EP1480180B1 - Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a medical device - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a medical device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1480180B1
EP1480180B1 EP03011456A EP03011456A EP1480180B1 EP 1480180 B1 EP1480180 B1 EP 1480180B1 EP 03011456 A EP03011456 A EP 03011456A EP 03011456 A EP03011456 A EP 03011456A EP 1480180 B1 EP1480180 B1 EP 1480180B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
infrared
control unit
radio
operated
transmitter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03011456A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1480180A1 (en
Inventor
Ulrich Döring
Falk Georgi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH and Co KG
Priority to AT03011456T priority Critical patent/ATE323928T1/en
Priority to EP03011456A priority patent/EP1480180B1/en
Priority to DE50303031T priority patent/DE50303031D1/en
Publication of EP1480180A1 publication Critical patent/EP1480180A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1480180B1 publication Critical patent/EP1480180B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C25/00—Arrangements for preventing or correcting errors; Monitoring arrangements
    • G08C25/02—Arrangements for preventing or correcting errors; Monitoring arrangements by signalling back receiving station to transmitting station
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
    • G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
    • G08C2201/00—Transmission systems of control signals via wireless link
    • G08C2201/90—Additional features
    • G08C2201/91—Remote control based on location and proximity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for remote control of at least one device having the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method with the features of the preamble of patent claim 11.
  • Medical devices such as operating tables, endoscopic devices, high-frequency surgical devices, but also imaging devices, are increasingly controlled by means of mobile operating units.
  • the operating units are connected via a cable to the at least one device to be operated.
  • medical devices that are remotely controlled via an infrared or wireless connection.
  • infrared connections have the advantage that no electromagnetic interference is generated.
  • infrared connections can be achieved in a structurally simple manner.
  • the transmission of signals by means of an infrared connection allows only very limited data transmission rates, and optically opaque obstacles prevent data transmission.
  • a radio link between the mobile control unit and the medical device is also characterized by a long range.
  • a disadvantage of a radio link is that the connection between the operating unit and the device to be operated remains in many cases even if the device is removed from the room in which it was previously operated by the operating unit. Thus, there is a risk that erroneously operated by means of the operating unit designed as a separate unit medical devices whose operation was not intended and which are not supervised by the operator at this moment.
  • a remote-controlled safety device for motor vehicles wherein securing means of the motor vehicle can be controlled by means of a mobile control unit.
  • the mobile control unit comprises a radio transmitter and an infrared receiver and the securing means of the motor vehicle is associated with a radio receiver and a first infrared sensor.
  • a radio signal can be transmitted to the radio receiver of the securing means, which then cause an infrared transmitter to emit an infrared signal, which is received by an infrared receiver of the operating unit.
  • the latter then sends out a further radio signal, and only when this further radio signal is received by the radio receiver of the securing means, this has the consequence that they are activated.
  • a radio remote control device for a mobile motorized machine is known.
  • the mobile machine is controlled by a mobile control unit via a radio link.
  • a radio link is only provided if an infrared receiver of the mobile control unit an infrared signal of an infrared transmitter the mobile motorized machine receives. This ensures that a radio link is made only when there is a line of sight connection between the mobile control unit and the mobile motorized machine.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for remote control of a device of the type mentioned in such a way that the control unit allows a very easy to use remote control, the remote control by means of the control unit is only possible if a line of sight between the mobile control unit and the to be operated device, but that even without the existence of such a visual connection, the medical device is operable.
  • the device to be operated is a medical device and is additionally coupled to a central control unit and optionally controlled by the central control unit or by means of the mobile control unit, wherein the wireless control of Control unit control signals in the form of speech signals are transmitted via a radio link from the mobile control unit to the radio receiver, if previously transmitted from the first infrared transmitter infrared signals via an infrared link to the mobile control unit.
  • the idea flows in that the presence of the operating unit in the room can be checked by transmitting infrared signals in a structurally simple manner, in which there is also the medical device to be operated.
  • the infrared signals can in this case form a control signal which is received by the operating unit.
  • the operating unit comprises an infrared receiver.
  • the limited data transmission rates which can be achieved via the first infrared connection do not limit the operability of the device, since signals are transmitted to the presence control in particular via the first infrared connection.
  • Control signals for operating the medical device are transmitted via the radio link between the operating unit and the radio receiver, which in turn is coupled to the medical device to be operated.
  • the radio link can be made very stable and allows the transmission of data at high transmission rates.
  • a particularly user-friendly remote control is achieved according to the invention by transmitting voice signals to the radio receiver from the operating unit via the radio link. This allows voice-controlled operation of the medical device.
  • the radio signals can be transmitted, for example, in the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) method or in the Bluetooth method.
  • DECT Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone
  • the inventive method allows the operation of the operating unit with low power consumption, since the radio transmitter and the infrared receiver have only a low power consumption.
  • the power supply of the mobile control unit can therefore be done easily by means of batteries.
  • control signals are only then transmitted by radio from the operating unit to the radio receiver when the operating unit has previously received an infrared signal.
  • the received infrared signal can be used, for example, to release the radio transmitter, which enables the reception of the infrared signal to transmit control signals by radio while it is locked before receiving the infrared signal.
  • the transmission of a control command thus requires the previous receipt of an infrared signal, wherein an infrared signal can only be received by the operating unit when there is a line of sight connection between the operating unit and the infrared transmitter.
  • the medical device can still be operated.
  • it is additionally coupled to a central control unit, which enables control of the device independently of the operating unit.
  • control commands from the operating unit can only be processed by a signal processing unit after it has been previously confirmed by the operating unit to receive infrared signals.
  • infrared signals are transmitted to the operating unit and preferably also monitored whether the control unit confirms receipt of infrared signals. It can be provided, for example, that periodically infrared signals are emitted, for example at a distance of about 5 s to about 30 s, preferably at intervals of 10 s. A control of the at least one medical device to be operated by means of the operating unit can then preferably take place only in the event that the operating unit confirms the reception of the periodically emitted infrared signals. It can be provided that the confirmation of the reception of infrared signals has to be made at periodic intervals.
  • the confirmation signal can be sent by the operating unit in the form of a radio signal.
  • the operating unit is equipped with a second infrared transmitter and the confirmation signal is transmitted in the form of an infrared signal. The latter can then be received by an infrared receiver assigned to the device to be operated.
  • a plurality of devices to be operated with the radio receiver and the first infrared transmitter are coupled and controlled wirelessly by means of the mobile control unit.
  • Such a configuration has the advantage that a plurality of medical devices can be selectively controlled wirelessly by means of a single operating unit.
  • the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter are connected to one another via a bus connection, wherein the central control unit and the at least one device to be operated are connected to the bus connection.
  • the BUS connection can be made for example in the form of electrical lines or in the form of optical fibers. The use of a BUS connection makes it possible to connect a variety of medical devices to the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter, with the help of which the devices can be controlled remotely by the mobile control unit.
  • the first infrared transmitter has a dual function. On the one hand, it serves to transmit a control signal, which is received by the mobile operating unit and enables a presence check of the mobile operating unit.
  • at least one medical device to be operated can be controlled via a second infrared connection by means of the infrared transmitter.
  • an operating table can preferably be used here. This usually has a height-adjustable support column and an operating table top with at least one pivotally mounted table top element. Usually, the operating table can be adjusted by means of a motor drive unit.
  • the control of the drive unit can be done via the second infrared connection between the first infrared transmitter and the operating table, wherein the first infrared transmitter in turn is preferably connected via a bus connection to the radio receiver and optionally with other medical devices to be operated.
  • data for establishing the radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver are transmitted from the first infrared transmitter via the first infrared connection to the operating unit.
  • Such an embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that when commissioning the mobile operating unit, first data can be transmitted between the infrared transmitter and the operating unit, which enable the subsequent establishment of the radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver. For example, synchronization of the radio transmitter of the operating unit with the radio receiver can take place via the first infrared connection. After synchronization can then be established, the radio link between the control unit and the radio receiver.
  • the invention also relates to a device for remote control of at least one device, in particular for carrying out the above-mentioned method, wherein the device has a mobile control unit and the device to be operated is coupled to a radio receiver and a first infrared transmitter and the operating unit is a radio transmitter and an infrared receiver, and wherein control commands from the operating unit via a radio link to the radio receiver can be transmitted and infrared signals from the infrared transmitter via a first infrared connection to the operating unit are transferable.
  • the object mentioned in the present invention is achieved in that the device to be operated is a medical device and is additionally coupled to a central control unit and selectively controlled by the central control unit or the mobile control unit, said the Radio receiver is associated with a voice recognition module and the control unit has a microphone, and wherein control signals in the form of speech signals via the radio link from the mobile control unit to the radio receiver are transferable, if previously transmitted from the first infrared transmitter infrared signals via the first infrared connection to the mobile control unit.
  • such an embodiment of the device allows cost-effective presence control of the operating unit such that it is ensured that the operating unit is located in the same room as the medical device to be operated. It can thus be ensured in a structurally simple manner that control commands of the operating unit are only executed or sent out when there is a line of sight to the device to be operated. Regardless of the existence of such a line of sight, however, the medical device can also be controlled by the central control unit, which is for this purpose coupled to the device to be operated.
  • a particularly simple operation of the at least one medical device can according to the invention take place in that the radio receiver is associated with a voice recognition module and the mobile control unit has a microphone, because this makes it possible to transmit voice signals from the control unit for remote control of the medical device.
  • voice recognition modules are known in the art.
  • the operating unit may be designed, for example, in the manner of a so-called headset.
  • a control command can be transmitted by radio from the operating unit if the operating unit has previously received an infrared signal. In this case, it is favorable if the radio transmitter is blocked during operation of the operating unit until the operating unit has received an infrared signal.
  • the radio transmitter is coupled to the infrared receiver, wherein the radio transmitter is automatically releasable due to the reception of an infrared signal by the infrared receiver for transmitting a control command.
  • an acknowledgment signal is automatically sent out. If an infrared signal of the infrared transmitter is received by the operating unit in such an embodiment of the device according to the invention, then an acknowledgment signal can be transmitted automatically by the operating unit.
  • a control command of the operating unit of the device to be operated executable only after the operation of the reception of an infrared signal has been confirmed.
  • the device has a data processing unit with the aid of which a control command of the operating unit can only be processed if the operating unit has confirmed receipt of an infrared signal of the data processing unit.
  • the infrared signals are transmitted repeatedly, preferably periodically.
  • an infrared control signal can be emitted by the infrared transmitter at intervals of about 5 to 30 seconds, preferably at intervals of 10 seconds.
  • the acknowledgment signal of the operating unit confirming the receipt of an infrared signal can preferably be transmitted by radio.
  • the operating unit comprises an infrared transmitter and the confirmation signal in the form of an infrared signal can be emitted.
  • the operating unit allows a bidirectional first infrared connection between the operating unit and a fixed infrared module with an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver.
  • a plurality of devices to be operated with the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter are coupled and controllable wirelessly by means of the operating unit.
  • the central control unit can be designed as a stationarily arranged control panel to which a monitor is assigned, preferably a liquid crystal monitor.
  • the central control unit may have a touch-sensitive screen (touch-screen).
  • a variety of medical devices can be connected, which can be operated either by the central control unit and by the mobile control unit.
  • the stationary infrared transmitter has a dual function in such an embodiment, by allowing on the one hand a presence control of the control unit, infrared signals are transmitted from the infrared transmitter to the control unit, and on the other hand enables the infrared transmitter in such a configuration, a remote controlled operation at least one medical device, for example an operating table.
  • data can be transmitted from the infrared transmitter via the first infrared connection to the operating unit in order to establish a radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver.
  • Such a construction makes it possible in particular to transmit data for synchronization of the radio transmitter of the operating unit with the stationary radio receiver via the first infrared connection.
  • the transmission of the radio signals in the Bluetooth method such an embodiment of the device according to the invention is advantageous.
  • the operating unit can be connected to the device to be operated via a bidirectional radio link. This allows feedback of, for example, status data of the device to be operated by means of a radio signal to the operating unit.
  • radio connection between the operating unit and the device to be operated is designed as a radio-network connection (wireless LAN).
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a device for the remote control of a medical device 12, which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 10. at the latter may be, for example, an operating table with a height-adjustable support column and a pivotable table top.
  • the medical device 12 to be operated is coupled to a stationary radio module 14 and to a stationary infrared module 16.
  • the coupling takes place in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 via connection lines 15 and 17, but a wireless connection or a connection could also be used by means of light guide.
  • the medical device 12 is connected to a BUS connection between the radio module 14 and the infrared module 16.
  • the radio module 14 includes a fixed radio receiver 18. In addition, it may, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 1, a fixed radio transmitter 19 have.
  • the infrared module 16 has a stationary infrared transmitter 21, in addition, the infrared module 16 include a dashed line in Figure 1 infrared receiver shown.
  • the remote control device 10 shown in Figure 1 also includes a mobile control unit 25 with a mobile radio module 27 and a mobile infrared module 29.
  • the radio module 27 has a mobile radio transmitter 31 and in addition, this is shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, a mobile radio receiver 32 include ,
  • the infrared module 29 of the mobile operating unit 25 has a mobile infrared receiver 34 and can additionally be equipped with a dashed-line mobile infrared transmitter 35 shown in FIG.
  • the operating unit 25 may have, for example, a keyboard known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing.
  • Control commands can be transmitted from the mobile radio transmitter 31 via a radio link 37 to the stationary radio receiver 18, which is connected via the connecting line 15 to the medical device 12 to be operated.
  • infrared signals 39 can be transmitted to the mobile infrared receiver 34 of the control unit 25 by the stationary infrared transmitter 21 via an infrared connection 39.
  • the reception of the infrared signals emitted by the stationary infrared transmitter can confirm the mobile operating unit 25 either via the radio link 37.
  • the combined use of the radio link 37 and the infrared connection 39 thus allows control signals with high data transmission rate from the mobile control unit 25 to be transmitted to the medical device 12 to be transmitted, but it is ensured by the use of the infrared connection 39 that between the operating unit 25 and the medical device 12 to be operated is a line of sight.
  • the operating unit 25 may be configured such that control commands via the radio link 37 can only be transmitted if an infrared signal was previously received.
  • the radio connection 37 is set up with the aid of data transmitted from the fixed infrared transmitter 21 to the mobile infrared receiver 34 of the operating unit 25.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a remote control device 50 according to the invention with a mobile control unit 52 for the wireless control of a plurality of medical devices 54, 56 and 58.
  • the medical device 54 may be, for example, an operating table, while the devices 56 and 58 may be high frequency Surgery device or endoscopic device may be formed.
  • the operating unit 52 also has a radio module 60 with a radio transmitter 61, wherein a radio receiver 62 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 can additionally be provided.
  • the operating unit 52 comprises an infrared module 64 with an infrared receiver 65, wherein in addition a dashed line in Figure 2 shown infrared transmitter 66 can be used.
  • the operating unit 52 is connected via a radio link 68 with a stationary radio module 70 in connection, which comprises a fixed radio receiver 71 and may additionally have a dashed lines shown in Figure 2 radio transmitter 72.
  • the operating unit 52 differs from the operating unit 25 explained above with reference to FIG. 1 in that it additionally has a microphone 74 so that a user can input voice signals which are transmitted via the radio link 68 to the stationary radio module 70.
  • the radio module 70 is in electrical communication with a voice recognition module 76, which in turn is connected to a BUS system 78 is connected to the turn, a stationary central control unit 80, a stationary infrared module 82 and the medical devices to be operated 56 and 58 are connected.
  • the central control unit 80 has a monitor 84 and a keyboard 86 through which a user can input control commands.
  • the state of the devices 54, 56 and 58 connected to the BUS system and the state of the operating unit 53 can be displayed on the monitor 84.
  • the central control unit 80 may also have a touch-sensitive screen (touch-screen), which serves both the status display and the input of control commands.
  • the stationary infrared module 82 has, in accordance with the infra-red module 16 shown above with reference to FIG. 1, a stationary infrared transmitter 88 and may additionally comprise an infrared receiver 89 shown in dashed lines in FIG.
  • an optionally bi-directionally configured infrared connection 91 can be formed between the stationary infrared module 82 and the mobile operating unit 52, via which infrared signals can be transmitted from the stationary infrared emitter 88 to the mobile control unit 52.
  • These infrared signals serve primarily the presence control of the mobile operating unit 52 such that it is ensured that the operating unit is located in the room in which the medical devices to be operated 54, 56 and 58 are arranged.
  • the medical device 54 can be controlled via a further infrared connection 93 using the fixed infrared emitter 88, which in turn via the bus system 78 with both the central control unit 80 and the mobile control unit 82nd connected is.
  • the medical device 54 has an infrared receiver 95.
  • infrared signals emitted by the stationary infrared transmitter 88 periodically at a distance of typically 10 s, which are then received by the mobile operating unit 52, which then sends out preferably by radio an acknowledgment signal whose input is monitored by the central control unit 80.
  • Control commands sent by the mobile operating unit 52 via the radio link 68 are only released by the central control unit 80, which has a data processing unit, when the operating unit 52 confirms receipt of the periodically transmitted infrared signals.
  • control commands from the radio transmitter 61 can only be transmitted if the infrared receiver 65 has received an infrared signal.

