Abstract:
A computer workstation has interchangeable user interfaces, thereby to allow a single workstation to carry out a plurality of work functions. When the user interface is changed, the workstation visual display is correspondingly changed to show a format and information associated with the operative user interface. Functions available from the workstation CPU may also be changed.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to computer workstations of the type having a user interface or input device, such as a keyboard, and a visual display such as a CRT or LCD screen. More particularly, the invention relates to such a workstation having an interface that is interchangeable so that multiple, unique or specialized keyboards may be provided to a user. When the keyboard is changed, the format and information on the visual display may be correspondingly changed. The functions available from the central processing unit (CPU) associated with the workstation can also be changed. While not so limited, the present invention finds use in medical applications.  
         [0002]     Working environments are becoming increasingly information intensive. At present, separate workstations are often required for different forms of information. In a medical example, monitoring the physiological functions or recording vital signs of a patient employs one workstation dedicated to that activity while to view imaging of the patient requires a separate, dedicated workstation. Often there is only a limited amount of space for the various workstations in a clinician&#39;s work area making it difficult for the clinician to carry out his/her work. For workstations used in direct patient care, the need for multiple workstations makes it difficult to bring the workstations into proximity to the patient. Some of the workstations may be needed for only a short time, as for example when viewing patient images prior to carrying out a medical procedure, but the workstation will nonetheless be present in the operating environment all of the time. The need for many different workstations also adds to the cost of carrying out work functions.  
         [0003]     It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide a computer workstation having interchangeable user interfaces, thereby to allow a single workstation to carry out a plurality of work functions or applications. When the user interface is changed, the workstation visual display can be automatically correspondingly changed to show a format and information associated with the user interface that is in use. The functions available from the workstation CPU may also be changed. The result is a saving of space and cost since a single workstation can now serve multiple functions.  
         [0004]     The present invention will be understood by reference to the drawings and following detailed description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     In the drawings:  
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates the general construction of an apparatus of the present invention having an interchangeable user interface and an associated display;  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a manner in which the user interface may be changed;  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  shows the apparatus of the present invention with another user interface;  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 through 3 ; and  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view showing a construction for the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0011]      FIGS. 1, 2 , and  3  show an embodiment of computer workstation apparatus  10  incorporating the present invention so as to have an interchangeable user interface. While apparatus  10  is shown as a unitary construction in these figures, it will be appreciated that the components of the apparatus may be separate, if desired. Computer workstation apparatus  10  includes housing  12  containing a central processing unit or CPU (not shown) for the workstation. Housing  12  also contains a visual display  14  coupled to the CPU for displaying information to the user of the computer workstation. Appropriate controls  16  for controlling the work station and/or display, such as an ON-OFF switch for the workstation, etc. may be provided adjacent display  14 .  
         [0012]     In the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a base portion  18  of housing  12  is formed to render the user interface interchangeable. For this purpose, base portion  18  may have a pair of spaced arms  20 . A user interface means  22  is rotatably mounted on arms  20 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows an operative condition of computer workstation  10  in which the computer workstation is used in connection with ultrasonic imaging of a patient. Such imaging data may be provided to the workstation via a network connection, a suitable internal memory storage device, or an external storage medium that is placed in a suitable reader (not shown) in the computer workstation. Computer user interface means  22  includes a keyboard  24   a  having keys  26   a  operable by the user and suitable for initiating, viewing, and manipulating ultrasound images. Display  14  displays ultrasound images  14   a  and the functions available from the CPU of workstation  10  are those suitable for ultrasound imaging.  
         [0014]     It is now desired to put workstation  10  to a different use. In accordance with the present invention and as shown generally in  FIG. 2 , and in detail in  FIG. 4 , user interface means  22  is rotated in spaced arms  20  so that a keyboard  26   b  suitable to the new operating mode of workstation  10  can be placed in the position so as to be operable by a clinician or other user of the workstation. As user interface means  22  is rotated from the position shown in  FIG. 1  to the position shown in  FIG. 3 , the CPU of the workstation is operated to cause the format and information of display  14  to change to a form ( 14   b ) suitable for the new operating mode of the workstation. As exemplarily shown in  FIG. 3 , the new operating mode of workstation  10  may be that of carrying out electronic medical recordkeeping for a patient that employs a keyboard  26   b  having keys suitable for entering alpha-numeric data. Display  14   b  contains such information in textual and/or graphic form.  
         [0015]     Base  18  is positioned sufficiently above a supporting work surface to allow the rotating action of user interface means  22  to be carried out.  
         [0016]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , user interface means  22  may contain a hollow projection  30  on each end rotatably mounted in recesses  32  in arms  20 . Hollow projection  30  contains cable  34  extending from user interface means  22  to the CPU of workstation  10 .  
         [0017]     A suitable sensor  36   a ,  36   b  may be provided in one of the projections  30  and one of the arms  20  to sense the orientation of the user interface means  22  and operate workstation  10  to provide a display  14  corresponding to the operative keyboard  24   a ,  24   b  and provide the appropriate functions for the CPU of the workstation. Sensor  36   a ,  36   b  may be of a magnetic, optical, mechanical, or other appropriate type. Or, the keys of the keyboard  24   a ,  24   b  that is positioned for use by the clinician may be operated to change the display and functions of the CPU.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a construction for user interface means  22 . User interface means  22  has a central frame  40  containing projections  30  for rotating the frame. One keyboard  24   a  is mounted on one side of frame  40  and the other keyboard  24   b  is mounted on the other side. Connectors  42  are provided on frame  40  to mate with corresponding connectors  44  on the keyboards. Connectors  42  are connected to cable  34 . Keyboards  24   a ,  24   b  may be removably affixed to frame  40  so that keyboards of the type needed for the desired modes of operation of workstation  10  may be secured to the frame. This provides increased flexibility to the use and operation of workstation  10 .  
         [0019]     While imaging and patient recordkeeping functions have been described above, other typical medical functions for the workstation includes fluids management, anesthesia control, patient monitoring, and others.  
         [0020]     Also, while a rotating motion has been shown in connection with interchanging the operative keyboard, it will be appreciated that some other type of motion may be used, if desired. For example, arms  20  may be provided with grooves and user interface means  22  slid out, oriented to the desired position and slid back in in order to change the operative keyboard.  
         [0021]     Various other alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention.