Medical equipment controller

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/064,709 filed Nov. 7, 1997.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to device controllers, and particularly to device controllers for remote control of one or more pieces of medical equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to medical device controllers for control of operating room equipment such as an articulated surgical table and a controllable mattress that is coupled to the articulated table.

Many medical devices are controllable, such as surgical tables with articulated support surfaces that use motors to adjust the support surfaces to desired configurations. Other examples include mattresses with multiple fluid chambers and systems for controlling fluid pressures within the chambers, or mattresses with vacuum beads for conforming the mattress surface to a patient. Similarly, surgical light systems are often controllable to vary the intensity and direction of a light source. A patient support system or treatment device can also include a controllable temperature subsystem, such as a resistive mattress cover, or a mechanism to control fluid temperature in a fluid-based mattress system, etc. Each controllable system typically includes its own separate control having multiple buttons, programming modes, and display configurations. An operator or care giver desiring to control each of these controllable systems must understand and operate the interface schemes for all of the associated controllers.

According to the present invention, a medical device controller for controlling a surgical table is provided. The surgical table has a controllable articulated frame and a controllable surface coupled to the frame. The medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held, a display coupled to the housing, and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to provide indicia on the display indicative of a user command to move the articulated frame to a desired frame configuration. The processor is further configured to command the articulated frame to move to the desired frame configuration based on a user input. The processor is furthermore configured to provide indicia on the display indicative of a user command to adjust the controllable surface to a desired surface configuration and to command the surface to adjust to the desired surface configuration based on a user input.

In illustrative embodiments, the processor is configured to provide a menu on the display of predefined configurations of the articulated frame and to command the articulated frame to move to a selected one of the predefined configurations based on a user input. The processor includes a user interface for accepting the user input to select one of the predefined configurations.

Further illustratively, the menu includes a plurality of named positions that correspond to predefined configurations. The processor is configured to provide an iconographic representation on the display indicative of the articulated frame. The iconographic representation includes a representation indicative of an adjustment of the articulated frame. An input device is provided near the representation indicative of an adjustment, and the processor is configured to adjust the articulated frame based on a user input to the input device when the representation indicative of an adjustment is provided on the display.

In other illustrative embodiments, the processor is further configured to provide a representation on the display indicative of an automatic adjustment of the articulated frame to a predefined configuration based on a current configuration of the articulated frame. An input device is provided near the representation indicative of an automatic adjustment. The processor is configured to adjust the articulated frame to the predefined configuration based on a user input to the input device when the representation indicative of an automatic adjustment is provided on the display.

Further illustratively, the processor is configured to provide a menu on the display of additional functions to permit adjustment of the articulated frame and to provide a second iconographic representation of the articulated frame on the display based on a selection of a function from the menu of additional functions. The second iconographic representation includes a representation indicative of a user input for adjustment of the articulated frame. An input device is provided near the indicative representation. The processor is configured to adjust the articulated frame based on a user input to the input device when the indicative representation is provided on the display.

In still other illustrative embodiments, the device controller housing is substantially symmetric about an axis. The articulated frame is a surgical table frame and the controllable surface is a mattress that includes a plurality of controllable fluid chambers. The processor can further be configured to command a temperature control system and/or a lighting system. The processor can be configured to communicate using a wireless communications protocol. The processor can be configured to signal an alert if a distance between the processor and a base unit exceeds a predefined distance.

Further illustratively, the processor includes an audio input module that receives audible user input signals. The processor is configured to provide a menu on the display of predefined configurations of the articulated frame and to select one of the predefined configurations based on an input from the audio input module. The processor is configured to provide an iconographic representation on the display indicative of the articulated frame including a representation indicative of an adjustment of the articulated frame. The processor is configured to adjust the articulated frame based on an input from the audio input module when the representation indicative of an adjustment is provided on the display.

In yet still other illustrative embodiments, the processor is configured to provide a medical device controller tutorial menu on the display based on selection of a user input. The display defines a plane and a user input device that is coupled to the processor is provided adjacent the display in a location normal to the plane of the display. A sterile cover configured to surround the housing that is sufficiently translucent to allow visual perception of indicia on the display through the cover is also provided.

According to other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller having a housing configured to be hand-held and a display coupled to the housing is provided. A user input device is coupled to the housing. A processor is coupled to the display and configured to provide a representation on the display near the user input device indicative of a command to a controllable device. The processor commands the controllable device based on a user input to the user input device.

In illustrative embodiments, a switch is provided to a side of the display and the representation on the display indicative of a user input is displayed near the side of the display. Alternatively, the user input device is a touch screen input of the display. Illustratively, the controllable device is an articulated surgical table. The processor is further configured to control a separately controllable surface having a plurality of controllable fluid chambers. The processor is further configured to command a patient thermal regulation system and/or a lighting system.

