Patent Description:
Attempts have been made to control the surgical devices through the console using wireless communication between the control device and the console. Typically, such configurations require a manual and complex pairing process to exchange pairing data between the control device and the console. Such manual pairing requires much time and effort to initiate and execute. For example, identifying and selecting the corresponding device for pairing can be a burdensome process, particularly considering that many other wireless devices are present and discoverable in the local area. Human involvement is needed to select the specific device from all the available devices within range. Manual pairing requires manual entry of verification data for one or more of the devices. Once the device with a specific ID is found, the process may request various security specific data from the devices to authenticate before enabling pairing to exchange the data. Moreover, even if identified and selected, the devices may fail to pair because of technical difficulties associated with manual pairing. The typical manual and complex pairing process involved with wireless communication is not user-friendly and discourages healthcare professionals from using wireless communication between the control device and console.

In some instances, wireless devices may be hard-paired, such that one device is preconfigured to wirelessly communicate solely with a specified device, and vice-versa. One problem with such an approach relates to inventory. In large healthcare facilities, for example, surgical system devices are often mixed and matched, as required by demand in the facility. Hard-paired devices must remain together in inventory to provide utility. If one of the devices is separated and mixed with another system, both devices become inoperable.

Therefore, there remains a need in the art to address at least the aforementioned problems related to wireless communication between surgical consoles and control devices.

<CIT> discloses a system for controlling one or more medical devices by a remote console. The remote console communicates wirelessly with a central control unit that connects to one or more of the medical devices. To minimize the possibility that a medical device will be activated by a stray or unauthorized wireless command signal, the central control unit must synchronize with the remote console and establish a secure communication link with it before the central control unit will respond to a wireless command signal transmitted by the remote console.

<CIT> discloses a system and method for controlling a body-scanning device using multiple wireless devices. The method includes communicating a secure wireless signal from a footswitch enclosure to a footswitch receiver coupled to the body-scanning device in response to an actuation of a footswitch zone carried on the footswitch enclosure. Additionally, a wireless signal is communicated from a handswitch enclosure in response to an actuation of a handswitch zone and communicated to a handswitch receiver located in the footswitch enclosure. The wireless signal is then communicated from the footswitch enclosure to the footswitch receiver coupled to the body-scanning device to enable an operator to control the body-scanning device using the handswitch or the footswitch.

<CIT> discloses a mobile ultrasound system. The mobile ultrasound system will pair with a wireless ultra sound probe for exclusive communication between the two for an ultrasound exam when the wireless probe is brought to within a predetermined distance of the mobile ultrasound system. The ultrasound system determines that the wireless probe is within the predetermined distance from the strength of the signal received by the system from the wireless probe. Pairing can proceed automatically when a wireless probe is within the predetermined distance, or after a user actuates a control to initiate the pairing. The ultrasound system may display the identity of a probe within range on the display of the system for selection by the user so that the user will be confident that pairing will be done with the desired wireless probe.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a surgical system and a method for operating a surgical system are provided according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

One example surgical system is provided. The surgical system comprises a surgical console, a control device, and a dongle. The surgical console operates a surgical device and comprises a connection port. The control device communicates with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device. The dongle physically couples to the connection port of the surgical console. The control device comprises a first communication device and a radio frequency (RF) reader and the dongle comprises a second communication device and a passive RF device. The RF reader receives the pairing information from the passive RF device in response to the passive RF device being within a threshold proximity of the RF reader. The first and second communication devices wirelessly connect based on the pairing information, enabling the control device to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device.

One potential implementation of a method of operating a surgical system is provided. The surgical system comprises a surgical console configured to operate a surgical device, the surgical console comprising a connection port. The surgical system also comprises a control device and a dongle. The control device communicates with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device, the control device comprising a first communication device and an RF reader. The dongle comprises a second communication device and a passive RF device. The method of operating the surgical system includes a step of establishing a threshold proximity between the passive RF device of the dongle and RF reader of the control device; a step of receiving, with the RF reader of the control device, pairing information from the passive RF device of the dongle in response to the passive RF device and the RF reader being within the threshold proximity; a step of physically coupling the dongle to the connection port of the surgical console; and a step of establishing a wireless connection between the first and second communication devices based on the pairing information; wherein the wireless connection is configured for remotely and wirelessly controlling the surgical device with the control device using the wireless connection.

An example surgical system is provided. The surgical system comprises a surgical console, a control device, a first dongle, and a second dongle. The surgical console operates a surgical device and comprises a connection port. The control device communicates with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device. The first dongle comprises a first communication device and a passive RF device and the second dongle includes a second communication device and an RF reader. One of the first and second dongles physically couples to the connection port of the surgical console and the other one of the first and second dongles physically couples to the connection port of the control device. The RF reader receives the pairing information from the passive RF device in response to the passive RF device being within a threshold proximity of the RF reader. The first and second communication devices wirelessly connect based on the pairing information, enabling the control device to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device.

One example dongle for a surgical system is provided. The surgical system comprises a surgical console configured to operate a surgical device, the surgical console comprising a connection port. The surgical system also comprises a control device configured to communicate with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device, the control device comprising a communication device and an RF reader. The dongle comprises a coupling interface, a passive RF device and a communication device. The coupling interface physically couples the dongle to the connection port of the surgical console. The passive RF device is configured to transmit pairing information to the RF reader of the control device in response to the passive RF device being within a threshold proximity of the RF reader. The communication device of the dongle is configured to wirelessly connect to the communication device of the control device based on the pairing information to enable wireless communication between the control device and the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device.

