Devices and methods for audible indicators emanating from selected locations

Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room. An ultrasonic signal generator may be provided that generates two or more ultrasonic signals that combine to produce an audible signal at a desired location. The audio signal may be perceived by individuals in the operating room to emanate from a surface or location within the operating room, or the audio signal may be generated to provide an audible signal to one or more persons within a particular location within the operating room. Multiple audio signals may be generated to emanate from multiple different locations. Likewise, multiple audio signals may be generated to provide different audible signals in different locations in the operating room.

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to systems, devices and related methods of receipt of audible information in an operating room. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to providing audio to one or more selected locations or individuals in an operating room.

In operating room environments different individuals are tasked with different responsibilities. For example, a surgeon and one or more assistants, such as a resident and/or a scrub nurse, may be responsible for performing a surgical procedure on a patient. Similarly, an anesthesiologist may be responsible for maintaining the proper state of anesthetic for the patient and monitoring various vital statistics of the patient. A circulating nurse may provide support to different individuals in the operating room. In each case, the particular individuals may monitor one or more pieces of support equipment and/or surgical equipment, and in many cases the support and/or surgical equipment may provide one or more audible indicators according to the particular state of the equipment or monitoring that the equipment performs. In many situations, multiple different pieces of equipment may provide audible indications, and individuals in the operating room may hear indications from not only the equipment that they are responsible for monitoring, but also other pieces of equipment. In order to facilitate efficient operations in such environments, it may be beneficial to have audio from various pieces of equipment focused at particular individuals.

SUMMARY

Various methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses are described for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room. An ultrasonic signal generator may be provided that provides two or more ultrasonic signals that combine to produce an audible signal at a desired location. The audio signal may be perceived by individuals in the operating room to emanate, for example, from a surface or location within the operating room, or the audio signal may be generated to provide an audible signal to one or more persons within a particular location within the operating room. Multiple audio signals may be generated to emanate from multiple different locations. Likewise, multiple audio signals may be generated to provide different audible signals in different locations in the operating room. Combinations may also be provided in some embodiments, in which an audio signal generator is configured to generate an audio signal that may be perceived to emanate from a first location and to generate another audio signal audible by persons within a particular location within the operating room.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method for providing audio to one or more persons in an operating room is provided. The method generally includes identifying a first location in the operating room associated a first person, configuring an ultrasonic signal generator, at a second location in the operating room, to focus a first audio signal at the first location, and generating, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the first audio signal at the first location, with a sound level of the first audio signal at the first location exceeding a sound level of the first audio signal outside of the first location in the operating room. In some embodiments, the method may further include identifying a third location in the operating room associated a second person, configuring the ultrasonic signal generator to focus a second audio signal at the third location, and generating, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the second audio signal at the third location, with a sound level of the second audio signal at the third location exceeding the sound level of the second audio signal outside of the third location in the operating room.

The first person may be, for example, a surgeon working in the operating room at the first location and the second person may be an anesthesiologist working in the operating room at the second location. The first audio signal may be synchronized with a surgical device being used by the surgeon, such as a ligature device, for example, and the audio signal may provide an indication of when an electrode of the ligature device is activated. The second audio signal may provide information, for example, on a vital statistics monitor, and the second location may correspond with the location of a person, such as an anesthesiologist, that monitors the vital statistics monitor.

In some embodiments, the ultrasonic signal generator may include two or more ultrasonic frequency generators and the generating may include generating ultrasonic waves from each ultrasonic wave generator which mix to create the first audio signal at the first location. In further embodiments, the method may also include receiving a noise signal from a microphone located adjacent to the location, and generating the first audio signal includes adjusting the first audio signal to at least partially cancel the noise signal.

In another aspect, a system for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room is provided. The system generally includes a first ultrasonic signal generator located in an operating room and configured to generate a first ultrasonic signal focused at a first location in the operating room, a second ultrasonic signal generator located in the operating room and configured to generate a second ultrasonic signal focused at the first location in the operating room, the first location being different than the location of the first and second ultrasonic generators, and a controller coupled with the first and second ultrasonic signal generators and configured to control the first and second ultrasonic signal generators to generate the first and second ultrasonic signals focused at the first location. The first and second ultrasonic signals may generate a first audio signal substantially at the first location of the operating room having a sound level that exceeds a sound level of the first audio signal outside of the first location in the operating room. In some embodiments, the controller may be coupled with at least one information source located in the operating room, and the first audio signal may be synchronized with information output from the information source. The first location may be associated with a surgeon working in the operating room and the second location may be associated with an anesthesiologist working in the operating room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, devices and related methods for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room. An ultrasonic signal generator may be provided that provides two or more ultrasonic signals that combine to produce an audible signal at a desired location. The audio signal may be perceived by individuals in the operating room to emanate, for example, from a surface or location within the operating room, or the audio signal may be generated to provide an audible signal to one or more persons within a particular location within the operating room. Multiple audio signals may be generated to emanate from multiple different locations. Likewise, multiple audio signals may be generated to provide different audible signals in different locations in the operating room. Combinations may also be provided in some embodiments, in which an audio signal generator is configured to generate an audio signal that may be perceived to emanate from a first location and to generate another audio signal audible by persons within a particular location within the operating room.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an example of an operating room100is described in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operating room100includes an audio module105that may be used to provide audio that may emanate from one or more particular locations and/or that provide audio that is focused at one or more particular locations. In the example ofFIG. 1, an operating table110is located centrally in the operating room100, with an anesthesiologist monitor115and station located adjacent one end of the operating table110. A nurse's station120is located in the operating room100of this example, in an area somewhat away from the operating table110. As discussed above, a number of different people may be working in such an operating room100during a surgical procedure. For example, a surgeon and a resident may perform a surgical procedure on a patient, with assistance from a scrub nurse, with each of these individuals potentially being within a sterile field associated with a particular area of the patient undergoing the surgical procedure.

