Remote Videoconferencing Robot Broadband Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that allows remote healthcare provision to patients without the physical presence of a healthcare provider, as existing solutions are costly and burdensome due to staffing and training requirements, and existing robotic systems are not practical for multi-operator use.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system that includes a robot and a remote station communicating through a broadband network, enabling control commands to be sent from the remote station to the robot and reporting commands to be sent back, allowing for remote monitoring and assistance with features like camera control, audio communication, and medical file access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated communication link is used to ensure communication quality during remote surgical procedures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making it impractical for multi-operator use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single broadband network infrastructure to support multiple operators and robotic systems simultaneously. The network is designed to handle multiple video streams and control commands from different remote stations, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve various surgical teams without requiring dedicated links for each operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting video images from the endoscope through the broadband network to multiple remote stations. Instead of requiring separate dedicated links for each operator, the video signal is copied and distributed across the network to multiple endpoints, maintaining communication quality while reducing infrastructure complexity and cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operators share a robotic system through a broadband network, then adaptability is improved, but communication quality and control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control functions among multiple operators, each with their own remote station. The robotic system is controlled through coordinated input from multiple operators via the broadband network, allowing flexible multi-operator collaboration while maintaining reliable communication through dedicated network protocols and quality assurance mechanisms.
3Loss of substance
If home care is provided to reduce costs, then loss of substance is reduced, but productivity decreases due to staffing limitations and training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical healthcare provider presence with a robotic system controlled remotely through broadband networks. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous staffing and reduces training requirements while maintaining or improving care delivery efficiency, as multiple providers can access the same robotic system simultaneously without physical travel or scheduling constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station can generate control commands that are transmitted to the robot through a broadband network. The control commands can be interpreted by the robot to induce action such as robot movement or focusing a robot camera. The robot can generate reporting commands that are transmitted to the remote station through the broadband network. The reporting commands can provide positional feedback or system reports on the robot.