Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a remote video conferencing system which is specifically suited for use in a medical environment. The video conferencing system comprises an elongate, primary support structure such as a pole which is outfitted with castors or similar structures to allow for the selective positioning thereof in any prescribed location within an operating room. Attached to an upper region of the pole is at least one remote controlled video camera which preferably includes a laser pointer operatively coupled thereto. During a surgical procedure, the remotely located manufacturer&#39;s representative or other medical professional is able to use the internet to remotely control the video camera, and hence the laser pointer coupled thereto.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/493,838 entitled Mobile Video Conferencing System, filed Jun. 6, 2011. 
    
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to video conferencing technology and, more particularly, to a mobile video conferencing system used in operating rooms to allow medical device companies to provide product support during an operation, medical procedure, or training. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     As is known in the medical field, typically, when a physician uses a medical device in the operating room (i.e., a knee implant, cardiac pacemaker, etc.), a representative from the medical device company which provides such device is present in the operating room as well. In most instances, the manufacturer&#39;s representative observes the procedure, and is available to provide technical input to the physician and staff on an as needed basis. However, as will be recognized, though the presence of the manufacture&#39;s representative in the operating room provides numerous potential benefits, it also carriers a fairly substantial cost. 
     The present invention addresses this particular issue by providing a remote videoconferencing system whereby a medical device company representative or other medical professional at any remote location outside of the operating room can have a “telepresence” inside the operating room. Advantageously, the ability for the physician to receive substantive input or feedback from a medical device manufacturer&#39;s representative without requiring that such representative be physically present in the operating room provides substantial cost savings. These, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will be discussed in more detail below. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a remote video conferencing system which is specifically suited for use in a medical environment, wherein an individual such as a medical device company representative outside of an operating room can establish a “telepresence” inside the operating room. The video conferencing system of the present invention comprises an elongate, primary support structure such as a pole which is outfitted with castors or similar structures to allow for the selective positioning thereof in any prescribed location within an operating room. Attached to an upper region of the pole is at least one remote controlled video camera which preferably includes a laser pointer operatively coupled thereto. 
     During a surgical procedure, the remotely located manufacturer&#39;s representative or other medical professional is able to use the internet to remotely control the video camera, and hence the laser pointer coupled thereto. More particularly, the pan, tilt and/or zoom of the video camera may be selectively manipulated as needed to provide a desired viewing angle, and/or to point the beam generated by the laser pointer to a prescribed location in the operating room or on the patient. The audio portion of the teleconferencing system (e.g., the communication between the medical device manufacturer&#39;s representative and the surgeon) is preferably facilitated by a suitable voice over internet protocol (VOIP), such as Skype. The hardware associated with the internet enabled control of the video camera/laser pointer and voice communication is also preferably interfaced to the primary support structure. 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the mobile video conferencing system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial exploded view of the mobile video conferencing system shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart providing an exemplary operational protocol for the mobile video conferencing system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  depicts a remote video conferencing system  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system  10  comprises a primary support structure  12 . In an exemplary embodiment, the support structure  12  comprises an elongate pole  14 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the pole  14  is not a unitary structure, but rather comprises three (3) separate segments. More particularly, when viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 2 , the pole  14  comprises a top segment  16 , a middle segment  18 , and a bottom segment  20 . The middle segment  18  preferably has a generally cylindrical, tubular configuration, and is slidably advanceable over and attachable to portions of the top and bottom segments  16 ,  20 , each of which also has a generally cylindrical, tubular configuration. Along these lines, it is contemplated that in order to facilitate the operative interface of the middle segment  18  to each of the top and bottom segments  16 ,  20 , the inner diameter of the tubular middle segment  18  will slightly exceed the outer diameter of each of the top and bottom segments  16 ,  20 . 
     As further seen in  FIG. 2 , the support structure  12  further comprises a base assembly  22  which is attached to the bottom end of the pole  14 , and in particular the bottom segment  20  thereof. The base assembly  22  preferably comprises a series of interconnected support struts  24 , each of which has a castor  26  pivotally connected to the distal end thereof. As will be recognized, the base assembly  22  allows the primary support structure  12 , and hence the entire system  10 , to be easily maneuvered to any desired location upon an underlying support surface. 