In some procedures, the surgeon may utilize surgical equipment that may emit audible sounds to indicate various states of operation or status associated with the equipment. In such cases, the audible indications may only be relevant to the individuals working within the sterile field, and may potentially serve as a distraction to individuals to which the audible indications are not relevant to their responsibilities. For example, an anesthesiologist may be responsible for maintaining the proper state of consciousness and/or anesthesia for the patient, as well as monitoring various vital statistics of the patient. The anesthesiologist may use one or more anesthesia monitors115as part of their responsibilities, which may also provide audible indications associated with the condition being monitored. Similarly as above, these audible indications from anesthesia monitor(s)115may only be relevant to the individual(s) responsible for anesthesia, and may potentially serve as a distraction to other individuals in the operating room100. Other individuals may also be present in operating room100during a surgical procedure, such as, for example, one or more circulating nurses, who may provide support to other individuals in the operating room100. Similarly such other individuals may monitor one or more pieces of equipment that provide audible indications, which may not be desirable for others in the operating room100to hear.

In the example ofFIG. 1, audio module105may provide audio signals to one or more locations or areas within operating room100that are focused such that the audio signals are heard most prominently by the relevant individuals, and heard at a significantly lower sound level, or not heard at all, by individuals to which the audio signals are not relevant. The audio module105, according to some embodiments, generates two or more ultrasonic signals that may mix to create a new audio frequency that may be heard by individuals at a desired location. For example, the audio module105may generate ultrasonic signals125-aand125-bthat may combine to generate an audio signal that may be heard by individuals within the vicinity of the operating table110, but not by individuals outside of the vicinity of the operating table110. In some examples, sound levels of the audio signal at the desired location exceed sound levels of locations adjacent the desired location by at least 60%. Furthermore, in some procedures, a surgeon may be performing a laparoscopic or other minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon may use a monitor to observe the location of the piece of surgical equipment. In such situations, it may be desirable to have an audio signal emanate from the monitor rather than from some other location within operating room100. In such cases, signals125-aand125-bmay be directed such that an audio signal may be reflected from a surface of such a monitor, as will be described in more detail below.

In some examples, the ultrasonic signals125-aand125-bmay be generated by two or more ultrasonic signal generators in an array of ultrasonic signal generators, as will be described in more detail below, to provide an audio signal that is audible by individuals working within the sterile field associated with the patient. For example, multiple audio modules105may be included at different locations in an operating room, and may be used to provide focused audio to two or more different locations. In some examples, multiple audio modules105may also be used to provide audio in areas that may be physically blocked, such as by a boom or light that impedes a line of sight between an audio module105and the area to focus the audio. In such cases, one or more audio modules105that are not blocked may be used to provide such audio.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the audio module105may also generate ultrasonic signals130-aand130-bthat may combine to generate an audio signal that may be heard by individuals within the vicinity of anesthesia monitor(s)115, but not by individuals outside of the vicinity of the anesthesia monitor(s)115. Similarly as above, the ultrasonic signals130-aand130-bmay be generated by two or more ultrasonic signal generators at the audio module105, and/or by multiple audio modules105. The audio signal produced by the mixing of ultrasonic signals130-aand130-bmay be focused such that the audio signal is audible only by the anesthesiologist and/or others in the vicinity of monitor(s)115, or may be directed such that the audio signal may be reflected from a surface of the anesthesia monitor(s)115. Likewise, the audio module105may also generate ultrasonic signals135-aand135-bthat may combine to generate an audio signal that may be heard by individuals within the vicinity of nurses station120, but not by individuals outside of the vicinity of the nurses station120. Again, the ultrasonic signals135-aa and135-bmay be generated by two or more ultrasonic signal generators at the audio module105, with an audio signal produced by the mixing of ultrasonic signals135-aand135-bfocused in the desired location. Such audio signals may be of interest, for example, to a circulating nurse that may provide an indication that some action needs to be taken or that an instrument or piece of equipment used by the surgeon may need to be serviced. For example, a surgeon may be using a battery operated instrument, and an audible indication that the battery charge is becoming depleted may be provided to the circulating nurse who may then provide a replacement battery to the scrub nurse. Of course, the examples provided herein are provided for the purposes of illustration and discussion, and numerous different examples of situations where directive audio may be used will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

