Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus expansion or extension
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-03
2002-05-28
Auve, Glenn A. (Department: 2181)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus expansion or extension
C600S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06397286
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for centrally monitoring and/or controlling at least one unit for endoscopy, and specifically for minimal invasive surgery, in accordance with the introductory clause of Patent claim
1
.
PRIOR ART
Systems for centrally monitoring and/or controlling endoscopic units are known, for instance, from the European Patent EP 0 319 762 A1 or the German Patent DE 37 41 833 C1 of the same priority, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,584, the international patent WO 95/22363, the Japanese Patent A 62-46182 or the German Utility Model U1 92 18 373. Explicit reference is made to these prior art documents as far as all other details are concerned which are not explained here in all their details.
The known systems of the type which the introductory clause of Patent claim
1
starts out from may be employed, for instance, for controlling one or several insufflation units, pumps, an illuminating device for the image field of an endoscope, an HF instrument for cutting or coagulation, or a laser.
In the systems known from the aforementioned prior art documents the unit to be controlled is connected to a master computer via an interface (serial or parallel interface in EP 0 319 762 A1) or a network (e.g. DE 92 18 373 U1) which controls the device and displays the operating parameters of the unit on a monitor.
Moreover, a similar system is known from the European Patent EP 0 568 081 A1, which is, however, intended for an examination and/or treatment of the eyes.
The use of serial or parallel interfaces for controlling the devices presents the disadvantage that the number of the total of units which can be controlled by the master computer is restricted by the number of computer interfaces. This number is comparatively small particularly on a standard PC.
Networking, on the other hand, requires the application of “comparatively intelligent” units so that the expenditure is increased for the central control on the device side. Moreover, in standard networks, which are implemented, for instance, on the basis of network operating systems such as Novell, it is comparatively difficult to log in or off a unit during operation. This may be necessary in medical operations, for instance, when a unit fails and must be replaced by a unit of the same type, or when a certain surgical condition demands the connection of another unit. Apart therefrom, the known network solutions are not fail-safe to such a high degree that they could be employed in the operating theatre.
But even if only a comparatively small number of units is centrally controlled the following problem always occurs whenever more than one unit is controlled:
The operator wants to change the operating parameters—e.g. of unit
1
—but fails to be aware of the fact that this unit operates in the control mode for unit
2
—for instance. In such a situation the operator resets the operating parameters for this unit unintentionally. But even if this error is noticed immediately it is frequently difficult to “reset” the operating parameters again to “reasonable” values.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the problem of improving a system for centrally monitoring and/or controlling at least one unit for endoscopy, and specifically for minimally invasive surgery, in accordance with the introductory clause of Patent claim
1
in such a way that a large number of (different or identical) units can be centrally controlled at a comparatively low expenditure, specifically in terms of the units to be controlled, with the replacement of failed units or the connection of new units being possible during the ongoing operation without any problems and particularly without interference with the other units.
Moreover, the inventive system should preferably be so designed that erroneous operation may be simply corrected and particularly annulled, even if already various other interventions have been performed on the controller of the units.
One inventive solution to this problem is obtained with the combination of features defined in claim
1
. Improvements of the invention are the subject matters of claims
2
et seq.
The invention is distinguished by the combination of the following features:
the units are connected via the interfaces on a self-configuring bus to a BUS master,
the BUS master configures the bus automatically, and
the BUS master monitors the communication on the bus for correct functioning.
It is hence possible to connect or disconnect units during operation so that the “network” can adapt itself to varying situations in a surgical operation, for instance. It is also possible in particular to replace failed units.
It is a particular advantage that the BUS reconfigures itself during operation when units are newly connected or disconnected. This is accompanied by the additional advantage that the bus is automatically terminated.
The most different solutions may be employed as bus; one possibility is the application of the so-called FireWire bus in compliance with IEEE standard 1394. Another preferred possibility is the use of the CAN bus:
The CAN bus (Controller Area Network), which has been developed by the company of Robert Bosch, Germany, and is standardised in compliance with ISO and IEEE, presents not only the advantages of a high immunity to noise and simple wiring with a 2-conductor technique, but mainly the advantage that on account of the low software expenditure it is possible to connect also units with plain 8-bit controllers. Moreover, the CAN bus is suitable for real-time operation and permits a multi-master structure. Both the versions under ISO 11898 and the versions in compliance with ISO 11519/11898 can be applied.
On account of these features the expenditure incurred for the modification of conventional units for application with a central control system is comparatively low.
With such a design both BUS arbitration and data communication can be implemented, in particular, via a two-wire line so that the expenditure in terms of wiring is particularly low.
In certain cases—e.g. with application of a remote control system—is it preferable to implement the bus link at least between one part of the units by means of an infrared or radio transmission link instead of a “fixedly wired” link.
The bus interface can be supplied with power either via the respective unit or via the bus line, without any interruption of communication on the bus, when a unit connected to the bus is switched off or is not switched on. In particular, the power supply of the interface may be provided via the bus line by means of lines which are not required for communication. Moreover, one or several units may supply the interfaces of the remaining units with power.
The operating safety is further enhanced, specifically when HF units etc. are employed, when the interface is galvanically isolated from the respective unit.
When a remote control system is applied it is expedient that the remote controller is suitable for controlling more than one unit. The remote controller should be designed in a way that it can be used under sterile conditions. Consequently, the operating physician can control the units himself without any problem and without depending on an aide. In an approach to avoid operating errors it is preferable that the changes made by an operator, and particularly the changes made via the remote controller, are graphically or possibly acoustically indicated or displayed, respectively.
As has been set out above already, it is an advantage to provide a bus suitable for multi-master operation. With such a configuration at least one of the following units may be configured as BUS master:
video signal processing unit
master computer
remote control unit
network module.
The network module may be adapted for connection and particularly docking to each unit adapted for connection to the bus so that it is not necessary to use a PC or any other controller having master capabilities in the network. The network module may be connected in particular via a serial interface.
Whenever more
Chatenever David
Hilzinger Hans-Uwe
Irion Klaus
Novak Pavel
Auve Glenn A.
St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens LLC
Storz Endoskop GmbH
LandOfFree
Arrangement for the central monitoring and/or control of at... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Arrangement for the central monitoring and/or control of at..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Arrangement for the central monitoring and/or control of at... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2888536