, and a second microphone in communication with the second speech recognition module. The first speech recognition module generates a first set of commands from voice signals it receives from the first microphone. The second speech recognition module generates a second set of commands from voice signals it receives from the second microphone. The decision module receives the first and second sets of commands, accepts a subset of the commands in the first and second sets, rejects the remainder of the commands, and assembles a third set of commands comprising the accepted commands. The controller executes the third set of commands to operate the at least one medical device.