One example communication system for a surgical system is provided. The surgical system comprises a surgical console and a control device. The surgical console operates a surgical device and comprises a connection port. The control device communicates with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device and comprises a connection port. The communication system comprises a first dongle and a second dongle. The first dongle comprises a first coupling interface configured to physically couple to the connection port of one of the surgical console and the control device, an RF reader, and a first communication device. The second dongle comprises a second coupling interface, a passive RF device, and a second communication device. The second coupling interface is configured to physically couple to the connection port of the other one of the surgical console and the control device, which is not physically coupled to the first coupling interface. The passive RF device transmits pairing information to the RF reader of the first dongle in response to the passive RF device and the RF reader being within a threshold proximity to one another. The second communication device wirelessly connects to the first communication device of the first dongle based on the pairing information to thereby enable the control device to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console to remotely control the surgical device.

Advantages of the surgical systems, methods, dongles, and communication systems will be readily appreciated from the specification.

Referring now to the drawings, example illustrations are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent examples, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated or schematic in form to better illustrate and explain a particular aspect of an illustrative example. Any one or more of these aspects can be used alone or in combination with one another. Further, the example illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Example illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:.

Referring to <FIG>, one example surgical system <NUM> is shown. As shown, the surgical system <NUM> includes a surgical console <NUM>, which is configured to operate a surgical device <NUM>. The surgical device <NUM> may be one of many surgical devices, such as those illustrated as surgical devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. Examples of the surgical device <NUM> are explained in detail below.

The surgical system <NUM> also includes a control device <NUM>. Control devices <NUM> may be configured to communicate with the surgical console <NUM> to remotely control surgical devices <NUM>. In one example, the control devices <NUM> include a foot-operable control device <NUM> as shown in <FIG> (the foot-operable control device referred to herein as a "footswitch"). In another example, the control devices <NUM> include a hand-operable control device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> (the hand-operable control device referred to herein as a "handswitch").

Furthermore, the surgical system <NUM> may include a dongle <NUM>, illustrated as dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. Dongles <NUM> may be configured to physically couple to a dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>, illustrated as connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, control devices <NUM> and dongles <NUM> wirelessly connect, allowing the control devices <NUM> to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console <NUM> to remotely control the surgical devices <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, another example surgical system <NUM> is shown. Similar to the surgical system <NUM> in <FIG>, the surgical system <NUM> in <FIG> includes the surgical console <NUM>, which is configured to operate surgical devices <NUM>. However, the example shown in <FIG> includes two types of dongles, i.e., first dongles <NUM> and second dongles <NUM>. The first dongles <NUM> are illustrated as first dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, and the second dongles <NUM> are illustrated as second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. The control devices <NUM>' are illustrated as footswitch <NUM>' and handswitch <NUM>'.

As shown in <FIG>, the first dongles <NUM> may physically couple to dongle connection ports <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>. The second dongles <NUM> physically couple to dongle connection ports <NUM> of the control devices <NUM>', illustrated as dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, the first dongles <NUM> and the second dongles <NUM> wirelessly connect, allowing the control devices <NUM>' to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console <NUM> to remotely control the surgical devices <NUM>.

In some instances, the dongles <NUM> and the first dongles <NUM> may be included within the surgical console <NUM>. Such an instance is further described in <CIT>, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Synchronizing a Wireless Remote Control to a Central Control Unit so as to Allow Remote Control of a Medical Device over a Secure Wireless Connection". As such, dongles <NUM> need not be physically coupled to the dongle connection ports <NUM> to connect to control devices <NUM>. Similarly, the first dongles <NUM> need not be physically coupled to the dongle connection ports <NUM> to connect to the second dongles <NUM>.

Herein, components of the surgical systems <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may be referred to generically or specifically. For example, "surgical devices <NUM>" may be interpreted as a generic categorization of the specific surgical devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the term "surgical devices <NUM>" herein refers to any number of surgical devices and any surgical device that may be operated by the surgical console. In contrast, "surgical devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>" refer to the surgical devices shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Similarly, other components of the surgical systems <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may be referred to generically or specifically.

As shown, the example surgical system <NUM> in <FIG> includes one type of dongle, the dongles <NUM>. As such, the example surgical system <NUM> in <FIG> may be referred to herein as a "single-dongle example". In contrast, the example surgical system <NUM> in <FIG> includes two types of dongles, the first dongles <NUM> and the second dongles <NUM>. As such, the example surgical system <NUM> in <FIG> may be referred to herein as a "double-dongle example". It should be noted that the use of the words "single" and "double" refer to a number of dongle types in each example and not necessarily to a total number of dongles in each example.

As utilized herein, the term "dongle" refers to an auxiliary product that can be inserted into, or otherwise physically coupled to, a host (client or parent) device, such as the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>'. In the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> enable the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' to wirelessly connect to the surgical console <NUM> and control the surgical devices <NUM>. In one example, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are pocket-sized external hardware devices that are distinct from the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>'. Hardware and software architecture of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is further described below.

The dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on-premises at a location of the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>'. In other words, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are located at the same location as the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>', rather than being remotely located, e.g., across a network. For example, where the surgical console <NUM> and the control device <NUM>' are located at a surgical site or in an operating room, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are also located at the surgical site or in the operating room. In more specific examples where the control device <NUM>' is located in a sterile field and the surgical console <NUM> is located in a non-sterile field, the dongle <NUM> is located in the sterile field and dongles <NUM>, <NUM> are located in the non-sterile field. As will be understood by the description and examples herein, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on-premises relative to the location of the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>' because, in part, dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>' must be physically coupled to each other using dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some examples, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include a cable. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> include a cable and a dongle coupling interface <NUM>, <NUM> for physically coupling to the control device <NUM>'. The cable may be of any appropriate length and may be provided for convenience of physically coupling the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>'. Where present, the cable preferably has a short length to avoid obstruction in the operating room.

Furthermore, in the single-dongle example, dongles <NUM> are not specific to control devices <NUM>. In other words, any dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to any control device <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the control device <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the dongle <NUM> and the control device <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the dongle <NUM>. However, in another instance of the single-dongle example, the control device <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the dongle <NUM> and the control device <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the dongle <NUM>.