As discussed above, the audio generator105ofFIG. 1may provide directed or focused ultrasonic signals that may combine to produce a desired audio signal at a desired location.FIG. 2shows a block diagram of an audio generation system200in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. The audio generation system200is coupled with audio module105-a, and provides signals to the audio module to generate ultrasonic signals to produce one or more audio signals at one or more desired locations. The audio module105-amay be an example of audio module105ofFIG. 1, that is located within an operating room. In the example ofFIG. 2, a controller205is coupled with audio module105-aand controls the audio module105-ato generate the appropriate ultrasonic signals. The controller205may be integrated into audio module105-aor may be connected to audio module105-athrough a wired or wireless connection. Controller205may also be located within an operating room, or may be located outside of the operating room. In the example ofFIG. 2, controller205may include a processor module210, a memory module220, an audio signal module230, a network communications module235coupled with a remote network240, an audio location management module245, and a medical/audio equipment communications module250. Each of these components may be in communication with each other, directly or indirectly, over one or more buses215.

The memory module220may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The memory module220may also store computer-readable, computer-executable software (SW) code225containing instructions that are configured to, when executed, cause the processor module210to perform various functions described herein for providing audio signals to desired locations within an operating room. Alternatively, the software code225may not be directly executable by the processor module210but be configured to cause the computer, e.g., when compiled and executed, to perform functions described herein.

The processor module210may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor module210may process information received through the audio location management module245, the medical/audio equipment communications module250, the audio signal module230, and/or the network communications module235. The processor module210may handle, alone or in connection with audio location management module245, various aspects related to determination of particular audio signals that are to be provided to particular locations within the operating room, as discussed herein.

The medical/audio equipment communications module250may be coupled with one or more pieces of medical equipment255-a,255-b, and/or other audio equipment260. Medical equipment255may include, for example, a surgical instrument and/or monitor that may be used during a surgical procedure. Audio equipment260may include, for example, audio equipment associated with an operating room such as for voice communication with individuals outside of the operating room, or an audio system that may be used to provide music to a surgeon and/or patient. Medical equipment255-a,255-bmay provide an information source to which audio signals generated by system200may be synchronized. As discussed above, audio signals associated with one piece of medical equipment, such as medical equipment255-a, may be provided only to certain individuals within an operating room, or may be provided only to certain locations within the operating room. For example, if the medical equipment255-ais a piece of monitoring equipment used by an anesthesiologist, the audio associated with the medical equipment255-amay be provided to the anesthesiologist through the generation of ultrasonic signals from two or more ultrasonic signal generators within audio module105-athat combine to provide an audio signal at a first location in the operating room associated with the anesthesiologist. The audio signal may be generated such that it may be heard by individuals located at or adjacent to the first location, or such that it appears to emanate from a surface located at the first location, such as a monitor screen at the first location. Similarly, medical equipment255-bmay include, for example, a surgical instrument with the audio system200providing an audio signal to a second location in the operating room associated with a surgeon that is operating the surgical instrument.

According to the architecture ofFIG. 2, the controller205may include an audio location management module245. The audio location management module245may manage the generation of ultrasonic signals from ultrasonic signal generators in audio module105-ato produce desired audio signals at one or more particular locations within the operating room. The audio location management module245may be programmed, for example, to provide signals associated with a particular piece of equipment to a predefined location in an operating room. For example, if medical equipment255-ais an anesthesia monitor, audio location management module245may be programmed with a particular location within the operating room that is associated with an anesthesiologist, and thus provide associated audio signals to the programmed location.

In some embodiments, the audio location management module245may determine the type of equipment coupled with medical/audio equipment communications module250. Particular types of equipment may be associated with particular locations in the operating room, and thus the audio location management module245may provide associated audio signals to locations in the operating room in accordance with the determined type of equipment. In still further embodiments, the audio location management module245may be coupled with a monitoring system to monitor a particular location within an operating room for one or more individuals that are to receive audio signals associated with a piece of medical equipment255or audio equipment260. Thus, appropriate audio signals may be provided to the monitored individual as they move around the operating room. Similarly, audio location management module245may monitor the location of a particular item, such as a surgical monitor screen, from which audio associated with a piece of equipment is to emanate. In such a manner, audio may emanate from the desired monitor screen even if the monitor screen is moved within the operating room. The audio location management module245may monitor the location of persons or equipment in an operating room through one or more techniques, such as through a visual or radio tag worn by one or more individuals or placed on a piece of equipment that may be monitored to determine the location within the operating room of the individual or item. The audio signal(s) for the individual or item may thus be directed to the proper location to be heard by the proper personnel. Combinations may also be provided in some embodiments, in which an audio module105-ais configured to generate an audio signal that may be perceived to emanate from a first location and to generate another audio signal audible by persons within a particular location within the operating room.

