Operating Room Communicator for Automatic Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons and other personnel in operating theaters face inefficiencies in adjusting device settings for operative procedures, as current methods require individual configuration of each device before surgery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a storage system with system preferences, an operating room communicator, and configurable devices that automatically configure settings based on preferences obtained from the storage system without the need for user authentication, using cloud storage or portable information devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual device settings are manually adjusted before surgery, then device configuration accuracy is improved, but preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores pre-configured device settings and preferences in a database before surgery begins. When a surgeon enters the operating room, the system automatically retrieves and applies these pre-saved configurations, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during preparation time while maintaining accurate device setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating room system automatically detects the surgeon's presence via proximity sensors or RFID tags, autonomously retrieves the surgeon's preferred device settings from the database, and configures all devices without requiring the surgeon's direct intervention. The system serves itself by performing the configuration task that would otherwise require manual human operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are configured individually, then device-specific optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal configuration database that stores settings for multiple different device types (surgical lights, smoke evacuators, imaging systems, etc.). A single centralized system manages all device configurations through common protocols and interfaces, allowing one system to handle diverse device types without requiring separate configuration procedures for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple individual device configuration tasks into a single integrated system. Instead of treating each device separately, the system merges their configuration processes into one unified workflow where a single surgeon profile triggers coordinated configuration of all connected devices simultaneously, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
3Productivity
If automatic configuration is implemented, then preparation time is reduced, but system reliability may worsen due to authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual authentication mechanisms (logins, passwords, physical keycards) with contactless proximity detection technology. RFID tags, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, or other wireless identification methods automatically verify the surgeon's identity when they enter the room, eliminating the need for manual authentication while maintaining security. This substitution enables automatic configuration without compromising system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring an operating room including providing a storage system having system preferences, providing an operating room communicator, connecting at least one configurable device to the operating room communicator, obtaining the system preferences from the storage system, and configuring settings of the at least one configurable device according to the system preferences. The system preferences can be obtained without logging into the storage system. The system preferences can also be obtained when a surgeon comes into proximity with the operating room communicator without actively interacting with the operating room communicator.