Similarly, in the double-dongle example, the first dongles <NUM> and the second dongles <NUM> are not specific to one another. In other words, any first dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to any second dongle <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the first dongle <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the second dongle <NUM> and the first dongle <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the second dongle <NUM>. However, in another instance of the double-dongle example, the first dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the second dongle <NUM> and the first dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the second dongle <NUM>. Thus, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provide universality and flexibility to establish wireless communication between the control device <NUM> and the surgical console <NUM>.

It should be noted that the surgical console <NUM> may be of any suitable shape and size and may include components not shown in <FIG> and <FIG> or described herein. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may include displays for displaying information from the surgical devices <NUM>. In yet another example, the surgical console <NUM> may include visual indicators to indicate successful connection of the surgical devices <NUM> and/or the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and to indicate which control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' are controlling which surgical devices <NUM>. The surgical console <NUM> may be stationary or mobile. The surgical console <NUM> may be any other device, such as a robotic manipulator, configured to enable control devices <NUM> to control surgical devices <NUM> coupled thereto. The surgical console <NUM> may be one of a variety of surgical consoles <NUM>. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may be configured to provide capabilities for ultrasonic aspiration, suction, irrigation, RF ablation or lesioning, drilling, sawing, cutting, milling, imaging, and the like.

The surgical systems <NUM> may include any suitable number of surgical devices <NUM>, dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' other than the number shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the example surgical systems <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, three examples of the surgical devices <NUM> are provided for illustrative purposes. The illustrated shapes and other structural features of surgical devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> are not intended to describe the surgical devices <NUM> specifically but rather are intended only to convey the general concept that various surgical devices <NUM> may be used.

The surgical devices <NUM> may be operated by the surgical console <NUM> to perform one or more predetermined functions in the treatment or care of a patient. For example, one or more of the surgical devices <NUM> may include a specialty drill, a high-powered tapered drill, a modular handpiece, a high-speed pencil-grip drill, a pneumatic drill, a drill for intraoperative procedures, a drill for oral surgery, a drill for ENT surgery, a sagittal, oscillating or a reciprocating saw, a microdebrider, an ultrasonic aspirator, electrodes, probes, or any hand-held imaging device, such as an endoscope or camera, and the like.

Electrosurgical devices, ultrasound devices, and other surgical devices <NUM> may also be employed. Electrosurgical instruments may be of any suitable type, including those that use diathermy with either unipolar or bipolar current (commonly referred to simply as unipolar devices and bipolar devices), and advanced devices such as harmonic scissors and argon beam and laser devices. As another example, surgical devices <NUM> that are not handheld, such as surgical robots, hospital beds, lighting systems, and cameras, may also be employed.

The various surgical devices <NUM> may be produced by different manufacturers or be different versions or models of a surgical device <NUM>. Regardless of any such differences, the surgical console <NUM> enables the control devices <NUM> to control the surgical devices <NUM>.

Although the surgical devices <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> are physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> via a cable and a connector, the surgical devices <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the surgical console <NUM>. For example, the surgical devices <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to the surgical console <NUM> using dongles similar to the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described herein.

Additionally, while surgical devices <NUM> are emphasized in this disclosure, other types of medical devices may also be used in place thereof. For example, suitable medical devices that could be used in conjunction with the surgical console <NUM> include, but are not limited to, patient therapy devices, patient monitoring devices, temperature management systems, respirators, IV systems, battery management systems, robotic devices, heart rate monitors, or any other medical device that may be used in medical procedures or in the provision of medical services to patients. As such, the term "surgical device" may be interchanged with these medical devices throughout this disclosure.

As described, the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' may be foot-operable control devices. For example, in the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' are illustrated using the footswitch <NUM> and handswitch <NUM>, respectively. The control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' may include various different configurations to enable an operator to remotely control the surgical devices <NUM>. The control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' may include one or more sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors, magnetic sensors, load cells, pressure sensors, image sensors, inclinometers, or other sensors suitable for generating signals in response to a depression of the footswitch or handswitch.

In other examples, the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' include hand-operable control (referred to herein as "handswitches"), voice-actuated control, knee-operated control, gesture-control, augmented/mixed reality control, and other types of control that may be actuated by a user and may be suitable for controlling a surgical device <NUM>. In such examples, the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' may include one or more of the described sensors to generate signals in response to an action of a user of the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>'.

In still other examples, the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' include a mobile computing device. Such mobile computing devices may include cellular phones, smart phones, laptops, tablets, wearable remote devices, or any other mobile computing device that is suitable for controlling a surgical device <NUM>. For example, the control device <NUM>, <NUM>' may be a tablet customized for surgical applications and including a touchscreen. In such an example, a user of the tablet may operate a surgical device <NUM> by touching portions of the touchscreen and selecting commands for the surgical device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the surgical devices <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> via surgical device connection ports <NUM>, illustrated as connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, surgical device <NUM> physically couples to the surgical console <NUM> via the connection port <NUM>. Likewise, surgical devices <NUM>, <NUM> physically couple to the surgical console <NUM> via the connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. In some examples, the surgical console <NUM> includes a different number of surgical device connection ports <NUM>. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may include one, two, four, or any number of surgical device connection ports <NUM>, which may be positioned on any suitable portion of the surgical console <NUM>. Furthermore, in examples where the surgical console <NUM> does not include surgical device connection ports <NUM>, the surgical devices <NUM> may be directly coupled to the surgical console <NUM>, without use of surgical device connection ports <NUM>. For example, a cable may be integrally connected to the surgical console <NUM> and the surgical device <NUM> may connect to a distal connector port of the cable. Alternatively, the surgical console <NUM> may not include surgical device connection ports <NUM> where the surgical devices <NUM> are wirelessly controlled by the surgical console <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> via dongle connection ports <NUM>, and the second dongles <NUM> may be physically coupled to the control device <NUM>' via dongle connection ports <NUM>. More specifically stated, dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, illustrated as dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, may be configured to physically couple to the dongle connection ports <NUM>. Similarly, dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, illustrated as dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, of the first dongles <NUM> may be configured to physically couple to the dongle connection ports <NUM>. Dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, illustrated as dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the second dongles <NUM> may be configured to physically couple to the dongle connection ports <NUM>. For example, the dongle coupling interface <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> of the single-dongle example (<FIG>) may physically couple to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>. Similarly, dongle coupling interface <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> of the double-dongle example (<FIG>) may physically couple to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>'. As such, when the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted into the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>', the dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are inserted into the dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>.

The dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to mechanically and electrically couple the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the respective host device, i.e., console <NUM> or control device <NUM>. The dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have any configuration that is configured to securely fit into the connection port <NUM>, <NUM> of the host device. As such, this mechanical fit secures the dongle <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the host device. The dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are conductive and enable electrical transmission of communication and power signals between the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the host device. The dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be specifically shaped for the host device, may be one-size-fits all or universally adaptable to connect to any host device.

During hard-wired operation, the control device <NUM>, <NUM>' may connect to the connection ports <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> using a cable and connector. The connector of the cable inserts into the connection port <NUM>. The same connection ports <NUM> that receive this hard-wired cable connector may also be configured to receive the dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, in view of the techniques described herein, the cable and connector of the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' are replaced with the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby eliminating the need for cable connection between the control device <NUM>, <NUM>' and the surgical console <NUM>.

In some examples, the surgical console <NUM> and the control device <NUM>' include a different number of dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may include one, two, four, or any number of dongle connection ports <NUM>, which may be positioned on any suitable portion of the surgical console <NUM>. Similarly, the control device <NUM>' may include one, two, four, or any number of dongle connection ports <NUM>, which may be positioned on any suitable portion of the control device <NUM>'.

Connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> for the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have similar or different physical connection interfaces from one another. Connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> for the surgical devices <NUM> may have similar or different physical connection interfaces from one another. Similarly connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> for the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may have similar or different physical connection interfaces from one another. Moreover, connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> for the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> for the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may have similar or different physical connection interfaces from the connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for the surgical devices <NUM>. For example, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and surgical devices <NUM> may interchangeably connect to any of the connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> may receive the connector of the surgical devices <NUM> and/or the dongle coupling interfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a system block diagram of components of the surgical system <NUM> of <FIG>, and more specifically, the control device <NUM> of the single-dongle example shown in <FIG>. As shown, the control device <NUM> includes a first communication device <NUM> and a radio frequency (RF) reader <NUM>. The RF reader <NUM> may be configured to receive pairing information via RF signals. The first communication device <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly connect to a device based on the pairing information received by the RF reader <NUM>.

The first communication device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> may be integrated within the control device <NUM>. In one such example, the control device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, illustrated as housings <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>, and the first communication device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> may be integrated within the housing.

As shown, the dongle <NUM> includes a second communication device <NUM> and a passive RF device <NUM>. The passive RF device <NUM> may be configured to transmit the pairing information via RF signals to the RF reader <NUM> in response to the passive RF device <NUM> being within a threshold proximity of the RF reader <NUM>. The second communication device <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly connect to a device based on the pairing information transmitted by the passive RF device <NUM>.

By design, the passive RF device <NUM> may be configured to transmit information via RF signals after the passive RF device <NUM> is powered by RF signals from RF reader <NUM>. The RF signals from the RF reader <NUM> power the passive RF device <NUM>, enabling the passive RF device <NUM> to transmit the pairing information via RF signals back to the RF reader <NUM>. In one example, the passive RF device <NUM> may be a passive RF tag. However, it has been contemplated that the passive RF device <NUM> may be replaced with other types of RF devices. For instance, the passive RF device <NUM> may be replaced with an RF device which may be powered internally, such as a battery-assisted RF tag or an active RF tag.

Furthermore, the passive RF device <NUM> may be configured to transmit the pairing information using RF signals using a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>. Accordingly, the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may be configured to receive RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>. Depending on an application of the surgical system <NUM>, it may be advantageous to transmit the pairing information using RF signals with a frequency defined between each of the identified frequency ranges. For example, RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM> have a longer wavelength than RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM> are able to penetrate metallic substances and liquids more effectively, but have a more limited read range than RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM> or <NUM> and <NUM>. Other frequency ranges other than those described herein are possible to operate the passive RF device <NUM>.

Additionally, the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may be configured to receive the pairing information from the passive RF device <NUM> in response to the passive RF device <NUM> being within the threshold proximity of the RF reader <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As such, the passive RF device <NUM> receives RF signals which are transmitted by the RF reader <NUM>. The RF signals transmitted by the RF reader <NUM> power the passive RF device <NUM>, enabling the passive RF device <NUM> to transmit the pairing information to the RF reader <NUM> via RF signals.

After the RF reader <NUM> receives the pairing information, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to wirelessly connect based on the pairing information. Thus, the first communication device <NUM> may be configured to transmit control data to the second communication device <NUM>, enabling the control device <NUM> to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console <NUM> to remotely control the surgical devices <NUM>.

It should be noted that the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG> may use any communication network or protocol suitable for communicating control signals wirelessly. For example, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may use WiFi, Infrared, ZigBee, radio waves, cellular signals, any other suitable wireless network, or combinations thereof to communicate wirelessly. It should also be noted that the communication network used by the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may differ from the RF signals used by the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM>.