Abstract

Method for remote control of at least a medical unit by means of a remote control unit that is equipped with both infrared and radio transmitters and receivers. The unit or units to be controlled are likewise coupled to infrared and radio communications means. Essentially the radio link is used for transmission of commands to the medical unit or units, while the infrared link is used to check the presence of the unit in the same room. If it cannot be detected the radio communications link is disabled. An independent claim is made for a device for the remote control of at least a medical instrument or unit.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Fernsteuerung von mindestens einem Gerät mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes von Patentanspruch 1.The invention relates to a method for remote control of at least one device having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Die Erfindung betrifft außerdem eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes von Patentanspruch 11.The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method with the features of the preamble of patent claim 11.

Medizinische Geräte, beispielsweise Operationstische, endoskopische Geräte, Hochfrequenz-Chirurgiegeräte, aber auch bildgebende Apparate, werden in zunehmendem Umfange mittels mobiler Bedienungseinheiten gesteuert. In vielen Fällen sind die Bedienungseinheiten über ein Kabel mit dem mindestens einen zu bedienenden Gerät verbunden. Es sind auch medizinische Geräte bekannt, die über eine Infrarot- oder Funkverbindung ferngesteuert bedienbar sind.Medical devices, such as operating tables, endoscopic devices, high-frequency surgical devices, but also imaging devices, are increasingly controlled by means of mobile operating units. In many cases, the operating units are connected via a cable to the at least one device to be operated. There are also known medical devices that are remotely controlled via an infrared or wireless connection.

