Virtual Camera Control Unit for Video Medical Scopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video medical scope systems face challenges in setup speed and complexity, processing power efficiency, and development time due to the need for physical camera control units (CCUs) and the difficulty in scaling with new video technologies like HD or 4K standards, leading to increased equipment and sterilization requirements.
Innovation Solution
A virtual CCU system is implemented, utilizing a network-connected server with multiple GPUs to allocate processing resources dynamically, eliminating the need for physical CCUs and allowing for efficient use of processing power based on specific task requirements, thereby reducing setup time and enhancing development and deployment speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical camera control unit (CCU) is used to control video medical scopes, then the system provides dedicated processing capabilities, but the setup time and complexity increase due to physical equipment movement and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the CCU functionality through software running on a server, eliminating the need for physical CCU hardware in each operating room. The virtual CCU replicates all processing capabilities of a physical unit while being accessible over the network, thus maintaining reliability while reducing setup time to simply connecting the scope to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical CCU system with a software-based virtualization approach. Instead of moving and configuring physical hardware equipment, the system uses network connectivity and software instances to provide CCU functionality, substituting mechanical setup with digital deployment.
2Reliability
If multiple physical CCUs are deployed to handle multiple imaging devices, then each device has dedicated processing resources, but the quantity of equipment and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple CCU functions into a single shared server infrastructure. Multiple virtual CCU instances run on the same physical hardware platform, allowing multiple imaging devices to share the same processing resources simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of equipment from one physical CCU per device to a single server hosting multiple virtual instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal server platform that can host multiple virtual CCU instances, each capable of controlling different imaging devices. The single physical server performs the functions of multiple dedicated CCUs, providing multi-functionality that eliminates the need for separate equipment for each device while maintaining processing availability.
3Power
If traditional CCU systems are scaled to support higher video standards like 4K, then processing capabilities are enhanced, but the development complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic, software-based CCU system where processing capabilities can be adjusted and updated through software configuration rather than hardware redesign. When new video standards like 4K are introduced, the system can dynamically allocate more processing resources and update processing algorithms through software, avoiding the complex hardware development cycles of traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables processing capability enhancement through parameter changes in software rather than hardware modifications. The virtual CCU system can change processing parameters such as resolution, frame rate, and compression settings through software configuration, allowing rapid adaptation to new video standards without the lengthy development and manufacturing processes required for hardware changes.
4Reliability
If dedicated physical CCUs are used for each imaging device, then processing resources are guaranteed, but the cost and sterilization burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization to create software copies of CCU functionality that run on shared hardware. This approach guarantees processing resources through virtual resource allocation while eliminating the need for expensive dedicated physical equipment for each device, significantly reducing overall system cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating surgical imaging devices using configurable processing resources of a virtual camera control unit connected to a network includes an allocation manager for allocating processing resources, a primary imaging device, a secondary imaging device, a feature module, and a load balance module. The load balance module adjusts one or more settings of one or more features of the primary and secondary imaging devices based on the available processing resources and the desired settings of the one or more features.