The first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to operate on a frequency or range that is dictated by the designed communication network or protocol. For example, where the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> use Bluetooth for wireless communication, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to operate on a frequency between <NUM> and <NUM>. Furthermore, as previously stated, the communication network used by the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may differ from the RF signals used by the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM>. However, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to operate on a frequency which may overlap or be greater than a frequency of operation of the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM>. For instance, as previously stated, the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> may be configured to transmit and receive RF signals with a frequency defined between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to operate on a frequency which overlaps the above-stated frequencies, or on a frequency greater than <NUM>.

In some examples, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are transceivers. For example, each of the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> is capable of receiving and transmitting control data. In another example, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are different communication devices and may be configured to perform different tasks. For instance, the first communication device <NUM> may be a dedicated transmitter configured to transmit control data, while the second communication device <NUM> may be a dedicated receiver configured to receive control data.

The pairing information transmitted by the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and received by the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may include a unique identification of the dongle <NUM>. The pairing information may also include communication parameters associated with the dongle <NUM>. For example, the communication parameters associated with the dongle <NUM> may include a bits-per-character, a bits-per-second, a baud rate, parity bits, and start, stop, and mark bits. In other examples, the pairing information includes other communication parameters. For instance, the pairing information may include communication parameters which may be specific to Bluetooth, WiFi, Infrared, ZigBee, radio waves, cellular signals, or any other communication network which the first communication device <NUM> or the second communication device <NUM> may use to wirelessly communicate with another device.

In some examples, the pairing information transmitted by the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and received by the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM> are encrypted by the dongle <NUM> and decrypted by the control device <NUM>. Similarly, the control data transmitted by the first communication device <NUM> of the control device <NUM> and received by the second communication device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> may be encrypted by the control device <NUM> and decrypted by the dongle <NUM>. As such, by encrypting and decrypting the pairing information and the control data, the surgical system <NUM> allows for increased security of the pairing information and the control data. Additionally, the surgical system <NUM> may ensure that control devices <NUM> control a correct surgical device <NUM>. Similarly, the surgical system <NUM> may ensure that surgical devices <NUM> are controlled by a correct control device <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the dongle <NUM> may include a connector identifier <NUM>. The connector identifier <NUM> is configured to determine a type of communication protocol used by the surgical console <NUM>. As previously stated, the surgical console <NUM>, to which the dongle <NUM> physically couples, may include a variety of surgical consoles <NUM>, which may receive and transmit data using a variety of communication protocols. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may use UART, I<NUM>C, CAN, <NUM>-Wire, SPI, USB, UNI/O, or any other suitable communication protocol to receive and transmit data. As such, the connector identifier <NUM> determines the type of communication protocol used by the surgical console <NUM>.

The dongle <NUM> may also include an adaptive connector <NUM>. After the connector identifier <NUM> determines the type of communication protocol used by the surgical console <NUM>, the adaptive connector <NUM> enables the dongle <NUM> to communicate with the surgical console <NUM> based on the communication protocol used by the surgical console <NUM>. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may use UART as the communication protocol to receive and transmit data. As such, after the connector identifier <NUM> determines that the surgical console <NUM> uses UART to receive and transmit data, the adaptive connector <NUM> ensures that the dongle <NUM> communicates with the surgical console <NUM> using UART after the dongle coupling interface <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a system block diagram of the surgical system <NUM> in <FIG>, and more specifically, components of the first dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> of the double-dongle example shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the first dongle <NUM> includes the described second communication device <NUM> and the described passive RF device <NUM>. The second dongle <NUM> includes the described first communication device <NUM> and the described RF reader <NUM>. In the double-dongle example, the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> receives the pairing information from the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM>. The first communication device <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> then wirelessly connects to the second communication device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM>. As such, the control device <NUM>' wirelessly communicates with the surgical console <NUM> to remotely control the surgical devices <NUM>.

It should be noted that, while the first dongle <NUM> is coupled to the surgical console <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>'. More specifically, the dongle coupling interface <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> or to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>'. Similarly, while the second dongle <NUM> is coupled to the control device <NUM>' in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>'. More specifically, the dongle coupling interface <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> or to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>'.

The arrangement of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may be interchangeable with respect to what host device (e.g., surgical console <NUM>, control device <NUM>') the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> connect. Thus, one dongle <NUM>, <NUM> connects to one host device <NUM>, <NUM>' while the other dongle <NUM>, <NUM> connects to the other host device <NUM>, <NUM>'. In other words, if the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>, then the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the control device <NUM>'. Similarly, if the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the control device <NUM>', then the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>.

Additionally, in the double-dongle example, the pairing information is transmitted by the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> and received by the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM>. As such, the pairing information may include a unique identification of the first dongle <NUM>, which includes the passive RF device <NUM>. The pairing information may also include communication parameters associated with the first dongle <NUM>. As such, in the double-dongle example, the pairing information transmitted by the passive RF device <NUM> and received by the RF reader <NUM> may be encrypted by the first dongle <NUM> and decrypted by the second dongle <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the double-dongle example, the communication device <NUM>, <NUM> which is physically coupled to the control device <NUM>' transmits the control data. The communication device <NUM>, <NUM> which is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> receives the control data. As such, in an instance of the double-dongle example where the first dongle <NUM> is coupled to the surgical console <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> is coupled to the control device <NUM>', the second dongle <NUM> encrypts the control data and the first dongle <NUM> decrypts the control data. In an instance of the double-dongle example where the second dongle <NUM> is coupled to the surgical console <NUM> and the first dongle <NUM> is coupled to the control device <NUM>', the first dongle <NUM> encrypts the control data and the second dongle <NUM> decrypts the control data.