Die Bedienung unter Zuhilfenahme einer Infrarotverbindung hat den Vorteil, daß keine elektromagnetische Störstrahlung erzeugt wird. Außerdem können Infrarotverbindungen auf konstruktiv einfache Weise erzielt werden. Die Übertragung von Signalen mittels einer Infrarotverbindung ermöglicht allerdings nur sehr begrenzte Datenübertragungsraten, und optisch undurchlässige Hindernisse unterbinden eine Datenübertragung.The operation with the aid of an infrared connection has the advantage that no electromagnetic interference is generated. In addition, infrared connections can be achieved in a structurally simple manner. The transmission of signals by means of an infrared connection, however, allows only very limited data transmission rates, and optically opaque obstacles prevent data transmission.

Erfolgt die Fernsteuerung eines zu bedienenden medizinischen Gerätes mittels einer Funkverbindung, so hat dies den Vorteil, daß damit sehr hohe Datenübertragungsraten erzielt werden können. Eine Funkverbindung zwischen der mobilen Bedienungseinheit und dem medizinischen Gerät zeichnet sich außerdem durch eine große Reichweite aus. Nachteilig an einer Funkverbindung ist es jedoch, daß die Verbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem zu bedienenden Gerät in vielen Fällen selbst dann erhalten bleibt, wenn das Gerät aus dem Raum, in dem es zuvor mittels der Bedieneinheit bedient wurde, entfernt wird. Damit besteht die Gefahr, daß mittels der als separate Baueinheit ausgebildeten Bedienungseinheit irrtümlicherweise medizinische Geräte bedient werden, deren Bedienung nicht beabsichtigt war und die von der Bedienungsperson in diesem Moment auch nicht beaufsichtigt werden.If the remote control of a medical device to be operated by means of a radio link, so this has the advantage that thus very high data transfer rates can be achieved. A radio link between the mobile control unit and the medical device is also characterized by a long range. A disadvantage of a radio link, however, is that the connection between the operating unit and the device to be operated remains in many cases even if the device is removed from the room in which it was previously operated by the operating unit. Thus, there is a risk that erroneously operated by means of the operating unit designed as a separate unit medical devices whose operation was not intended and which are not supervised by the operator at this moment.

Aus der DE 43 00 600 A1 ist eine fernbedienbare Sicherungseinrichtung für Kraftfahrzeuge bekannt, wobei Sicherungsmittel des Kraftfahrzeugs mittels einer mobilen Bedienungseinheit gesteuert werden können. Die mobile Bedienungseinheit umfaßt einen Funksender und einen Infrarotempfänger und den Sicherungsmitteln des Kraftfahrzeugs ist ein Funkempfänger und ein erster Infrarotsensor zugeordnet. Vom Funksender der Bedienungseinheit kann ein Funksignal an den Funkempfänger der Sicherungsmittel übertragen werden, die daraufhin einen Infrarotsender zur Aussendung eines Infrarotsignales veranlassen, das von einem Infrarotempfänger der Bedienungseinheit empfangen wird. Letztere sendet daraufhin ein weiteres Funksignal aus, und erst wenn dieses weitere Funksignal vom Funkempfänger der Sicherungsmittel empfangen wird, hat dies zur Folge, daß diese aktivierbar sind.From DE 43 00 600 A1 discloses a remote-controlled safety device for motor vehicles is known, wherein securing means of the motor vehicle can be controlled by means of a mobile control unit. The mobile control unit comprises a radio transmitter and an infrared receiver and the securing means of the motor vehicle is associated with a radio receiver and a first infrared sensor. From the radio transmitter of the operating unit, a radio signal can be transmitted to the radio receiver of the securing means, which then cause an infrared transmitter to emit an infrared signal, which is received by an infrared receiver of the operating unit. The latter then sends out a further radio signal, and only when this further radio signal is received by the radio receiver of the securing means, this has the consequence that they are activated.

Aus der EP 0 514 244 A1 ist eine Funkfernsteuerungseinrichtung für eine bewegliche motorisierte Maschine bekannt. Die Steuerung der beweglichen Maschine erfolgt mittels einer mobilen Bedienungseinheit über eine Funkverbindung. Eine Funkverbindung wird jedoch nur dann bereitgestellt, wenn ein Infrarotempfänger der mobilen Bedienungseinheit ein Infrarotsignal eines Infrarotsenders der beweglichen motorisierten Maschine empfängt. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, daß eine Funkverbindung nur bei Bestehen einer Sichtverbindung zwischen mobiler Bedienungseinheit und beweglicher motorisierter Maschine hergestellt wird.From EP 0 514 244 A1 a radio remote control device for a mobile motorized machine is known. The mobile machine is controlled by a mobile control unit via a radio link. However, a radio link is only provided if an infrared receiver of the mobile control unit an infrared signal of an infrared transmitter the mobile motorized machine receives. This ensures that a radio link is made only when there is a line of sight connection between the mobile control unit and the mobile motorized machine.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Fernbedienung eines Gerätes der eingangs genannten Art derart weiterzubilden, daß die Bedienungseinheit eine sehr bedienungsfreundliche Fernsteuerung ermöglicht, wobei die Fernbedienung mittels der Bedienungseinheit nur möglich ist, wenn eine Sichtverbindung zwischen mobiler Bedienungseinheit und dem zu bedienenden Gerät besteht, daß aber auch ohne Bestehen einer solchen Sichtverbindung das medizinische Gerät bedienbar ist.Object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for remote control of a device of the type mentioned in such a way that the control unit allows a very easy to use remote control, the remote control by means of the control unit is only possible if a line of sight between the mobile control unit and the to be operated device, but that even without the existence of such a visual connection, the medical device is operable.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß das zu bedienende Gerät ein medizinisches Gerät ist und zusätzlich mit einer zentralen Steuereinheit gekoppelt wird und wahlweise mittels der zentralen Steuereinheit oder mittels der mobilen Bedienungseinheit gesteuert wird, wobei zur drahtlosen Steuerung der Bedienungseinheit Steuersignale in Form von Sprachsignalen über eine Funkverbindung von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit an den Funkempfänger übertragen werden, falls zuvor vom ersten Infrarotsender Infrarotsignale über eine Infrarotverbindung an die mobile Bedienungseinheit übertragen wurden.This object is achieved in a method of the type mentioned in the present invention that the device to be operated is a medical device and is additionally coupled to a central control unit and optionally controlled by the central control unit or by means of the mobile control unit, wherein the wireless control of Control unit control signals in the form of speech signals are transmitted via a radio link from the mobile control unit to the radio receiver, if previously transmitted from the first infrared transmitter infrared signals via an infrared link to the mobile control unit.

In die Erfindung fließt der Gedanke mit ein, daß durch Übertragung von Infrarotsignalen auf konstruktiv einfache Weise die Anwesenheit der Bedienungseinheit in dem Raum geprüft werden kann, in dem sich auch das zu bedienende medizinische Gerät befindet. Die Infrarotsignale können hierbei ein Kontrollsignal ausbilden, das von der Bedienungseinheit empfangen wird.In the invention, the idea flows in that the presence of the operating unit in the room can be checked by transmitting infrared signals in a structurally simple manner, in which there is also the medical device to be operated. The infrared signals can in this case form a control signal which is received by the operating unit.

Hierzu umfaßt die Bedienungseinheit einen Infrarotempfänger. Die begrenzten Datenübertragungsraten, die über die erste Infrarotverbindung erzielt werden können, stellen keine Einschränkung der Bedienbarkeit des Gerätes dar, da über die erste Infrarotverbindung vor allem Signale zur Anwesenheitskontrolle übertragen werden. Steuersignale zur Bedienung des medizinischen Gerätes werden über die Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Funkempfänger übertragen, der seinerseits mit dem zu bedienenden medizinischen Gerät gekoppelt ist. Die Funkverbindung kann hierbei sehr stabil ausgebildet werden und ermöglicht die Übertragung von Daten mit hohen Übertragungsraten.For this purpose, the operating unit comprises an infrared receiver. The limited data transmission rates which can be achieved via the first infrared connection, do not limit the operability of the device, since signals are transmitted to the presence control in particular via the first infrared connection. Control signals for operating the medical device are transmitted via the radio link between the operating unit and the radio receiver, which in turn is coupled to the medical device to be operated. The radio link can be made very stable and allows the transmission of data at high transmission rates.

Eine besonders bedienungsfreundliche Fernsteuerung wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch erzielt, daß man von der Bedienungseinheit über die Funkverbindung Sprachsignale an den Funkempfänger überträgt. Dies ermöglicht eine sprachgesteuerte Bedienung des medizinischen Gerätes.A particularly user-friendly remote control is achieved according to the invention by transmitting voice signals to the radio receiver from the operating unit via the radio link. This allows voice-controlled operation of the medical device.