The audio location management module245may be in communication with some or all of the other components of the controller205via the bus or buses215. Alternatively, functionality of the audio location management module245may be implemented as a component of the audio signal module230, as a component of the medical/audio equipment communications module, as a computer program product, and/or as one or more elements of the processor module210. The components of the controller205may be configured to implement aspects discussed above with respect toFIG. 1, and those aspects may not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the components of the controller205may be configured to implement aspects discussed below with respect toFIGS. 3-14and those aspects may not be repeated here also for the sake of brevity.

With reference now toFIG. 3, a block diagram illustrates an audio module105-bthat may be used for generation of an audio signal focused at a particular location within an operating room or that that appears to emanate from a particular location within an operating room, in accordance with various embodiments. The audio module105-bmay be an example of one or more aspects of the audio modules105described with reference toFIGS. 1-2, orFIG. 4-5 or 9-11as will be described below. The audio module105-bmay include one or more receiver module(s)305, an ultrasonic signal generation module310, and one or more ultrasonic transmitter module(s)315. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The receiver module305and ultrasonic signal generation module310, or portions thereof, may also be a processor. The audio module105-bthrough the receiver module305, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310, and the ultrasonic transmitter module(s)315, may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals that combine with one or more other ultrasonic signal (transmitted by audio module105-band/or some other audio module) to produce an audio signal at a desired location, similarly as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1-2.

The ultrasonic transmitter module(s)315may include a number of ultrasonic signal generators that transmit ultrasound waves. The ultrasonic signals may mix together and produce directive, low-frequency sound waves, through nonlinear interaction of the aimed ultrasonic signals. An ultrasonic signal generator can be made to project a narrow beam of modulated ultrasound that is powerful enough, at 100 to 110 dBSPL, to substantially change the speed of sound in the air that it passes through. The air within the beam behaves nonlinearly and extracts the modulation signal from the ultrasound, resulting in an audible sound that can be heard only along the path of the beam, or that appears to radiate from a surface that the beam strikes. In such a manner, audio module105-bmay provide a beam of audible sound that may be projected over a relatively long distance to be heard only in a relatively small well-defined location. Such ultrasonic sound generation is known in the art, and not described here in further detail.

With reference now toFIG. 4, an example of an operating room100-ais described in which audio is provided that appears to emanate from particular locations within the operating room100-a. In this example, a surgeon405and a resident410are located on either side of operating table110-a. The surgeon405and/or resident410may utilize one or more surgical monitor(s)415as part of a procedure being performed on a patient460. For example, surgeon405may be performing a laparoscopic procedure and the surgical monitor(s)415may provide a video image associated with a ligature device being employed in the procedure. The surgeon405and/or resident410may observe the surgical monitor(s)415and activate the ligature device to seal a vessel as part of the laparoscopic procedure. In this example, audio module105-cmay generate ultrasonic signals420-aand420-busing two or more ultrasonic generators, with the ultrasonic signals420-aand420-bmixing to generate an audio signal425that appears to emanate from the surgical monitor(s)415.

Continuing with the example of a ligature device used in a laparoscopic procedure, the audio signal425may provide an indication of when an electrode of the ligature device is activated, thus providing an indication to the surgeon405and/or resident410that the ligature device is active and sealing the vessel. In some examples, such a ligature device may automatically deactivate the electrode after a certain time period or when a sensor detects that a certain temperature of the associated tissue has been achieved. At this point, the audio signal425may change to indicate that the ligation of the vessel is complete, and the ligature device may be moved. In some embodiments, the audio module105-cmay provide ultrasonic signals to a location associated with the patient460, and an audio signal may appear to emanate from a location on the patient adjacent to where a surgical instrument may be used. For example, a surgeon may be performing an open procedure and using a ligature device to seal one or more vessels. In such a situation, it may be desirable to provide an audio signal that appears to emanate from a location adjacent to where the ligature device is being operated. In some embodiments, the surgical device in such an open procedure may be affixed with a tag, such as a radio or visual tag, that may be detected by audio module105-cor a controller associated with audio module105-c, that may be used to determine the location in the operating room from which it is to appear that sound is emanating. In other embodiments, a controller associated with the audio module105-c, such as controller205ofFIG. 2, for example, may be programmed with a location from which audio associated with the surgical device is to emanate. In still other embodiments, a target surface may be placed adjacent to the location from which audio associated with the surgical device is to emanate. Such a target surface may include, for example, a visual or radio tag that may be used to provide location information to audio module105-cand/or an associated controller. Such a target surface may also provide a surface that may reflect an audio signal that is generated from two or more ultrasonic beams.