Also shown in <FIG>, the first dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> may each include the adaptive connector <NUM> and the connector identifier <NUM>. As previously stated, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may physically couple to the control device <NUM>' and to the surgical console <NUM>. Also previously stated, the control device <NUM>' may be a variety of control devices and the surgical console <NUM> may be a variety of surgical consoles. Furthermore, the variety of control devices and the variety of surgical consoles may use different communication protocols to receive and transmit data. As such, the connector identifiers <NUM> of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> determine the communication protocols used by the control device <NUM>' and the surgical console <NUM>. Thus, the adaptive connectors <NUM> of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> enable the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> to communicate with the control device <NUM>' and with the surgical console <NUM> based on the communication protocols. This further adds to the universality and adaptability of the double-dongle configuration.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an example system architecture of the first dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM>, respectively, of the double-dongle example. Furthermore, for simplicity, while dongle <NUM> of the single-dongle example is not shown, it is contemplated that the second dongle <NUM> is similar to dongle <NUM>. For example, both the dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> include the first communication device <NUM>, the RF reader <NUM>, the connector identifier <NUM>, and the adaptive connector <NUM>. However, while the second dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>', the dongle <NUM> may be physically coupled to the control device <NUM>. As such, any components of the second dongle <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein may be applied to the dongle <NUM>.

It should again be noted that, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>'. However, while the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may be physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>', when the first dongle <NUM> or the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>, the other of the first dongle <NUM> or the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>'. Therefore, if the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>, then the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the control device <NUM>'. Similarly, if the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the control device <NUM>', then the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC) integrated circuits. As shown, the PSoC integrated circuits include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) engine <NUM> and a BLE antenna <NUM>. As such, the PSoC integrated circuit may communicate wirelessly with other devices using Bluetooth. Furthermore, the PSoC integrated circuit includes a microcontroller <NUM>, which may control the BLE engine <NUM> and the BLE antenna <NUM> and other components of the PSoC integrated circuit. The microcontroller <NUM> may also control inputs and outputs of the PSoC integrated circuit, which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and described below. The PSoC integrated circuit also includes a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus controller and driver <NUM>, which allows the PSoC integrated circuit to receive and transmit CAN messages.

While the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated as PSoC integrated circuits, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be any other circuits suitable for wireless communication, such as ASIC, SOC, etc. In other examples, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be any device capable of wirelessly communicating with another device. In such examples, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include a controller, or a controller may be coupled to the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, while the PSoC integrated circuits include the BLE engine <NUM> and the BLE antenna <NUM> for communicating wirelessly with other devices using Bluetooth, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may communicate with other devices using any other suitable wireless network, such as WiFi, Infrared, ZigBee, radio waves, cellular signals, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive power from the surgical console <NUM> and the control device <NUM>'. In some examples, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> do not include an internal power supply. As such, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and some components thereof, such as the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>, may be powered by the surgical console <NUM> through the dongle connection port <NUM> or by the control device <NUM>' through the dongle connection port <NUM>. In such examples, operation of some components of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may occur after the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>'. For example, the second communication device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> may wirelessly connect to the first communication device <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> after the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>. In another example, the second communication device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> may wirelessly connect to the first communication device <NUM> of the control device <NUM> after the dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM>. However, it should be noted that the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and the first dongle <NUM> may be powered by outside sources, such as the RF reader <NUM>, and may therefore operate before the dongle <NUM> or the first dongle <NUM> are physically coupled.

<FIG> and <FIG> also illustrate inputs and outputs of the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> and other components of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> and the adaptive connector <NUM> share digital I/Os, as well as a UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM> and a <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM>. As such, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may communicate with the surgical console <NUM> and the control device <NUM>' using a variety of data types. For example, referring to <FIG>, the first communication device <NUM> may communicate serial data with the RF reader <NUM> via a UART bus. In another example where the surgical console <NUM> communicates via analog data, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to transfer digital SPI bus data and digital control I/O data to the surgical console <NUM> by converting the digital SPI bus data and the digital control I/O data to analog data using a <NUM>-channel digital to analog converter with amplifier <NUM> and transferring the data using Analog I/Os. Similarly, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to receive analog data from the surgical console <NUM> after the analog data has been converted to digital data using the <NUM>-channel digital to analog converter with amplifier <NUM>. In one such example, where a battery life of the dongle <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is received by the surgical console <NUM> as analog data, the battery life is converted and communicated from the first or second communication device <NUM>, <NUM> to the surgical console <NUM> via the <NUM>-channel digital to analog converter with amplifier <NUM>.

It should be noted that the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may include different connections than or may omit some of the connections shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the first or second communication device <NUM>, <NUM> may be an integrated circuit other than a PSoC integrated device. As such, the first or second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> may include inputs and outputs that vary from the inputs and outputs of the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. For instance, if the first or second communication device <NUM>, <NUM> is an integrated circuit other than a PSoC integrated device, the <NUM>-channel digital to analog converter with amplifier <NUM> may not be required. Additionally, the UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM> and the <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM> may be omitted or replaced with a bus for a different communication protocol.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the adaptive connector <NUM> is coupled to a UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM> and a <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM>. As such, the adaptive connector <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> may enable the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> to communicate with the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>' using UART, I<NUM>C, CAN, or <NUM>-Wire. For example, the surgical console <NUM> may use UART, I<NUM>C, CAN, <NUM>-Wire, SPI, USB, UNI/O, or any other suitable communication protocols. For example, the connector identifier <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> determines that the communication protocol used by the surgical console <NUM> to receive and transmit data is <NUM>-Wire. Accordingly, the adaptive connector <NUM> enables the first dongle <NUM> to communicate with the surgical console <NUM> by transmitting data to the surgical console <NUM> from the <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM>.

The adaptive connector <NUM> may also be configured to communicate using communication protocols other than UART, I<NUM>C, CAN, and <NUM>-Wire, such as SPI, USB, or UNI/O. For example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adaptive connector <NUM> may be configured to communicate using USB. As such, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> include a UART to USB converter <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may include a specific bus for each communication protocol or may include a bus for different groupings of communication protocols. For instance, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may include a UART bus, an I<NUM>C bus, a CAN bus, a UART/I<NUM>C bus, a UART/CAN bus, or an I<NUM>C/CAN bus instead of the UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may include memory <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the memory <NUM> is coupled to the UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM>. It should be noted that the memory <NUM> may be coupled to other components of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM> may be coupled to the digital I/Os of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the memory <NUM> may be any memory suitable for storage of data and computer-readable instructions. For example, the memory <NUM> may be a local memory or an external memory embodied as random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), flash memory, or any other suitable form of memory.