     The support structure  12  further comprises a top shelf  28  which is attached to the top end of the pole  14 , and in particular the top segment  16  thereof. The top shelf  28  is preferably attached to the top segment  16  so as to extend generally perpendicularly relative thereto, and hence the pole  14 . The length of the top shelf  28  may be varied, with the particular length depicted in  FIG. 2  being exemplary only. 
     The support structure  12  of the system  10  also includes a middle shelf  30  which is attached to the pole  14  at approximately the junction between the middle and bottom segments  18 ,  20  thereof. As seen in  FIG. 1 , within the support structure  12 , the middle shelf  30  is preferably attached to the pole  14  at a location wherein a device such as a laptop or notebook computer positioned thereon is easily accessible by a standing individual of average height. 
     In addition to the structural features described above, the support structure  12  also includes a storage box  32  which is attached to the pole  14 , and in particular the bottom segment  20  thereof. In addition to being secured to the bottom segment  20  of the pole  14 , it is contemplated that the storage box  32  may also be positioned upon and secured to one or more of the support struts  24  of the base assembly  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the storage box  32  preferably has an elongate, generally quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) configuration, with the hollow interior of the storage box  32  being accessible by an outwardly presented door  34  thereof. 
     In the system  10 , it is contemplated that the primary support structure  12  will be constructed so as to have an overall height H (as labeled in  FIG. 2 ) of approximately seventy-eight (78) inches. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such height H may be increased or decreased without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, it is contemplated that the pole  14 , support struts  24  of the base assembly  22 , top and middle shelves  28 ,  30  and storage box  32  will each be fabricated from a suitable metal material, though alternative non-metal materials are also contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the shapes of the middle shelf  30  and storage box  32  as shown in  FIG. 2  are also exemplary only, and may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In addition to the primary support structure  12  described above, the system  10  of the present invention comprises two (2) remote controlled video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  which are attached to the support structure  12 , and in particular to the top shelf  28  extending from the top segment  16  thereof. When viewed from the perspective shown in  FIG. 1 , the video camera  36   a  is secured to the top surface of the top shelf  28 , with the video camera  36   b  being secured to the opposed lower surface thereof. As will be discussed in more detail below, the pan, tilt and/or zoom of each of the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  may be remotely controlled via the internet by an operator (e.g., a medical professional) located remotely from the operating room or other location in which the system  10  is located. Exemplary video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  suitable for use in the system  10  are available from the Axis Communications Corporation as Model No. 214 PTZ. 
     The system  10  further comprises a laser pointer  38  which is operatively coupled to one of the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the laser pointer  38  is attached to the lower video camera  36   b , though such laser pointer  38  may alternatively be coupled to the upper video camera  36   a  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Importantly, the laser pointer  38  is mounted to the video camera  36   b  at a location wherein it is moveable concurrently with the non-stationary portion of the video camera  36   b.  In addition, the positioning of the laser pointer  38  relative to the video camera  36   b  is such that the laser beam generated by the activation of the laser pointer  38  extends in generally parallel relation to the view axis of the circularly figured camera lens of the lower video camera  36   b , as is apparent from  FIG. 1 . 
     In the system  10 , both the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and laser pointer  38  are electrically connected to a medical grade power strip (not shown) which is preferably disposed within the interior of the storage box  32 . An exemplary power strip suitable for use in the system  10  is manufactured by Tripp Lite, Inc., as Model No. PS-615-HG-OEM. Such power strip includes a power cord extending therefrom which may be interfaced to a conventional wall outlet, thus supplying power to both the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and laser pointer  38 . In the system  10 , the electrical connection between the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b,  laser pointer  38  and power strip is facilitated by a suitable modality, such as wiring, which may be advanced through the interiors of the tubular top, middle and bottom segments  16 ,  18 ,  20  of the pole  14 . 
     In addition to the foregoing, the system  10  comprises a computer  40 , such as a laptop or notebook computer, which is positioned upon and secured to the middle shelf  30 . The computer  40  may be powered by an on-board battery, or alternatively may be electrically connected to the aforementioned power strip within the storage box  32  by suitable wiring which extends within the hollow interior of the pole  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the computer  40  used in the system  10  will include external speakers which are also attached to the middle shelf  30 . 