Die Funksignale können beispielsweise im DECT-(Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone-)Verfahren oder im Bluetooth-Verfahren übertragen werden.The radio signals can be transmitted, for example, in the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone) method or in the Bluetooth method.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ermöglicht den Betrieb der Bedienungseinheit mit geringem Stromverbrauch, da der Funksender und der Infrarotempfänger nur einen geringen Stromverbrauch aufweisen. Die Energieversorgung der mobilen Bedienungseinheit kann daher auf einfache Weise mittels Batterien erfolgen.The inventive method allows the operation of the operating unit with low power consumption, since the radio transmitter and the infrared receiver have only a low power consumption. The power supply of the mobile control unit can therefore be done easily by means of batteries.

Erfindungsgemäß werden Steuersignale erst dann per Funk von der Bedienungseinheit an den Funkempfänger übertragen, wenn zuvor die Bedienungseinheit ein Infrarotsignal empfangen hat. Das empfangene Infrarotsignal kann beispielsweise zur Freigabe des Funksenders herangezogen werden, der durch den Empfang des Infrarotsignals in die Lage versetzt wird, Steuersignale per Funk auszusenden, während er vor dem Empfang des Infrarotsignals gesperrt ist. Die Übertragung eines Steuerbefehls setzt also den vorherigen Empfang eines Infrarotsignals voraus, wobei von der Bedienungseinheit ein Infrarotsignal nur dann empfangen werden kann, wenn zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Infrarotsender eine Sichtverbindung besteht.According to the invention, control signals are only then transmitted by radio from the operating unit to the radio receiver when the operating unit has previously received an infrared signal. The received infrared signal can be used, for example, to release the radio transmitter, which enables the reception of the infrared signal to transmit control signals by radio while it is locked before receiving the infrared signal. The transmission of a control command thus requires the previous receipt of an infrared signal, wherein an infrared signal can only be received by the operating unit when there is a line of sight connection between the operating unit and the infrared transmitter.

Selbst wenn eine derartige Sichtverbindung jedoch nicht vorliegt, kann das medizinische Gerät immer noch bedient werden. Hierzu ist es zusätzlich mit einer zentralen Steuereinheit gekoppelt, die eine Steuerung des Geräts unabhängig von der Bedienungseinheit ermöglicht.However, even if such a line of sight is not present, the medical device can still be operated. For this purpose, it is additionally coupled to a central control unit, which enables control of the device independently of the operating unit.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn nach dem Empfang eines Infrarotsignales von der Bedienungseinheit ein Bestätigungssignal ausgesendet wird und Steuerbefehle der Bedienungseinheit zur Bedienung des medizinischen Gerätes erst dann ausgeführt werden, wenn der Empfang von Infrarotsignalen von der Bedienungseinheit bestätigt wurde. Damit ist auf konstruktiv einfache Weise sichergestellt, daß Steuerbefehle nur dann ausgeführt werden, wenn sich die Bedienungseinheit im selben Raum wie der Infrarotsender befindet, da ansonsten keine Sichtverbindung und damit auch keine Infrarotverbindung zwischen dem Infrarotsender und der Bedienungseinheit hergestellt werden kann.It is advantageous if, after receiving an infrared signal from the operating unit, a confirmation signal is sent out and control commands of the operating unit for operating the medical device are executed only when the reception of infrared signals has been confirmed by the operating unit. This ensures in a structurally simple manner that control commands are only executed when the control unit is in the same room as the infrared transmitter, since otherwise no line of sight and thus no infrared connection between the infrared transmitter and the control unit can be made.

Alternativ oder ergänzend kann vorgesehen sein, daß Steuerbefehle der Bedienungseinheit von einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit nur dann verarbeitbar sind, nachdem dieser zuvor der Empfang von Infrarotsignalen durch die Bedienungseinheit bestätigt wurde.Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that control commands from the operating unit can only be processed by a signal processing unit after it has been previously confirmed by the operating unit to receive infrared signals.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, wenn wiederholt Infrarotsignale an die Bedienungseinheit übertragen werden und vorzugsweise auch überwacht wird, ob die Bedienungseinheit den Empfang von Infrarotsignalen bestätigt. Es kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß periodisch Infrarotsignale ausgesendet werden, beispielsweise im Abstand von etwa 5 s bis etwa 30 s, vorzugsweise im Abstand von 10 s. Eine Steuerung des mindestens einen zu bedienenden medizinischen Gerätes mittels der Bedienungseinheit kann dann vorzugsweise nur in dem Falle erfolgen, daß die Bedienungseinheit den Empfang der periodisch ausgesendeten Infrarotsignale bestätigt. Hierbei kann vorgesehen sein, daß die Bestätigung des Empfangs von Infrarotsignalen in periodischen Zeitabständen zu erfolgen hat. Als besonders günstig hat es sich erwiesen, wenn eine Bestätigung des Empfangs von Infrarotsignalen zu erfolgen hat, nachdem eine vorgebbare Anzahl von Infrarotsignalen ausgesendet wurde. Bei einer konstruktiv besonders einfachen Ausgestaltung ist vorgesehen, daß von der Bedienungseinheit jedes ausgesendete Infrarotsignal bestätigt werden muß.It is particularly advantageous if repeated infrared signals are transmitted to the operating unit and preferably also monitored whether the control unit confirms receipt of infrared signals. It can be provided, for example, that periodically infrared signals are emitted, for example at a distance of about 5 s to about 30 s, preferably at intervals of 10 s. A control of the at least one medical device to be operated by means of the operating unit can then preferably take place only in the event that the operating unit confirms the reception of the periodically emitted infrared signals. It can be provided that the confirmation of the reception of infrared signals has to be made at periodic intervals. It has proved to be particularly favorable when an acknowledgment of the reception of infrared signals has to be made after a predeterminable number of infrared signals has been transmitted. In a structurally particularly simple embodiment, it is provided that each transmitted infrared signal must be confirmed by the operating unit.

Das Bestätigungssignal kann von der Bedienungseinheit in Form eines Funksignales ausgesandt werden.The confirmation signal can be sent by the operating unit in the form of a radio signal.

Alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, daß die Bedienungseinheit mit einem zweiten Infrarotsender ausgestattet wird und das Bestätigungssignal in Form eines Infrarotsignales ausgesendet wird. Letzteres kann dann von einem dem zu bedienenden Gerät zugeordneten Infrarotempfänger empfangen werden.Alternatively it can be provided that the operating unit is equipped with a second infrared transmitter and the confirmation signal is transmitted in the form of an infrared signal. The latter can then be received by an infrared receiver assigned to the device to be operated.

Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ist vorgesehen, daß mehrere zu bedienende Geräte mit dem Funkempfänger und dem ersten Infrarotsender gekoppelt und mittels der mobilen Bedienungseinheit drahtlos gesteuert werden. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, daß mittels einer einzigen Bedienungseinheit mehrere medizinische Geräte wahlweise drahtlos steuerbar sind.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that a plurality of devices to be operated with the radio receiver and the first infrared transmitter are coupled and controlled wirelessly by means of the mobile control unit. Such a configuration has the advantage that a plurality of medical devices can be selectively controlled wirelessly by means of a single operating unit.

Vorzugsweise verbindet man den Funkempfänger und den Infrarotsender über eine BUS-Verbindung miteinander, wobei man an die BUS-Verbindung die zentrale Steuereinheit sowie das mindestens eine zu bedienende Gerät anschließt. Die BUS-Verbindung kann beispielsweise in Form elektrischer Leitungen oder auch in Form von Lichtleitern erfolgen. Der Einsatz einer BUS-Verbindung ermöglicht es, eine Vielzahl medizinischer Geräte an den Funkempfänger und den Infrarotsender anzuschließen, mit deren Hilfe die Geräte von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit ferngesteuert bedienbar sind.Preferably, the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter are connected to one another via a bus connection, wherein the central control unit and the at least one device to be operated are connected to the bus connection. The BUS connection can be made for example in the form of electrical lines or in the form of optical fibers. The use of a BUS connection makes it possible to connect a variety of medical devices to the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter, with the help of which the devices can be controlled remotely by the mobile control unit.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, wenn mindestens ein zu bedienendes Gerät über eine zweite Infrarotverbindung mit dem Infrarotsender gekoppelt wird. Bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens weist der erste Infrarotsender eine doppelte Funktion auf. Zum einen dient er der Aussendung eines Kontrollsignales, das von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit empfangen wird und eine Anwesenheitskontrolle der mobilen Bedienungseinheit ermöglicht. Zum anderen kann mittels des Infrarotsenders zumindest ein zu bedienendes medizinisches Gerät über eine zweite Infrarotverbindung gesteuert werden. Als zu bedienendes Gerät kann hierbei vorzugsweise ein Operationstisch zum Einsatz kommen. Dieser weist üblicherweise eine höhenverstellbare Tragsäule sowie eine Operationstischplatte mit mindestens einem schwenkbar gelagertem Tischplattenelement auf. Üblicherweise läßt sich der Operationstisch mittels einer motorischen Antriebseinheit verstellen. Die Ansteuerung der Antriebseinheit kann über die zweite Infrarotverbindung zwischen dem ersten Infrarotsender und dem Operationstisch erfolgen, wobei der erste Infrarotsender seinerseits vorzugsweise über eine BUS-Verbindung mit dem Funkempfänger und gegebenenfalls mit weiteren zu bedienenden medizinischen Geräten verbunden ist.It is particularly advantageous if at least one device to be operated is coupled to the infrared transmitter via a second infrared connection. In such an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first infrared transmitter has a dual function. On the one hand, it serves to transmit a control signal, which is received by the mobile operating unit and enables a presence check of the mobile operating unit. On the other hand, at least one medical device to be operated can be controlled via a second infrared connection by means of the infrared transmitter. As a device to be operated, an operating table can preferably be used here. This usually has a height-adjustable support column and an operating table top with at least one pivotally mounted table top element. Usually, the operating table can be adjusted by means of a motor drive unit. The control of the drive unit can be done via the second infrared connection between the first infrared transmitter and the operating table, wherein the first infrared transmitter in turn is preferably connected via a bus connection to the radio receiver and optionally with other medical devices to be operated.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn von dem ersten Infrarotsender über die erste Infrarotverbindung an die Bedienungseinheit Daten zum Aufbau der Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Funkempfänger übertragen werden. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens hat den Vorteil, daß bei der Inbetriebnahme der mobilen Bedienungseinheit zunächst zwischen dem Infrarotsender und der Bedienungseinheit Daten übertragen werden können, die den anschließenden Aufbau der Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Funkempfänger ermöglichen. So kann beispielsweise über die erste Infrarotverbindung eine Synchronisation des Funksenders der Bedienungseinheit mit dem Funkempfänger erfolgen. Nach erfolgter Synchronisation kann dann die Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Funkempfänger aufgebaut werden.It is particularly advantageous if data for establishing the radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver are transmitted from the first infrared transmitter via the first infrared connection to the operating unit. Such an embodiment of the method according to the invention has the advantage that when commissioning the mobile operating unit, first data can be transmitted between the infrared transmitter and the operating unit, which enable the subsequent establishment of the radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver. For example, synchronization of the radio transmitter of the operating unit with the radio receiver can take place via the first infrared connection. After synchronization can then be established, the radio link between the control unit and the radio receiver.

