Separate Communication Unit for Stable Wireless Surgical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing observation systems in operating rooms face instability in communication between the observation device and the video processor due to interference from medical staff and objects in the environment, which can disrupt the transmission of surgical site images.
Innovation Solution
The observation device is designed with a separate image shooting unit and communication unit, allowing for wireless transmission of image information, with the communication unit's antenna positioned to minimize interference, enabling more stable communication by using lower frequency radio waves and flexible placement to avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication is used to connect the observation device to the video processor, then communication stability is improved, but the cable interferes with medical staff movement and increases sterilization burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the observation device by placing a separate communication unit with antenna in the unclean area, while the observation device remains in the clean area. This separation eliminates the need for cables crossing between areas, removing the interference with medical staff movement while maintaining communication stability through dedicated wireless communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication unit as an intermediary component that bridges the clean and unclean areas. This intermediary handles all communication tasks, allowing the observation device to remain isolated in the clean area without direct cable connections, thus eliminating cable interference while maintaining reliable communication through the intermediary's wireless capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the communication unit is integrated into the observation device housing, then device complexity is reduced, but communication stability deteriorates due to interference from medical staff and objects in the operating room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the observation system into distinct functional units: the observation device in the clean area and the communication unit in the unclean area. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and location, with the communication unit positioned to minimize interference from medical staff and objects, thereby improving communication stability without requiring complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical integration approach with a wireless communication system. Instead of integrating the communication unit into the observation device housing, the system uses wireless transmission between separately positioned units, eliminating the need for complex integrated housing design while achieving superior communication stability through optimal spatial separation.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to eliminate cables, then ease of operation is improved, but communication stability worsens due to interference from people and objects in the communication path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated communication unit as an intermediary that handles all wireless communication tasks. This intermediary is strategically positioned in the unclean area with optimal antenna placement, serving as a stable communication hub that eliminates cable interference while maintaining reliable wireless transmission by being positioned away from the primary surgical field where medical staff and objects are concentrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning the communication unit and its antenna in a specific location (the unclean area) with favorable communication characteristics. This localized placement ensures that the communication function operates in an environment optimized for signal stability, while the rest of the surgical field maintains its operational freedom without cable restrictions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the stability and reliability of wireless communication between the observation device and the video processor, reducing the risk of image disruption and improving operational efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for cables, which simplifies sterilization and reduces the load on medical staff.
Implementation Method 1
a communication unit composed of a second housing disposed away from the first housing, and configured to wirelessly transmit, to an external device, image information on the surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an observation device that includes an image shooting unit composed of a first housing and for capturing an image of a surgical site of a patient; and a communication unit composed of a second housing disposed away from the first housing, and for wirelessly transmitting, to an external device, image information on the surgical site the image of which is captured by the image shooting unit.