Continuing with the example ofFIG. 4, an anesthesiologist430may be located in operating room100-aat a location adjacent to one or more anesthesia monitor(s)115-a. The anesthesia monitor(s)115-amay be coupled with one or more pieces of medical equipment that the anesthesiologist430uses to monitor the patient460. Audio module105-cmay generate ultrasonic signals435-aand435-bdirected to the anesthesia monitor(s)115-athat combine to generate audio signal440that appears to emanate from anesthesia monitor(s)115-a. In such a manner, the anesthesiologist430may be provided with audio signal(s)440that are synchronized with corresponding monitoring equipment. In some embodiments, the audio signal425from surgical monitor(s)415is provided to a relatively localized area associated with surgical monitors, such that the anesthesiologist430does not hear audio signal425, or hears the audio signal425at a relatively low level. Likewise, anesthesiologist430may hear audio signal440relatively clearly, while surgeon405and resident410hear audio signal440only at a relatively low level, if at all. Thus, different audio signals may be provided to different individuals in the operating room100-a. Likewise, a circulating nurse445may be in operating room100-aand may spend significant amounts of time in proximity to nurse station120-a. Audio module105-cmay provide ultrasonic signals450-aand450-bthat are directed to a target surface at nurse station120-a, which may combine to produce audio signal455that appears to emanate from nurse station455. In the example, ofFIG. 4, a scrub nurse465may be present in the operating room100-a, and work adjacent surgeon405. The scrub nurse465may be outside of an area that may hear audio signals425, and thus the scrub nurse465may not be distracted by such audio. In various embodiments, such a scrub nurse465may receive another separate audio signal that may convey information pertinent to the scrub nurse's duties in the operating room, such as audio that may provide an indication that the surgeon is due to take some type of action, or that a piece of surgical equipment used by the surgeon405is to be replaced or otherwise maintained, for example.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a block diagram500illustrates an audio module105-dthat may be used for generation of an audio signal that that appears to emanate from a particular location within an operating room, in accordance with various embodiments. The audio module105-dmay be an example of one or more aspects of the audio modules105described with reference toFIGS. 1-4. The audio module105-dmay include one or more receiver module(s)305-a, an ultrasonic signal generation module310-a, and ultrasonic signal generator array module505. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The receiver module305-aand ultrasonic signal generation module310-a, or portions thereof, may also be a processor. The audio module105-dthrough the receiver module305-a, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-a, and the ultrasonic signal generator array module505, may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals toward a target surface515. In this example, ultrasonic signal generator array module505generates ultrasonic signals510-aand510-b, that combine to produce audio signal520that appears to emanate from target surface515.

The ultrasonic signal generator array module505may include a number of ultrasonic signal generators that transmit ultrasound waves. A controller may be coupled with the audio module105-d, such as controller205ofFIG. 2, for example, which may control ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-ato provide signals to ultrasonic signal generator array module505to generate ultrasonic signals510-aand510-b. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-amay be programmable to provide ultrasonic signals at desired locations or target surfaces such as, for example, programming of particular locations for the ultrasonic signal transmissions, or determination of one or more locations or target surfaces through a tag associated with the location(s), similarly as discussed above. An individual adjacent to the target surface515, will hear audio signal520which will be perceived as emanating from the target surface515. The target surface515, similarly as discussed above, may include a monitor screen for a surgeon or anesthesiologist, a surface placed at a location proximate an area of a procedure of a patient, or an area associated with a particular person or persons in an operating room, to name but a few examples.

Turning next toFIG. 6, a flow diagram is described for a method600for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method600may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIGS. 1-5, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. At block605, a first location is identified within an operating room from which it is desired to have sound emanate. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist. Such a location may be, for example, a monitor screen that is used by such an individual to monitor some aspect of the patient or procedure. The first location may be identified through programming of an audio module or controller with information related to the first location within the operating room, or through a determination made by an audio module or controller that a particular location is the first location. Such a determination may be made, for example, through the identification of a tag or other identifying feature located at or near the first location and an identification that the particular tag or identifying feature corresponds to a particular audio signal, such as a signal from a particular piece of medical equipment located in the operating room.

At block610, first and second ultrasonic signal generators at one or more locations in the operating room different than the first location are configured to focus first and second ultrasonic signals to the first location, wherein the first and second ultrasonic signals generate an audio signal substantially at the first location of the operating room. When referring to substantially at the first location, reference is made to an audio signal that may be audible to persons located within the first location, and that fades relatively quickly outside of the first location. The area covered by the particular location may be, in some examples, a relatively small area that may be occupied by a single person, or a relatively larger area that may be occupied by several persons. The ultrasonic generators may be part of, for example, an ultrasonic signal generator array that may generate two or more ultrasonic signals that combine at or near the first location to provide an audio signal with the perception that the audio signal emanated from the first location.