Wie eingangs erwähnt betrifft die Erfindung außerdem eine Vorrichtung zur Fernsteuerung von mindestens einem Gerät, insbesondere zur Durchführung des voranstehend genannten Verfahrens, wobei die Vorrichtung eine mobile Bedienungseinheit aufweist und das zu bedienende Gerät mit einem Funkempfänger und einem ersten Infrarotsender gekoppelt ist und die Bedienungseinheit einen Funksender sowie einen Infrarotempfänger aufweist, und wobei Steuerbefehle von der Bedienungseinheit über eine Funkverbindung an den Funkempfänger übertragbar sind und Infrarotsignale vom Infrarotsender über eine erste Infrarotverbindung an die Bedienungseinheit übertragbar sind.As mentioned above, the invention also relates to a device for remote control of at least one device, in particular for carrying out the above-mentioned method, wherein the device has a mobile control unit and the device to be operated is coupled to a radio receiver and a first infrared transmitter and the operating unit is a radio transmitter and an infrared receiver, and wherein control commands from the operating unit via a radio link to the radio receiver can be transmitted and infrared signals from the infrared transmitter via a first infrared connection to the operating unit are transferable.

Bei einer derartigen Vorrichtung wird die eingangs genannte Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß das zu bedienende Gerät ein medizinisches Gerät ist und zusätzlich mit einer zentralen Steuereinheit gekoppelt ist und wahlweise mittels der zentralen Steuereinheit oder der mobilen Bedienungseinheit steuerbar ist, wobei dem Funkempfänger ein Spracherkennungsmodul zugeordnet ist und die Bedienungseinheit ein Mikrofon aufweist, und wobei Steuersignale in Form von Sprachsignalen über die Funkverbindung von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit an den Funkempfänger übertragbar sind, falls zuvor vom ersten Infrarotsender Infrarotsignale über die erste Infrarotverbindung an die mobile Bedienungseinheit übertragen wurden.In such a device, the object mentioned in the present invention is achieved in that the device to be operated is a medical device and is additionally coupled to a central control unit and selectively controlled by the central control unit or the mobile control unit, said the Radio receiver is associated with a voice recognition module and the control unit has a microphone, and wherein control signals in the form of speech signals via the radio link from the mobile control unit to the radio receiver are transferable, if previously transmitted from the first infrared transmitter infrared signals via the first infrared connection to the mobile control unit.

Wie bereits erläutert, ermöglicht eine derartige Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung auf kostengünstige Weise eine Anwesenheitskontrolle der Bedienungseinheit dergestalt, daß sichergestellt ist, daß sich die Bedienungseinheit im gleichen Raum befindet wie das zu bedienende medizinische Gerät. Es kann also auf konstruktiv einfache Weise sichergestellt werden, daß Steuerbefehle der Bedienungseinheit nur dann ausgeführt oder ausgesendet werden, wenn eine Sichtverbindung zu dem zu bedienenden Gerät besteht. Unabhängig vom Bestehen einer derartigen Sichtverbindung kann das medizinische Gerät jedoch auch von der zentralen Steuereinheit gesteuert werden, die hierzu mit dem zu bedienenden Gerät gekoppelt ist.As already explained, such an embodiment of the device allows cost-effective presence control of the operating unit such that it is ensured that the operating unit is located in the same room as the medical device to be operated. It can thus be ensured in a structurally simple manner that control commands of the operating unit are only executed or sent out when there is a line of sight to the device to be operated. Regardless of the existence of such a line of sight, however, the medical device can also be controlled by the central control unit, which is for this purpose coupled to the device to be operated.

Eine besonders einfache Bedienung des mindestens einen medizinischen Gerätes kann erfindungsgemäß dadurch erfolgen, daß dem Funkempfänger ein Spracherkennungsmodul zugeordnet ist und die mobile Bedienungseinheit ein Mikrofon aufweist, denn dies ermöglicht es, von der Bedienungseinheit Sprachsignale zur Fernsteuerung des medizinischen Gerätes zu übertragen. Derartige Spracherkennungsmodule sind dem Fachmann bekannt.A particularly simple operation of the at least one medical device can according to the invention take place in that the radio receiver is associated with a voice recognition module and the mobile control unit has a microphone, because this makes it possible to transmit voice signals from the control unit for remote control of the medical device. Such speech recognition modules are known in the art.

Die Bedienungseinheit kann beispielsweise nach Art eines sogenannten Headsets ausgestaltet sein.The operating unit may be designed, for example, in the manner of a so-called headset.

Von der Bedienungseinheit ist ein Steuerbefehl per Funk aussendbar, wenn die Bedienungseinheit zuvor ein Infrarotsignal empfangen hat. Hierbei ist es günstig, wenn der Funksender beim Betrieb der Bedienungseinheit so lange gesperrt ist, bis die Bedienungseinheit ein Infrarotsignal empfangen hat. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß der Funksender mit dem Infrarotempfänger gekoppelt ist, wobei der Funksender aufgrund des Empfanges eines Infrarotsignals durch den Infrarotempfänger selbsttätig zur Übertragung eines Steuerbefehls freigebbar ist.A control command can be transmitted by radio from the operating unit if the operating unit has previously received an infrared signal. In this case, it is favorable if the radio transmitter is blocked during operation of the operating unit until the operating unit has received an infrared signal. For example, it may be provided that the radio transmitter is coupled to the infrared receiver, wherein the radio transmitter is automatically releasable due to the reception of an infrared signal by the infrared receiver for transmitting a control command.

Günstig ist es, wenn nach Empfang eines Infrarotsignales von der Bedienungseinheit selbsttätig ein Bestätigungssignal aussendbar ist. Wird bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung von der Bedienungseinheit ein Infrarotsignal des Infrarotsenders empfangen, so kann von der Bedienungseinheit selbsttätig ein Bestätigungssignal ausgesendet werden.It is favorable if, after receiving an infrared signal from the operating unit, an acknowledgment signal is automatically sent out. If an infrared signal of the infrared transmitter is received by the operating unit in such an embodiment of the device according to the invention, then an acknowledgment signal can be transmitted automatically by the operating unit.

Vorzugsweise ist ein Steuerbefehl der Bedienungseinheit von dem zu bedienenden Gerät erst ausführbar, nachdem von der Bedienungseinheit der Empfang eines Infrarotsignales bestätigt wurde.Preferably, a control command of the operating unit of the device to be operated executable only after the operation of the reception of an infrared signal has been confirmed.

Alternativ oder ergänzend ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Vorrichtung eine Datenverarbeitungseinheit aufweist, mit deren Hilfe ein Steuerbefehl der Bedienungseinheit nur dann verarbeitbar ist, wenn die Bedienungseinheit den Empfang eines Infrarotsignales der Datenverarbeitungseinheit bestätigt hat.Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the device has a data processing unit with the aid of which a control command of the operating unit can only be processed if the operating unit has confirmed receipt of an infrared signal of the data processing unit.

Günstig ist es, wenn die Infrarotsignale wiederholt - vorzugsweise periodisch - aussendbar sind. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß vom Infrarotsender in zeitlichen Abständen von etwa 5 bis 30 s, vorzugsweise in Abständen von 10 s, eine Infrarot-Kontrollsignal aussendbar ist.It is favorable if the infrared signals are transmitted repeatedly, preferably periodically. For example, it may be provided that an infrared control signal can be emitted by the infrared transmitter at intervals of about 5 to 30 seconds, preferably at intervals of 10 seconds.