In <FIG>, a <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> is coupled to the second communication device <NUM> and to the <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM>. In one example, the <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> may be a <NUM>-Wire memory, such as local memory or an external memory embodied as random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., a <NUM>-Wire EEPROM or a <NUM>-Wire NVSRAM), flash memory, or any other suitable form of memory. The <NUM>-Wire memory may be configured to store a configuration of the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>'. In another example, the <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> may be a <NUM>-Wire sensor, such as a temperature, current, or voltage sensor. The <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> may also be a <NUM>-Wire time counter or a <NUM>-Wire battery monitor.

Additionally, some components of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be omitted. For example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> include an RGB LED Indicator <NUM>. However, in other examples, the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> may omit the RGB LED Indicator <NUM>. Similarly, in some examples of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, the memory <NUM> or the <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> may be omitted. As another example, the UART/I<NUM>C/CAN bus <NUM> or the <NUM>-Wire bus <NUM> may be omitted.

The microcontroller <NUM> of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to control, manage or otherwise execute any of the aforementioned capabilities of the first and second dongles <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, such capabilities include, but are not limited to, pairing using the RF reader <NUM>, connector identification using the connector identifier <NUM>, bus communication adaptation using the adaptive connector <NUM>, control signal transmission using the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>, operation of the indicator <NUM>, retrieval and saving of data from the memory <NUM> or the <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> (in instances where the <NUM>-Wire device <NUM> is a <NUM>-Wire memory), or any other operation triggered by the host device (surgical console <NUM>, control device <NUM>'), and the like.

A method of operating the surgical system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As shown, the method includes a step <NUM> of establishing the threshold proximity between the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM> or a step <NUM>' of establishing the threshold proximity between the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM>; a step <NUM> of receiving the pairing information from the passive RF device <NUM>; a step <NUM> of physically coupling the dongle <NUM> to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> or a step <NUM>' of physically coupling the first dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> and to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>'; a step <NUM> of establishing a wireless connection between the first communication device <NUM> and the second communication device <NUM> based on the pairing information; and a step <NUM> of remotely and wirelessly controlling the surgical device <NUM> using the wireless connection.

In the single-dongle example, the method includes step <NUM>. During step <NUM>, the threshold proximity is established between the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM>. In the double-dongle example, the method includes step <NUM>'. During step <NUM>', the threshold proximity is established between the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM>.

In both the single-dongle and the double-dongle examples, the threshold proximity may be defined as a distance between the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> that allows the RF reader <NUM> to receive the pairing information from the passive RF device <NUM>. As previously stated, the passive RF device <NUM> may be configured to transmit the pairing information using RF signals with a variety of frequencies, which may affect a read range of the RF signals. For example, where the pairing information is transmitted using RF signals with a lower frequency, and thus a longer wavelength, the RF signals have a larger read range, allowing for a greater threshold proximity. Therefore, the threshold proximity may vary according to the frequency of the RF signals. For example, the threshold proximity may be on an order of centimeters or inches. In other examples, the threshold proximity may be on an order of feet or meters. In still other examples, the threshold proximity may be greater than <NUM> feet. In yet another example, threshold proximity may require a proximity "tapping" between devices that include the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM>.

In one example, the control device <NUM> may be disposed in a sterile field and the surgical console <NUM> may be disposed in a non-sterile field. In such an example, step <NUM> may include a step of moving the dongle <NUM> into the sterile field to establish the threshold proximity between the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM>, or a step of moving the control device <NUM> into the non-sterile field to establish the threshold proximity between the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM>. Similarly, in another example, the control device <NUM>' may be disposed in a sterile field and the surgical console <NUM> may be disposed in a non-sterile field. In such an example, step <NUM> may include a step of moving the first or second dongle <NUM>, <NUM> into the sterile or non-sterile field to establish a threshold proximity between the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the previously described examples where the passive RF device <NUM> is powered by RF signals from the RF reader <NUM>, the passive RF device <NUM> is powered during step <NUM>. However, it has been contemplated that the passive RF device <NUM> may be replaced with an RF device which may be powered internally, such as a battery-assisted RF tag or an active RF tag. In such examples, the battery-assisted RF tag or the active RF tag may be powered prior to step <NUM>.

After the threshold proximity is established between the passive RF device <NUM> and the RF reader <NUM>, the passive RF device <NUM> transmits the pairing information to the RF reader <NUM> during step <NUM>. In the single-dongle example, the passive RF device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM> transmits pairing information to the RF reader <NUM> of the control device <NUM>. In the double-dongle example, the passive RF device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM> transmits pairing information to the RF reader <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM>.

During step <NUM>, the wireless connection is established between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> based on the pairing information received from the passive RF device <NUM>. In the single-dongle example, the wireless connection is established between the first communication device <NUM> of the control device <NUM> and the second communication device <NUM> of the dongle <NUM>. In the double-dongle example, the wireless connection is established between the first communication device <NUM> of the second dongle <NUM> and the second communication device <NUM> of the first dongle <NUM>.

In some examples, the method shown in <FIG> may include a step of encrypting the pairing information and a step <NUM> of decrypting the pairing information. In the single-dongle example, the dongle <NUM>, which includes the passive RF device <NUM>, may encrypt the pairing information; and the control device <NUM>, which includes the RF reader <NUM>, may decrypt the pairing information during step <NUM>. In the double-dongle example, the first dongle <NUM>, which includes the passive RF device <NUM>, may encrypt the pairing information; and the second dongle <NUM>, which includes the RF reader <NUM>, may decrypt the pairing information.