Turning next toFIG. 7, a flow diagram is described for a method700for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method700may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIGS. 1-5, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. At block705, a first location is identified within an operating room from which it is desired to have sound emanate. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist, and may be, for example, a monitor screen that is used by such an individual to monitor some aspect of the patient or procedure. The first location may be identified, as discussed above, through programming of an audio module or controller with information related to the first location within the operating room, or through a determination made by an audio module or controller that a particular location is the first location.

At block710, first and second ultrasonic signal generators at one or more locations in the operating room different than the first location are configured to focus first and second ultrasonic signals to the first location, wherein the first and second ultrasonic signals generate an audio signal substantially at the first location of the operating room. The ultrasonic generators may be part of, for example, an ultrasonic signal generator array that may generate two or more ultrasonic signals that combine at or near the first location to provide an audio signal with the perception that the audio signal emanated from the first location. At block715, the audio signal is synchronized with at least one information source located in the operating room. Such an information source may be, for example, monitoring equipment or a surgical instrument, and the audio signal may be synchronized with the status of the piece of equipment or instrument.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes exemplary embodiments and does not represent the only embodiments that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described embodiments.

Turning next toFIG. 8, a flow diagram is described for a method800for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method800may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIGS. 1-5, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. At block805, a first location is identified within an operating room from which it is desired to have sound emanate. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist, and may be, for example, a monitor screen that is used by such an individual to monitor some aspect of the patient or procedure. In some embodiments, the first location may be an area on a patient that is adjacent or in proximity to a procedure that is to be performed on the patient. The first location may be identified, as discussed above, through programming of an audio module or controller with information related to the first location within the operating room, or through a determination made by an audio module or controller that a particular location is the first location.

At block810, a surface is placed at the first location that is configured to reflect the audio signal toward one or more persons in the operating room. The surface may be, for example, a surface on a monitor screen that is viewed by the one or more persons, or may be a surface that may be placed on or near a patient, adjacent to an area where a procedure is to be performed on the patient. The surface may be a planar surface, or may be contoured to provide additional focusing of a resulting audio signal to a particular person or persons. At block815, first and second ultrasonic signal generators are configured to focus first and second ultrasonic signals to the surface. The ultrasonic signals may mix to generate an audio signal that appears to emanate from the surface. The ultrasonic generators may be part of, for example, an ultrasonic signal generator array that may generate two or more ultrasonic signals that combine at or near the surface.

With reference now toFIG. 9, an example of an operating room100-bis described in which audio is provided to particular locations within the operating room100-b. In this example, a surgeon405-aand a resident410-aare located on either side of operating table110-b. The surgeon405-aand/or resident410-amay utilize one or more surgical monitor(s)415-aas part of a procedure being performed on a patient460-a. Similarly, as described with respect toFIG. 4, surgeon405-amay be performing a laparoscopic procedure and the surgical monitor(s)415-amay provide a video image associated with a ligature device being employed in the procedure. The surgeon405-aand/or resident410-amay observe the surgical monitor(s)415-aand activate the ligature device to seal a vessel as part of the laparoscopic procedure. In this example, audio module105-emay generate ultrasonic signals900using two or more ultrasonic generators, with the ultrasonic signals900mixing to generate separate audio signals for Location A905, Location B910, and Location C915. In some embodiments, the audio signal for Location A905has a sound level that is high enough within Location A905to be heard by individuals within Location A905, namely surgeon405-a, resident410-a, and scrub nurse465-a, and has a lower sound level outside of Location A905. Likewise, audio signals for Locations B and C910,915have a higher sound level within Locations B910and C915, respectively, than outside of Locations B910and C915.

In the example ofFIG. 9, an exemplary ligature device used in a laparoscopic procedure may be in communication with audio module105-ethrough a wired or wireless connection, optionally through a separate controller such as controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. An audio signal provided to Location A905in such an example may provide an indication of when an electrode of the ligature device is activated, thus providing an indication to the surgeon405and/or resident410that the ligature device is active and sealing the vessel. In some examples, such a ligature device may automatically deactivate the electrode after a certain time period or when a sensor detects that a certain temperature of the associated tissue has been achieved. At this point, the audio signal provided to Location A905may change to indicate that the ligation of the vessel is complete, and the ligature device may be moved. In some embodiments, a controller associated with the audio module105-e, such as controller205ofFIG. 2, for example, may be programmed with a Locations A-C905-915, along with one or more information sources associated with each of the Locations905-915, such as a piece of medical equipment or surgical device, such that audio signals associated with the information sources may be provided to the respective Locations905-915.