Das den Empfang eines Infrarotsignales bestätigende Bestätigungssignal der Bedienungseinheit ist vorzugsweise per Funk aussendbar.The acknowledgment signal of the operating unit confirming the receipt of an infrared signal can preferably be transmitted by radio.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß die Bedienungseinheit einen Infrarotsender umfaßt und das Bestätigungssignal in Form eines Infrarotsignales aussendbar ist. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung der Bedienungseinheit ermöglicht eine bidirektionale erste Infrarotverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und einem ortsfesten Infrarotmodul mit einem Infrarotsender und einem Infrarotempfänger.It can also be provided that the operating unit comprises an infrared transmitter and the confirmation signal in the form of an infrared signal can be emitted. Such a configuration of the operating unit allows a bidirectional first infrared connection between the operating unit and a fixed infrared module with an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver.

Bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind mehrere zu bedienende Geräte mit dem Funkempfänger und dem Infrarotsender gekoppelt und mittels der Bedienungseinheit drahtlos steuerbar.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention a plurality of devices to be operated with the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter are coupled and controllable wirelessly by means of the operating unit.

Als besonders günstig hat es sich erwiesen, wenn der Funkempfänger und der Infrarotsender über eine BUS-Verbindung miteinander verbunden sind, wobei an die BUS-Verbindung die zentrale Steuereinheit sowie mindestens ein zu bedienendes medizinisches Gerät angeschlossen sind. Hierbei kann sowohl eine drahtlose als auch eine drahtgebundene BUS-Verbindung zum Einsatz kommen, insbesondere eine BUS-Verbindung mittels elektrischer Leitungen oder mittels Lichtleiter. Die zentrale Steuereinheit kann als ortsfest angeordnetes Bedienungspanel ausgestaltet sein, dem ein Monitor zugeordnet ist, vorzugsweise ein Flüssigkristall-Monitor. Alternativ kann die zentrale Steuereinheit einen berührungsempfindlichen Bildschirm (touch-screen) aufweisen.It has proven to be particularly favorable when the radio receiver and the infrared transmitter are connected to each other via a bus connection, wherein the central control unit and at least one medical device to be operated are connected to the bus connection. In this case, both a wireless and a wired BUS connection can be used, in particular a BUS connection by means of electrical lines or by means of optical fibers. The central control unit can be designed as a stationarily arranged control panel to which a monitor is assigned, preferably a liquid crystal monitor. Alternatively, the central control unit may have a touch-sensitive screen (touch-screen).

An die BUS-Verbindung können eine Vielzahl von medizinischen Geräten angeschlossen werden, die wahlweise von der zentralen Steuereinheit und von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit bedienbar sind.To the BUS connection, a variety of medical devices can be connected, which can be operated either by the central control unit and by the mobile control unit.

Als günstig hat es sich erwiesen, wenn mindestens ein zu bedienendes medizinisches Gerät über eine zweite Infrarotverbindung mit dem Infrarotsender gekoppelt ist. Wie bereits erläutert, weist der ortsfeste Infrarotsender bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung eine doppelte Funktion auf, indem er zum einen eine Anwesenheitskontrolle der Bedienungseinheit ermöglicht, wobei vom Infrarotsender an die Bedienungseinheit Infrarotsignale übertragen werden, und zum anderen ermöglicht der Infrarotsender bei einer derartigen Ausgestaltung eine ferngesteuerte Bedienung von mindestens einem medizinischen Gerät, beispielsweise einem Operationstisch.It has proved to be favorable if at least one medical device to be operated is coupled to the infrared transmitter via a second infrared connection. As already explained, the stationary infrared transmitter has a dual function in such an embodiment, by allowing on the one hand a presence control of the control unit, infrared signals are transmitted from the infrared transmitter to the control unit, and on the other hand enables the infrared transmitter in such a configuration, a remote controlled operation at least one medical device, for example an operating table.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind von dem Infrarotsender über die erste Infrarotverbindung an die Bedienungseinheit Daten übertragbar zum Aufbau einer Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem Funkempfänger. Eine derartige Konstruktion ermöglicht es insbesondere, über die erste Infrarotverbindung Daten zur Synchronisation des Funksenders der Bedieneinheit mit dem ortsfesten Funkempfänger zu übertragen. Insbesondere bei der Übertragung der Funksignale im Bluetooth-Verfahren ist eine derartige Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung von Vorteil.In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, data can be transmitted from the infrared transmitter via the first infrared connection to the operating unit in order to establish a radio connection between the operating unit and the radio receiver. Such a construction makes it possible in particular to transmit data for synchronization of the radio transmitter of the operating unit with the stationary radio receiver via the first infrared connection. In particular, in the transmission of the radio signals in the Bluetooth method such an embodiment of the device according to the invention is advantageous.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es, wenn die Bedienungseinheit über eine bidirektionale Funkverbindung mit dem zu bedienenden Gerät verbindbar ist. Dies ermöglicht eine Rückmeldung beispielsweise von Zustandsdaten des zu bedienenden Gerätes per Funksignal an die Bedienungseinheit.It is particularly advantageous if the operating unit can be connected to the device to be operated via a bidirectional radio link. This allows feedback of, for example, status data of the device to be operated by means of a radio signal to the operating unit.

Besonders günstig ist es, wenn die Funkverbindung zwischen der Bedienungseinheit und dem zu bedienenden Gerät als Funk-Netzwerk-Verbindung (wireless LAN) ausgestaltet ist.It is particularly favorable if the radio connection between the operating unit and the device to be operated is designed as a radio-network connection (wireless LAN).

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Fernbedienung eines medizinischen Gerätes und
Figur 2:
ein Blockschaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Fernsteuerung mehrerer medizinischer Geräte.
The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:
FIG. 1:
a schematic diagram of an inventive device for remote control of a medical device and
FIG. 2:
a block diagram of a device according to the invention for the remote control of several medical devices.

In Figur 1 ist schematisch eine insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 belegte Vorrichtung zur Fernsteuerung eines medizinischen Gerätes 12 dargestellt. Bei letzterem kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Operationstisch mit einer höhenverstellbaren Tragsäule und einer verschwenkbaren Tischplatte handeln.FIG. 1 schematically shows a device for the remote control of a medical device 12, which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 10. at the latter may be, for example, an operating table with a height-adjustable support column and a pivotable table top.

Das zu bedienende medizinische Gerät 12 ist mit einem ortsfesten Funkmodul 14 gekoppelt sowie mit einem ortsfesten Infrarotmodul 16. Die Kopplung erfolgt bei der in Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform über Verbindungsleitungen 15 bzw. 17, es könnte jedoch auch eine drahtlose Verbindung zum Einsatz kommen oder eine Verbindung mittels Lichtleiter. Außerdem kann vorgesehen sein, daß das medizinische Gerät 12 an eine BUS-Verbindung zwischen dem Funkmodul 14 und dem Infrarotmodul 16 angeschlossen ist.The medical device 12 to be operated is coupled to a stationary radio module 14 and to a stationary infrared module 16. The coupling takes place in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 via connection lines 15 and 17, but a wireless connection or a connection could also be used by means of light guide. In addition, it can be provided that the medical device 12 is connected to a BUS connection between the radio module 14 and the infrared module 16.

Das Funkmodul 14 umfaßt einen ortsfesten Funkempfänger 18. Außerdem kann es, dies ist in Figur 1 gestrichelt dargestellt, einen ortsfesten Funksender 19 aufweisen.The radio module 14 includes a fixed radio receiver 18. In addition, it may, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 1, a fixed radio transmitter 19 have.

Das Infrarotmodul 16 weist einen ortsfesten Infrarotsender 21 auf, zusätzlich kann das Infrarotmodul 16 einen in Figur 1 gestrichelt dargestellten Infrarotempfänger umfassen.The infrared module 16 has a stationary infrared transmitter 21, in addition, the infrared module 16 include a dashed line in Figure 1 infrared receiver shown.

Die in Figur 1 dargestellte Fernsteuervorrichtung 10 umfaßt außerdem eine mobile Bedienungseinheit 25 mit einem mobilen Funkmodul 27 und einem mobilen Infrarotmodul 29. Das Funkmodul 27 weist einen mobilen Funksender 31 auf und kann zusätzlich, dies ist in Figur 1 gestrichelt dargestellt, einen mobilen Funkempfänger 32 umfassen.The remote control device 10 shown in Figure 1 also includes a mobile control unit 25 with a mobile radio module 27 and a mobile infrared module 29. The radio module 27 has a mobile radio transmitter 31 and in addition, this is shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, a mobile radio receiver 32 include ,

Das Infrarotmodul 29 der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 25 weist einen mobilen Infrarotempfänger 34 auf und kann zusätzlich mit einem in Figur 1 gestrichelt dargestellten mobilen Infrarotsender 35 ausgestattet sein.The infrared module 29 of the mobile operating unit 25 has a mobile infrared receiver 34 and can additionally be equipped with a dashed-line mobile infrared transmitter 35 shown in FIG.

