Data processing: speech signal processing – linguistics – language – Speech signal processing – Application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-19
2001-08-21
Dorvil, Richemond (Department: 2741)
Data processing: speech signal processing, linguistics, language
Speech signal processing
Application
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278975
ABSTRACT:
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
Reference is made to the microfiche appendix which contains 1 sheet representing 42 frames of speech recognition software code.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a voice command and control system for controlling medical equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A number of voice assisted machine control applications have been developed due to recent advancements in speech recognition software. Examples of these applications include input and storage of electronic patient records, assistance in clinical diagnosis, generation and manipulation of medical images, and manipulation of surgical devices such as microscopes.
Voice activated control of surgical instruments for vitreo-retinal surgery, for example, appears to be a good application for voice actuation technology. Intraocular surgery frequently requires simultaneous use of elaborate and sophisticated pieces of equipment by the surgeon, and coordination and integration of such equipment in an operating room with assistants and one or more nurses. A nurse is typically required to manipulate equipment controls in response to a surgeon's commands. Delays can occur when the nurse is busy setting up or adjusting other parameters when the surgeon's command is received. Delays associated with the human interface between a surgeon and a nurse can increase complexity of the surgery, particularly when conditions inside the patient's eye change rapidly and unexpectedly.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,253 discloses a voice control system for moving and focusing a microscope. The system is disadvantageous, however, because it employs a discrete speech recognition algorithm. An operator must therefore give simple verbal commands, which are typically only one or two words, and speak them clearly and slowly. During procedures such as intraocular eye surgery, it is difficult to expect a surgeon to speak in the slow, halting manner required for accurate word identification using a discrete speech recognition algorithm.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,148 discloses a voice activated image display controller which requires each operator to speak every command in order to create a stored user-specific pronunciation list. The controller compares received digitized audio signals with the list to determine if a spoken word is a valid command. The controller is disadvantageous because it requires operators to undergo time-consuming training in order to use it.
A need exists, therefore, for a voice command and control system for medical equipment which allows a surgeon to render voice commands using natural, conversational speech and which does not require the surgeon to participate in extensive training of the speech recognition engine. Further, a need exists for a voice command and control system which allows a surgeon to effectively handle volatile and quickly changing patient conditions (e.g., intraocular pressure), and to decrease surgery time without compromising the safety of the surgical procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a voice command and control system is provided which can process audio signals from a microphone to identify an operator's verbal commands contained within conversational speech using speech recognition software. The commands are then converted to digital control signals which can be applied to a medical care device. The system is configured to continuously monitor the audio signals such that the operator does not have to speak in a slow, deliberate and unnatural manner.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the system is configured to automatically generate at request for confirmation of a command signal, and to await acknowledgement from the operator before executing the command.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the system is configured to provide audible status data relating to a parameter or function of the medical care device in response to an operator's query command.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the invention, the system is programmed to define functions and parameters of the medical care device and corresponding commands which are valid when that function or parameter is active, and to store them in files The files facilitate the speech recognition process, as well as increase safety and efficiency with which the voice controlled medical care device is used.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a voice controlled medical care system is provided which comprises (1) a medical care device to be controlled in accordance with commands spoken by an operator, the spoken commands being selected from the group consisting of a single command word, a command phrase comprising a plurality of the command words, and a mixed phrase comprising at least one command word and at least one non-command word; (2) a microphone for transducing the spoken commands and generating corresponding audio output signals; (3) a processor comprising a first port connected to the microphone for receiving the audio output signals, the processor being programmable to substantially continuously monitor the first port for the audio output signals, to process the audio output signals to identify the command words therein, and to generate corresponding control signals for transmission to the medical care device; and (4) an interface circuit connected to the processor and the medical care device and operable to provide the control signals from the processor to the medical care device.
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“Voice Assisted Surgery”, Second International Symposium on Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery, Nov. 5-7, 1995; Baltimore, Maryland.
Brant Arthur
deJuan, Jr. Eugene
Greenberg Robert
Mandell Kenneth
Rader R. Scott
Dorvil Richemond
Johns Hopkins University
Roylance Abrams Berdo & Goodman L.L.P.
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