In other embodiments, audio module105-e, or an associated controller, may be programmed to provide audio to a location associated with a particular person in the operating room100-b. Continuing with the above example, an anesthesiologist430-amay be located in operating room100-aat a location adjacent to one or more anesthesia monitors)115-b. The anesthesia monitor(s)115-bmay be coupled with one or more pieces of medical equipment that the anesthesiologist430-auses to monitor the patient460-a. Audio module105-emay generate ultrasonic signals900to provide an audio signal to the location within the operating room100-bassociated with anesthesiologist430-a. In some embodiments, audio module105-emay monitor the location of anesthesiologist430-a, such as through an optical or radio frequency sensor that may monitor the movement of anesthesiologist430-a. In such embodiments, the anesthesiologist430-a(or other individual) may wear some type of optical or RF tag that may be used to determine the location within the operating room100-bof anesthesiologist430-a. Ultrasonic signals900may then be generated to provide an audio signal to the location corresponding to the anesthesiologist430-a. In such a manner, the anesthesiologist430-amay be provided with audio signal(s) that are synchronized with corresponding monitoring equipment.

In another example, a scrub nurse465-amay be present in the operating room100-b, and work adjacent surgeon405-a. The scrub nurse465-amay desire to hear an audio signal associated with Location A905. Furthermore, scrub nurse465-amay desire to receive another separate audio signal that may convey information pertinent to the scrub nurse's465-aduties in the operating room, such as audio that may provide an indication that the surgeon405-ais due to take some type of action, or that a piece of surgical equipment used by the surgeon405-ais to be replaced or otherwise maintained, for example. In such embodiments, scrub nurse465-amay be identified as a separate location, Location A-1920, that may receive both types of audible information desired by the scrub nurse465-a.

Additionally or alternatively, the audio module105-emay be coupled with a microphone that may receive audio signals from areas in the operating room100-boutside of a location. For example, a circulating nurse445-ain Location C915, may receive audio signals relevant to the duties of the circulating nurse445-a, but Location C may be located adjacent a relatively noisy area in operating room100-b. In such embodiments, a microphone may receive the noise, and audio module105-emay provide ultrasonic signals900to Location C915that cancel the audio received at the microphone, thereby reducing the noise that may be heard by the circulating nurse445-aat Location C915. Furthermore, in some embodiments, feedback from a microphone may be provided to the audio module105-eand/or an associated controller that may be used to focus audio at particular locations. For example, such a microphone located in Location C may be used to determine that the ultrasonic signals from audio module105-eare properly focused and may also be used to provide corrections real-time along with, or alternatively to, noise cancellation. Additionally or alternatively, microphones may be used to determine a location of an individual that is to receive an audio signal. For example, anesthesiologist430-amay be fitted with a microphone and a signal from a transducer of audio module105-emay be generated which is then measured (e.g., time of arrival and intensity) to provide feedback related to the location of anesthesiologist430-arelative to the audio module105-e. Likewise, other individuals may have microphones, and/or microphones may be provided at Locations A-C905-920. In some embodiments, one or more transducers in audio module105-emay be configured as microphones, and audio may be provided to a location from which sound is to emanate, such as a desk at nurse station120-b. The transducers in the audio module105-emay be used to measure the phase and intensity from that location and tune the audio.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a block diagram1000illustrates an audio module105-fthat may be used for generation of audio signals to particular locations within an operating room, in accordance with various embodiments. The audio module105-fmay be an example of one or more aspects of the audio modules105described with reference toFIG. 1-3 or 9. The audio module105-fmay include one or more receiver module(s)305-b, an ultrasonic signal generation module310-b, and an audio transmission module1005that may include an acoustic signal generator array1015. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The receiver module305-band ultrasonic signal generation module310-b, or portions thereof, may also be a processor. The audio module105-fthrough the receiver module305-b, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-b, and the audio transmission module1005, may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals1020-1030to different locations905-a-915-a. In this example, acoustic signal generator array1015generates ultrasonic signals1020-aand1020-b, that combine to produce an audio signal that may be heard at Location A905-a. Similarly, acoustic signal generator array1015generates ultrasonic signals1025-aand1025-b, that combine to produce an audio signal that may be heard at Location B910-a. Finally, in this example, acoustic signal generator array1015generates ultrasonic signals1025-aand1025-b, that combine to produce an audio signal that may be heard at Location C915-a.