Zur Eingabe von Steuerbefehlen kann die Bedienungseinheit 25 beispielsweise eine an sich bekannte und deshalb in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Tastatur aufweisen. Steuerbefehle können vom mobilen Funksender 31 über eine Funkverbindung 37 an den ortsfesten Funkempfänger 18 übertragen werden, der über die Verbindungsleitung 15 mit dem zu bedienenden medizinischen Gerät 12 verbunden ist.For inputting control commands, the operating unit 25 may have, for example, a keyboard known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing. Control commands can be transmitted from the mobile radio transmitter 31 via a radio link 37 to the stationary radio receiver 18, which is connected via the connecting line 15 to the medical device 12 to be operated.

Um sicherzustellen, daß sich die mobile Bedienungseinheit 25 im gleichen Raum befindet wie das zu bedienende medizinische Gerät 12, können vom ortsfesten Infrarotsender 21 über eine Infrarotverbindung 39 Infrarotsignale an den mobilen Infrarotempfänger 34 der Bedienungseinheit 25 übertragen werden.To ensure that the mobile control unit 25 is located in the same room as the medical device 12 to be operated, infrared signals 39 can be transmitted to the mobile infrared receiver 34 of the control unit 25 by the stationary infrared transmitter 21 via an infrared connection 39.

Der Empfang der vom ortsfesten Infrarotsender ausgesendeten Infrarotsignale kann die mobile Bedienungseinheit 25 entweder über die Funkverbindung 37 bestätigen. Alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, daß der Empfang der Infrarotsignale durch Aussenden eines infraroten Bestätigungssignales mittels des mobilen Infrarotsenders 35 erfolgt.The reception of the infrared signals emitted by the stationary infrared transmitter can confirm the mobile operating unit 25 either via the radio link 37. Alternatively, it may be provided that the reception of the infrared signals by emitting an infrared confirmation signal by means of the mobile infrared transmitter 35 takes place.

Der kombinierte Einsatz der Funkverbindung 37 und der Infrarotverbindung 39 ermöglicht es also, daß Steuersignale mit hoher Datenübertragungsrate von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 25 an das zu bedienende medizinische Gerät 12 übertragen werden können, wobei jedoch durch den Einsatz der Infrarotverbindung 39 sichergestellt ist, daß zwischen der Bedienungseinheit 25 und dem zu bedienenden medizinischen Gerät 12 eine Sichtverbindung besteht. Die Bedienungseinheit 25 kann derart ausgestaltet sein, daß Steuerbefehle über die Funkverbindung 37 nur dann übertragen werden können, wenn zuvor ein Infrarotsignal empfangen wurde. Insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, daß der Aufbau der Funkverbindung 37 mit Hilfe von Daten erfolgt, die vom ortsfesten Infrarotsender 21 an den mobilen Infrarotempfänger 34 der Bedienungseinheit 25 übertragen wurden.The combined use of the radio link 37 and the infrared connection 39 thus allows control signals with high data transmission rate from the mobile control unit 25 to be transmitted to the medical device 12 to be transmitted, but it is ensured by the use of the infrared connection 39 that between the operating unit 25 and the medical device 12 to be operated is a line of sight. The operating unit 25 may be configured such that control commands via the radio link 37 can only be transmitted if an infrared signal was previously received. In particular, it can be provided that the radio connection 37 is set up with the aid of data transmitted from the fixed infrared transmitter 21 to the mobile infrared receiver 34 of the operating unit 25.

In Figur 2 ist schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße Fernsteuervorrichtung 50 dargestellt mit einer mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 zur drahtlosen Steuerung mehrerer medizinischer Geräte 54, 56 und 58. Beim medizinischen Gerät 54 kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Operationstisch handeln, während die Geräte 56 und 58 zum Beispiel als Hochfrequenz-Chirurgiegerät bzw. endoskopisches Gerät ausgebildet sein können.FIG. 2 schematically shows a remote control device 50 according to the invention with a mobile control unit 52 for the wireless control of a plurality of medical devices 54, 56 and 58. The medical device 54 may be, for example, an operating table, while the devices 56 and 58 may be high frequency Surgery device or endoscopic device may be formed.

Entsprechend der voranstehend erläuterten Bedienungseinheit 25 weist auch die Bedienungseinheit 52 ein Funkmodul 60 mit einem Funksender 61 auf, wobei ergänzend ein in Figur 2 gestrichelt dargestellter Funkempfänger 62 vorgesehen sein kann. Außerdem umfaßt die Bedienungseinheit 52 ein Infrarotmodul 64 mit einem Infrarotempfänger 65, wobei ergänzend ein in Figur 2 gestrichelt dargestellter Infrarotsender 66 zum Einsatz kommen kann.Corresponding to the above-described operating unit 25, the operating unit 52 also has a radio module 60 with a radio transmitter 61, wherein a radio receiver 62 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 can additionally be provided. In addition, the operating unit 52 comprises an infrared module 64 with an infrared receiver 65, wherein in addition a dashed line in Figure 2 shown infrared transmitter 66 can be used.

Die Bedienungseinheit 52 steht über eine Funkverbindung 68 mit einem ortsfesten Funkmodul 70 in Verbindung, das einen ortsfesten Funkempfänger 71 umfaßt und zusätzlich einen in Figur 2 gestrichelt dargestellten Funksender 72 aufweisen kann.The operating unit 52 is connected via a radio link 68 with a stationary radio module 70 in connection, which comprises a fixed radio receiver 71 and may additionally have a dashed lines shown in Figure 2 radio transmitter 72.

Die Bedienungseinheit 52 unterscheidet sich von der voranstehend unter Bezugnahme auf die Figur 1 erläuterte Bedienungseinheit 25 dadurch, daß sie zusätzlich ein Mikrofon 74 aufweist, so daß ein Benutzer Sprachsignale eingeben kann, die über die Funkverbindung 68 an das ortsfeste Funkmodul 70 übertragen werden. Das Funkmodul 70 steht mit einem Spracherkennungsmodul 76 in elektrischer Verbindung, das seinerseits an ein BUS-System 78 angeschlossen ist, an das wiederum eine ortsfeste zentrale Steuereinheit 80, ein ortsfestes Infrarotmodul 82 sowie die zu bedienenden medizinischen Geräte 56 und 58 angeschlossen sind.The operating unit 52 differs from the operating unit 25 explained above with reference to FIG. 1 in that it additionally has a microphone 74 so that a user can input voice signals which are transmitted via the radio link 68 to the stationary radio module 70. The radio module 70 is in electrical communication with a voice recognition module 76, which in turn is connected to a BUS system 78 is connected to the turn, a stationary central control unit 80, a stationary infrared module 82 and the medical devices to be operated 56 and 58 are connected.

Die zentrale Steuereinheit 80 weist einen Monitor 84 auf sowie eine Tastatur 86, über die ein Benutzer Steuerbefehle eingeben kann. Am Monitor 84 kann der Zustand der an das BUS-System angeschlossenen Geräte 54, 56 und 58 sowie der Zustand der Bedienungseinheit 53 angezeigt werden. Statt der Tastatur 86 und des Monitors 84 kann die zentrale Steuereinheit 80 auch einen berührungsempfindlichen Bildschirm (touch-screen) aufweisen, der sowohl der Zustandsanzeige als auch der Eingabe von Steuerbefehlen dient.The central control unit 80 has a monitor 84 and a keyboard 86 through which a user can input control commands. The state of the devices 54, 56 and 58 connected to the BUS system and the state of the operating unit 53 can be displayed on the monitor 84. Instead of the keyboard 86 and the monitor 84, the central control unit 80 may also have a touch-sensitive screen (touch-screen), which serves both the status display and the input of control commands.

Das ortsfeste Infrarotmodul 82 weist entsprechend dem voranstehend unter Bezugnahme auf die Figur 1 dargestellten Infrarotmodul 16 einen ortsfesten Infrarotsender 88 auf und kann zusätzlich einen in Figur 2 gestrichelt dargestellten Infrarotempfänger 89 umfassen. Mittels des ortsfesten Infrarotsenders 88 und gegebenenfalls ergänzend durch den ortsfesten Infrarotempfänger 89 kann zwischen dem ortsfesten Infrarotmodul 82 und der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 eine gegebenenfalls bidirektional ausgestaltete Infrarotverbindung 91 ausgebildet werden, über die Infrarotsignale vom ortsfesten Infrarotsender 88 an die mobile Bedienungseinheit 52 übertragen werden können. Diese Infrarotsignale dienen vorrangig der Anwesenheitskontrolle der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 dergestalt, daß sichergestellt ist, daß sich die Bedienungseinheit in dem Raum befindet, in dem auch die zu bedienenden medizinischen Geräte 54, 56 und 58 angeordnet sind.The stationary infrared module 82 has, in accordance with the infra-red module 16 shown above with reference to FIG. 1, a stationary infrared transmitter 88 and may additionally comprise an infrared receiver 89 shown in dashed lines in FIG. By means of the stationary infrared emitter 88 and possibly additionally by the stationary infrared receiver 89, an optionally bi-directionally configured infrared connection 91 can be formed between the stationary infrared module 82 and the mobile operating unit 52, via which infrared signals can be transmitted from the stationary infrared emitter 88 to the mobile control unit 52. These infrared signals serve primarily the presence control of the mobile operating unit 52 such that it is ensured that the operating unit is located in the room in which the medical devices to be operated 54, 56 and 58 are arranged.