It should be noted that encryption of the pairing information may occur at any time prior to step <NUM>, when the pairing information is transmitted. For example, the pairing information may be encrypted at a time of manufacture of the passive RF device <NUM>. In another example, the pairing information may be encrypted after the passive RF device <NUM> is powered. For instance, the pairing information may be encrypted after the passive RF device <NUM> is powered by RF signals from the RF reader <NUM> during step <NUM>.

Furthermore, step <NUM> may occur at any time after step <NUM>, the step of receiving the pairing information from the passive RF device <NUM>, and prior to step <NUM>, the step of establishing a wireless connection between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>. Otherwise stated, the step <NUM> of decrypting the pairing information with the RF reader <NUM> may occur after the pairing information is received by the RF reader <NUM> during step <NUM>, but before establishing the wireless connection between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> based on the pairing information during step <NUM>.

After step <NUM>, the method proceeds to step <NUM> in the single-dongle example. During step <NUM>, the dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM>. In one example of step <NUM>, the control device <NUM> is disposed in a sterile field and the surgical console <NUM> may be disposed in a non-sterile field. In such an example, step <NUM> of physically coupling the dongle <NUM> to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> may include a step of moving the dongle <NUM> into the non-sterile field.

The method proceeds to step <NUM>' in the double-dongle example. During step <NUM>', the first dongle <NUM> and the second dongle <NUM> are physically coupled to the dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> and the control device <NUM>'. In one instance of the double-dongle example (shown in <FIG>), the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>' and the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> during step <NUM>'. In another instance of the double-dongle example, the second dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the surgical console <NUM> and the first dongle <NUM> is physically coupled to the dongle connection port <NUM> of the control device <NUM>' during step <NUM>'.

It should be noted that, in <FIG>, steps <NUM>, <NUM>' are illustrated as occurring prior to step <NUM>. However, steps <NUM>, <NUM>' may occur concurrent to or after step <NUM> (as well as prior to step <NUM>). In other words, the wireless connection may be established between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> prior to the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or the control device <NUM>' via the dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>. This may occur in examples where the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>, are powered internally or are powered prior to being physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> or to the control device <NUM>'. However, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and thus, the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>, may be powered by the surgical console <NUM> and/or the control device <NUM>' via the dongle connection ports <NUM>, <NUM>. In such examples, steps <NUM>, <NUM>' may occur prior to step <NUM>.

During step <NUM>, the surgical device <NUM> is remotely controlled by the control device <NUM> using the wireless connection. In some examples, step <NUM> may include a step <NUM> of encrypting the control data and a step <NUM> of decrypting the control data. In the single-dongle example, the control device <NUM> may encrypt the control data and the dongle <NUM> may decrypt the control data. In the double-dongle example, the dongle <NUM>, <NUM> physically coupled to the control device <NUM>' may encrypt the control data, and the dongle <NUM>, <NUM> physically coupled to the surgical console <NUM> may decrypt the control data.

The above-described surgical systems, dongles, communication systems and methods create a more robust surgical environment. By remotely controlling the surgical devices <NUM> using control devices <NUM>, <NUM>', the control devices <NUM>, <NUM>' no longer require cables and connectors, which clutter the workspace and create obstacles in surgical environments.

Furthermore, the above-described systems and methods disclose a quick and user-friendly means of establishing the wireless connection between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>. In the system and methods described above, the pairing information is received by the RF reader <NUM> by simply establishing the threshold proximity between the RF reader <NUM> and the passive RF device <NUM>. The wireless connection between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> is then automatically established using this pairing information. By automatically establishing the wireless connection, the systems and methods discussed herein do not require a user to manually provide the pairing information to the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the wireless connection between the first and second communication devices <NUM>, <NUM> is established in a quick and user-friendly way, minimizing errors from users.

Additionally, the systems and methods disclosed herein simplify inventory management of the components of the surgical system <NUM>. As previously described, any dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to any control device <NUM> and any first dongle <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to any second dongle <NUM>. Therefore, from an inventory management perspective, dongles <NUM> need not be paired with a specific control device <NUM> and first dongles <NUM> need not be specifically paired to a second dongle <NUM>. Furthermore, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may communicate with a variety of surgical consoles <NUM> due to the connector identifier <NUM> and the adaptive connector <NUM> of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, from an inventory management perspective, the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> need not be paired with specific surgical consoles <NUM>. In this way, dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are easily replaced and inventories of the dongles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are easily managed.

It will be further appreciated that the terms "include," "includes," and "including" have the same meaning as the terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising.

Claim 1:
A surgical system (<NUM>) comprising:
a surgical console (<NUM>) configured to operate a surgical device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising a connection port (<NUM>);
a control device (<NUM>) configured to communicate with the surgical console (<NUM>) to remotely control the surgical device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising a first communication device (<NUM>) and a radio frequency ,RF, reader (<NUM>), wherein the control device (<NUM>) is further defined as a foot-operable control device, a hand-operable control device, or a mobile computing device;
a dongle (<NUM>) configured to physically couple to the connection port (<NUM>) of the surgical console (<NUM>) and comprising a second communication device (<NUM>) and a passive RF device (<NUM>), wherein the dongle (<NUM>) is configured to be powered through the connection port (<NUM>) of the surgical console (<NUM>);
wherein the RF reader (<NUM>) of the control device (<NUM>) is configured to receive pairing information from the passive RF device (<NUM>) of the dongle (<NUM>) in response to the passive RF device (<NUM>) being within a threshold proximity of the RF reader (<NUM>); and
wherein the first and second communication devices (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to wirelessly connect based on the pairing information to thereby enable the control device (<NUM>) to wirelessly communicate with the surgical console (<NUM>) to remotely control the surgical device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).