The acoustic signal generator array1015may include a number of ultrasonic signal generators that transmit ultrasound waves. A controller may be coupled with the audio module1054, such as controller205ofFIG. 2, for example, which may control ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-bto provide signals to audio transmission module1005and acoustic signal generator array1015to generate ultrasonic signals1020,1025, and1030. In other embodiments, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-bmay be programmable to provide ultrasonic signals at desired locations such as, for example, through programming of particular locations for the ultrasonic signal transmissions, or determination of one or more locations through a tag associated with the location(s) and/or person(s) associated with the location(s), similarly as discussed above.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a block diagram1100illustrates another audio module105-gthat may be used for generation of audio signals to particular locations within an operating room, in accordance with various embodiments. The audio module105-gmay be an example of one or more aspects of the audio modules105described with reference toFIG. 1-3 or 9-10. The audio module105-gmay include one or more receiver module(s)305-c, an ultrasonic signal generation module310-c, and an audio reception/transmission module1105that may include an acoustic signal generator array1015-aand a microphone module1110. Each of these components may be in communication with each other. The receiver module305-cand ultrasonic signal generation module310-c, or portions thereof, may also be a processor. The audio module105-gthrough the receiver module305-c, the ultrasonic signal generation module(s)310-c, and the audio reception/transmission module1005, may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals1115-aand1115-bto Location B910-b. In this example, microphone module1110may be configured to receive audio1120from Location A905-b. Ultrasonic signal generation module310-c, or an associated controller such as controller205ofFIG. 2, may receive the signal from microphone module1110and adjust ultrasonic signals1115-aand1115-bto cancel the audio1120received at microphone module1110. In such a manner, noise from location A905-bmay be canceled such that individuals in Location B910-bhear a reduced level of noise, or unwanted sound, from Location A905-b. Microphone module1110may include, for example, a microphone that receives audio1120from the operating room as a whole. In some embodiments microphone module1110may be coupled with one or more microphones located at different areas of the operating room, or may include an array of microphones, in other embodiments, that may be used to localize one or more sources of unwanted audio.

Turning next toFIG. 12, a flow diagram is described for a method1200for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method1200may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIG. 1-3 or 9-11, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. Initially, at block1205, a first location is identified within an operating room that is associated with a first person. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist, for example. Such a location may be, for example, an area adjacent an operating table or an anesthesiologist station. The first location may be identified through programming of an audio module or controller with information related to the first location within the operating room, or through a determination made by an audio module or controller that a particular location is the first location. Such a determination may be made, for example, through the identification of a tag or other identifying feature located at or near the first location, or on an individual at the location, and an identification that the particular tag or identifying feature corresponds to a particular audio signal, such as a signal from a particular piece of medical equipment located in the operating room.

At block1210, an ultrasonic signal generator, at a second location in the operating room, is configured to focus a first audio signal at the first location. Finally, at block1215, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the first audio signal at the first location is generated, wherein a sound level of the first audio signal at the first location exceeds a sound level of the first audio signal outside of the first location in the operating room. The ultrasonic generators may be part of, for example, an ultrasonic signal generator array that may generate two or more ultrasonic signals that combine at or near the first location to provide an audio signal with the perception that the audio signal emanated from the first location.

Turning next toFIG. 13, a flow diagram is described for a method1300for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method1300may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIG. 1-3 or 9-11, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. At block1305, a first location is identified within an operating room that is associated with a first person. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist for example, which may be determined similarly as discussed above. At block1310, an ultrasonic signal generator, at a second location in the operating room, is configured to focus a first audio signal at the first location. At block1315, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the first audio signal at the first location is generated, wherein a sound level of the first audio signal at the first location exceeds a sound level of the first audio signal outside of the first location in the operating room. The ultrasonic generators may be part of, for example, an ultrasonic signal generator array that may generate two or more ultrasonic signals that combine at or near the first location to provide an audio signal with the perception that the audio signal emanated from the first location.

The method1300continues, at block1320, to identify a third location in the operating room associated a second person. Similarly as with the first location, the third location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist for example, which may be determined similarly as discussed above. The ultrasonic signal generator is configured, at block1325, to focus a second audio signal at the third location. Finally, at block1330, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the second audio signal is generated at the third location, wherein a sound level of the second audio signal at the third location exceeds the sound level of the second audio signal outside of the third location in the operating room. Thus, two separate locations in the operating room may receive different audio signals that are localized to the particular location in the operating room.

Turning next toFIG. 14, a flow diagram is described for another method1400for providing audio to one or more individuals in an operating room in accordance with various embodiments. The method1400may be implemented using, for example, audio modules105ofFIG. 1-3 or 9-11, and/or controller205ofFIG. 2, for example. Initially, at block1405, a first location is identified within an operating room that is associated with a first person. Similarly as discussed above, the first location may be a location associated with a particular individual in an operating room, such as a surgeon and/or an anesthesiologist for example, which may be determined similarly as discussed above. At block1410, an ultrasonic signal generator, at a second location in the operating room, is configured to focus a first audio signal at the first location.

At block1415, a noise signal is received from a microphone located adjacent to the location. Such a noise signal may be received, for example, from a microphone module that may include a microphone that receives audio from the operating room as a whole, one or more microphones located at different areas of the operating room, or an array of microphones that may be used to localize one or more sources of unwanted audio. Finally, at block1420, using the ultrasonic signal generator, the first audio signal is generated at the first location, the first audio signal being adjusted to at least partially cancel the noise signal. Thus, unwanted noise from areas outside of a particular location in an operating room may be reduced or canceled, thereby potentially reducing distractions that may arise to individuals within the first location due to such unwanted noise.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or combinations thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the necessary tasks.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the principles described herein. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the principles described herein. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.