Während die zu bedienenden medizinischen Geräte 56 und 58 unmittelbar an das BUS-System 58 angeschlossen sind und somit wahlweise von der zentralen Steuereinheit 80 oder über das ortsfeste Funkmodul 70 und das Spracherkennungsmodul 76 von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 angesteuert werden können, kann das medizinische Gerät 54 über eine weitere Infrarotverbindung 93 unter Einsatz des ortsfesten Infrarotsenders 88 gesteuert werden, der wiederum über das BUS-System 78 sowohl mit der zentralen Steuereinheit 80 als auch mit der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 82 verbunden ist. Zum Empfang der über die Infrarotverbindung 93 bereitgestellten infraroten Steuersignale weist das medizinische Gerät 54 einen Infrarotempfänger 95 auf.While the medical devices to be operated 56 and 58 are connected directly to the BUS system 58 and thus optionally from the central control unit 80 or via the fixed radio module 70 and the speech recognition module 76 can be controlled by the mobile control unit 52, the medical device 54 can be controlled via a further infrared connection 93 using the fixed infrared emitter 88, which in turn via the bus system 78 with both the central control unit 80 and the mobile control unit 82nd connected is. To receive the infrared control signals provided via the infrared connection 93, the medical device 54 has an infrared receiver 95.

Während des Betriebes der Fernsteuervorrichtung 50 werden vom ortsfesten Infrarotsender 88 periodisch im Abstand von typischerweise 10 s Infrarotsignale ausgesendet, die von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 empfangen werden, die daraufhin vorzugsweise per Funk ein Bestätigungssignal aussendet, dessen Eingang von der zentralen Steuereinheit 80 überwacht wird. Über die Funkverbindung 68 von der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 ausgesandte Steuerbefehle werden von der zentralen Steuereinheit 80, die eine Datenverarbeitungseinheit aufweist, nur dann freigegeben, wenn die Bedienungseinheit 52 den Empfang der periodisch ausgesandten Infrarotsignale bestätigt. Alternativ oder ergänzend kann vorgesehen sein, daß Steuerbefehle von dem Funksender 61 nur dann aussendbar sind, wenn der Infrarotempfänger 65 ein Infrarotsignal empfangen hat. Mittels der erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung ist sichergestellt, daß die Bedienung der Geräte 54, 56 und 58 mittels der mobilen Bedienungseinheit 52 nur dann erfolgen kann, wenn zwischen dem ortsfesten Infrarotmodul 82 und der Bedienungseinheit 52 eine Sichtverbindung besteht und sich demzufolge die Bedienungseinheit 52 im selben Raum wie die Geräte 54, 56 und 58 befindet.During operation of the remote control device 50, infrared signals emitted by the stationary infrared transmitter 88 periodically at a distance of typically 10 s, which are then received by the mobile operating unit 52, which then sends out preferably by radio an acknowledgment signal whose input is monitored by the central control unit 80. Control commands sent by the mobile operating unit 52 via the radio link 68 are only released by the central control unit 80, which has a data processing unit, when the operating unit 52 confirms receipt of the periodically transmitted infrared signals. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that control commands from the radio transmitter 61 can only be transmitted if the infrared receiver 65 has received an infrared signal. By means of the embodiment according to the invention, it is ensured that the operation of the devices 54, 56 and 58 by means of the mobile control unit 52 can only take place if there is a line of sight connection between the stationary infrared module 82 and the operating unit 52 and, consequently, the operating unit 52 in the same room the devices 54, 56 and 58 is located.

Claims (22)

  1. A method for the remote control of at least one appliance by means of a mobile control unit (54), whereby the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) is coupled to a radio receiver (71) and a first infrared transmitter (88) and whereby the mobile control unit (52) is equipped with a radio transmitter (61) and an infrared receiver (65),
    characterised in that the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) is a medical appliance and is additionally coupled with a central control unit (80) and is controlled alternatively by means of the central control unit (80) or by means of the mobile control unit (52), whereby for the cordless control by means of the control unit (52) control signals in the form of voice signals are transmitted via a radio link (68) from the mobile control unit (52) to the radio receiver (71) if previously infrared signals have been transmitted from the first infrared transmitter (88) via a first infrared connection (91) to the mobile control unit (52).
  2. A method according to Claim 1,
    characterised in that after an infrared signal has been received by the control unit (52) a confirmation signal is emitted
    and in that control commands from the mobile control unit (52) for operating the medical appliance (54) are only carried out when the receipt of infrared signals by the control unit (52) has been confirmed.
  3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterised in that infrared signals are repeatedly transmitted to the control unit (52) and monitoring is performed to establish whether the control unit (52) confirms the receipt of infrared signals.
  4. A method according to Claim 2 or 3,
    characterised in that the confirmation signal is emitted as a radio signal.
  5. A method according to Claim 2 or 3,
    characterised in that the control unit (52) is equipped with a second infrared transmitter (66) and the confirmation signal is emitted in the form of an infrared signal.
  6. A method according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterised in that several medical appliances to be operated (54, 56, 58) are coupled to the radio receiver (71) and the first infrared transmitter (88) and are controlled cordlessly by means of the mobile control unit (52).
  7. A method according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterised in that the radio receiver (71) and the first infrared transmitter (88) are connected to each other via a BUS connection (78), with the central control unit (80) and also at least one medical appliance to be operated (54) being connected to the BUS connection (78).
  8. A method according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterised in that at least one appliance to be operated (54) is coupled via a second infrared connection (93) to the first infrared transmitter (88).
  9. A method according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterised in that data are transmitted from the first infrared transmitter (88) via the first infrared connection (91) to the control unit (54) to set up the radio link (68) between the control unit (52) and the radio receiver (71).
  10. A method according to one of the preceding Claims,
    characterised in that the radio signals are transmitted using the DECT or the Bluetooth method.
  11. An apparatus for the remote control of at least one appliance, in particular for performing the method according to one of the preceding Claims, having a mobile control unit (52), wherein the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) is coupled with a radio receiver (71) and a first infrared transmitter (88) and the control unit (52) comprises a radio transmitter (61) and also an infrared receiver (65), and wherein control commands can be transmitted from the control unit (52) via a radio link (68) to the radio receiver (71) and infrared signals can be transmitted from a first infrared transmitter (88) via a first infrared connection (91) to the control unit (52),
    characterised in that the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) is a medical appliance and is additionally coupled with a central control unit (80) and can be alternatively controlled by means of the central control unit (80) or the mobile control unit (52), a voice recognition module (76) being assigned to the radio receiver (71) and the control unit (52) comprising an microphone (74), and it being possible to transmit control signals in the form of voice signals via the radio link (68) from the mobile control unit (52) to the radio receiver (71) if infrared signals have previously been transmitted from the first infrared transmitter (88) via the first infrared connection (91) to the mobile control unit (52).
  12. An apparatus according to Claim 11,
    characterised in that a confirmation signal can automatically be emitted after the receipt of an infrared signal by the control unit (52).
  13. An apparatus according to Claim 12,
    characterised in that a control command of the control unit (52) can only be carried out by the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) after the receipt of an infrared signal has been confirmed by the control unit (52).
  14. An apparatus according to Claim 11, 12 or 13,
    characterised in that the infrared signals can be repeatedly transmitted.
  15. An apparatus according to Claim 12, 13 or 14,
    characterised in that the confirmation signal can be emitted by radio.
  16. An apparatus according to Claim 12, 13 or 14,
    characterised in that the control unit (52) comprises a second infrared transmitter (66) and the confirmation signal can be emitted in the form of an infrared signal.
  17. An apparatus according to one of Claims 11 to 16,
    characterised in that several appliances to be operated (54, 56, 56) are coupled to the radio receiver (71) and the first infrared transmitter (88) and can be cordlessly controlled by means of the control unit (52).
  18. An apparatus according to one of Claims 11 to 17,
    characterised in that the radio receiver (71) and the first infrared receiver (88) are connected to each other by a BUS connection (78), with the central control unit (80) and at least one medical appliance to be operated (56, 58) being connected to the BUS connection (78).
  19. An apparatus according to one of Claims 11 to 18,
    characterised in that at least one appliance to be operated (54) is coupled to the first infrared transmitter (88) via a second infrared connection (93).
  20. An apparatus according to one of Claims 11 to 19,
    characterised in that data can be transmitted from the first infrared transmitter (88) via the first infrared connection (91) to the control unit (52) to set up the radio link (68) between the control unit (52) and the radio receiver (71).
  21. An apparatus according to one of Claims 11 to 20,
    characterised in that the control unit (52) can be connected to the appliance to be operated (54, 56, 58) via a bidirectional radio link (86).
  22. An apparatus according to Claim 21,
    characterised in that the radio link (68) is configured as a radio network link.
EP03011456A 2003-05-20 2003-05-20 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a medical device Expired - Lifetime EP1480180B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT03011456T ATE323928T1 (en) 2003-05-20 2003-05-20 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOTE CONTROL OF A MEDICAL DEVICE
EP03011456A EP1480180B1 (en) 2003-05-20 2003-05-20 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a medical device
DE50303031T DE50303031D1 (en) 2003-05-20 2003-05-20 Method and device for remote control of a medical device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03011456A EP1480180B1 (en) 2003-05-20 2003-05-20 Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a medical device

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EP1480180B1 true EP1480180B1 (en) 2006-04-19

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ATE323928T1 (en) 2006-05-15
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