A see-saw commander/follower architecture for optimal control, safety, and extensibility in a medical system

Abstract

A new medical system platform utilizing a see-saw commander/follower architecture will be presented. This architecture provides for a high level of therapy control and safety via a supervisory exchange mechanism (see-saw) at various operational phases. During the performance of various functions, one system element obtains supervisory control and acts as the commander while other modules continue to perform their essential functions and follow the lead of the commander module. During non-safety critical phases, command may be driven primarily by the user interface (computing) module which can facilitate the display of configuration and setup information or provide for the management of case and system files. When medical therapies are required, command shifts to a dedicated safety and therapy control module which then provides overall supervisory control with appropriate focus on the safe and effective delivery of therapies. During this time, the user interface (computing) module provides therapy information and documents the case and system performance. Non-essential functions, e.g. configuration or external communication, are locked out during these phases and are only permitted once therapy is ended and supervisory control is handed back to the user interface module. This exchange and determination of command control will be illustrated. The modular design architecture of this medical system maintains legacy compatibility with various accessories and external systems while providing a pathway for extending capabilities as therapy improvements and clinical practice change over time. Capital medical equipment is expected to provide a long service-life, and the ability to provide meaningful updates as well as manage the obsolescence of components and materials are key design considerations that are satisfied by the architecture. The interface structure and functional allocation to various modules will be illustrated showing how upgrades can be integrated to minimize hardware changes to deployed systems.