     In addition to the power strip, also mounted within the interior of the storage box  32  is a router (not shown) of the system  10 . An exemplary router suitable for use in the system  10  is manufactured by Cisco Systems, Inc. as Model No. RV082. The router is itself electrically connected to the power strip which is adjacent thereto within the interior of the storage box  32 , and is further operatively interfaced to the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and computer  40 . In this regard, the cabling used to facilitate the interface of the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and computer  40  to the router is also preferably advanced through the interiors of the tubular top, middle and bottom segments  16 ,  18 ,  20  of the pole  14 . 
     As further seen in  FIG. 1 , though they are not attached to the primary support structure  12  as are other components of the system  10 , such system  10  further includes a pair of wireless lapel microphones  42  which are adapted to wirelessly communicate with the computer  40 . Exemplary microphones  42  suitable for use in the system  10  are manufactured by Sennheisser, Inc. as Model No. ew112-pG3. 
     Having thus described the various structural features of the system  10 , the functional features of the same deployed in, for example, an operating room environment will now be described with specific reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     As indicated above, the storage box  32  includes an Internet Protocol (IP) router  44 , which is preferably compatible with Virtual Private Network (VPN) protocols. The video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and the computer  40  are independently connected to the router  44  via separate network connections  46   a ,  46   b , and  46   c , respectively, and are part of a local area network  46 . Thus, each device is assigned a unique local area IP address. At the physical layer, the network connections  46   a ,  46   b , and  46   c  are CAT 5 cables, though in some embodiments wires may be eliminated altogether and instead utilize Wireless LAN technologies. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize the attendant modifications to the client network devices and access points for such implementation. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate an end-to-end connection between a remote computer  48  located outside of the operating room, and the devices in the operating room, including video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and the computer  40 . One possible utility is in a medical device company representative or other personnel establishing a “telepresence” inside the operating room. In this regard, the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  generate video feed data of the events transpiring in the operating room, which is transferred to the router  44  via the network connections  46   a ,  46   b . Bi-directional video conferencing is facilitated by a suitable voice over internet protocol (VOIP) application such as Skype that is being executed on the computer  40 . Video and audio data from the teleconferencing application is likewise transferred to the router  44  via the network connection  46   c.    
     Generally, data from the devices on the local area network  46  is consolidated and directed upstream by the router  44 . In this instance, upstream refers to a single network connection to the operating room. A typical hospital, or any facility for that matter, may have multiple network connections located throughout. The device connected thereto may itself be part of a wider local area network of the facility, with the upstream connection to independent networks outside of the hospital such as the Internet being regulated by a firewall  50 . The firewall  50  is understood to have a static IP address assigned thereto. 
     Access from the remote computer  40  over the Internet to the router  44  and hence the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  and the computer  40 , is granted via a website  52 . Various access control modalities, including user name and password authentication, are enforced by the website  52 . Furthermore, data traffic between the computer  48  and the website  52  may be over TLS/SSL (transport layer security/secure sockets layer). Upon presenting the proper credentials, the operator of the remote computer  40  is granted access to the video stream and teleconferencing data from the router  44  via the based interface on the website  52 . 
     It will be appreciated that the firewall  50  and the router  44  handle incoming traffic from the remote computer  48  in addition to the outgoing traffic to the remote computer  48  as discussed above. For instance, video and audio teleconferencing data generated by the remote computer  48  is transmitted to the hospital firewall  50  and redirected to the router  44  by the same. The router  44  then directs the data to the computer  40 , for viewing by personnel in the operating room. Furthermore, the viewing angle of the video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  can be manipulated remotely, with such control input being provided to the website  52 . The camera control data is likewise transmitted to the hospital firewall  50  and redirected to the router  44 . The video cameras  36   a ,  36   b  respond to the control data by adjusting its positioning accordingly. It is expressly contemplated that the laser pointer  38  may be similarly activated and deactivated from the remote computer  48 . 
     This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. For example, the pole may be configured to be telescoping, thus allowing for the selective adjustment thereof to a shorter profile for greater ease of transport or storage. Along these lines, the top and middle shelves  28 ,  30  (and hence the components mounted thereto) may be selectively detachable from the pole  14  for transport and/or storage purposes.