Further illustratively, the processor is coupled to an audio input module that receives audible user input signals. The processor is configured to provide a menu on the display of predefined configurations of the articulated frame and to command the articulated frame to move to a selected one of the predefined configurations based on a user input. The processor is configured to select one of the predefined configurations based on an input from the audio input module.

According to still other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held, a display coupled to the housing, a user input device coupled to the housing, and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to command a controllable medical device, to provide on the display an iconographic representation of the controllable device, to provide a representation on the display near the user input device indicative of a command to the controllable device, and to command the controllable device based on a user input to the user input device.

According to yet other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held, a display coupled to the housing, a user input device coupled to the housing, and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to command a controllable medical device, to provide a menu on the display of predefined configurations of the controllable device, and to command the controllable device to a predefined configuration from the menu based on a user input to the user input device.

According to still yet other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held. The housing has a front side and a back side and is substantially symmetric about an axis. A display is coupled to the front side of the housing and a user input device coupled to the housing. A processor is coupled to the display. The processor is configured to command a controllable medical device, to provide a menu on the display of predefined configurations of the controllable device, and to command the controllable device to a predefined configuration from the menu based on a user input to the user input device.

In illustrative embodiments, the housing includes an appendage coupled to the back side configured to be retained by a complementary socket so that the housing can be removably coupled to an apparatus having the complementary socket. Further illustratively, the appendage comprises a generally cylindrical handle.

According to other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held, a display coupled to the housing, and a user input device coupled to one of the display and the housing. A processor is coupled to the housing and to the display. The processor is configured to command a controllable medical device, to determine if a predetermined distance from a base unit is exceeded, and to signal an alert if the processor determines the predetermined distance from the base unit is exceeded. Illustratively, the alert is an audible alarm.

According to still other aspects of the invention, a medical device controller includes a housing configured to be hand-held, a display coupled to the housing, and a user input device coupled to one of the display and the housing. A processor is coupled to the display. The processor is configured to command a controllable medical device based on a user input to the user input device and to provide a tutorial guide for operation of the controllable medical device.

According to yet other aspects of the invention, an operating room table system includes an articulated frame having a plurality of segments. A frame controller is coupled to the frame to move at least one of the segments. A mattress having at least one chamber is provided. A mattress controller is coupled to the mattress to control an amount of fluid in the at least one chamber. A user interface controller is configured to send control signals to the frame controller and to the mattress controller.

According to still yet other aspects of the invention, an operating room table system includes an articulated table having a plurality of segments. A table controller is coupled to the table to move at least one of the segments. A lighting system having at least one light head is provided. A lighting controller is coupled to the lighting system to control an intensity of light from the at least one light head. A user interface controller is configured to send control signals to the table controller and to the lighting controller. Instead of or in addition to the lighting system, a patient thermal regulation system is provided. A thermal regulation controller is coupled to the patient thermal regulation system. The user interface controller is configured to send control signals to the table controller and to the thermal regulation controller.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the presently perceived best mode of carrying out the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1

is perspective view of an operating room environment showing a patient positioned atop a surgical table including an articulated frame and a mattress, a lighting system having a base unit and two light heads independently coupled to the base unit by articulated arms, an IV stand with a pair of IV bags coupled to the patient, a control station with a computer system interface to the surgical table, and a first medical device controller integrated with the operating room environment and coupled to the lighting system base unit by a telescoping and pivoting arm system and a second medical device controller shown with dashed lines integrated with the operating room environment and using a wireless communications link;

FIG. 2

is a perspective view of a controllable surgical table of the type shown in

FIG. 1

, including a base having foot controls, a vertically adjustable support column coupled to the base, an articulated frame coupled to the support column, a segmented mattress system supported by the articulated frame, and a pendant remote controller for controlling surgical table functions;

FIGS. 3-6

are side elevation views of the controllable surgical table of

FIG. 2

, showing the adjustable support column and articulated frame configured to support a patient in lateral, sitting, proctological, and lithotomy configurations for various medical or surgical procedures;

FIG. 7

is a block diagram showing interfaces between a medical device controller according to the present invention and a surgical table, mattress surface, heating subsystem, and lighting system;

FIG. 8

is a block diagram showing an architecture of the medical device controller of

FIG. 7

, showing a processor coupled to display, user input, and device communication subsystems;

FIG. 9

is a front elevation view of a medical device controller according to the present invention showing a power button and a touch-screen display presenting an introductory menu with selection indicators for accessing controller functions to adjust a surgical table, to automatically adjust the table to predefined configurations, to adjust a mattress, or to obtain help from an on-line information guide;

FIG. 10

is a front elevation view of the medical device controller of

FIG. 9

, showing a display accessed via the help selection, with selection indicators provided for obtaining introductory help information, operating instructions for controllable devices, and servicing information;

FIG. 11

is a front elevation view of the medical device controller of

FIG. 9

, showing a menu display accessed via the automatically adjust selection, with selection indicators provided for selecting table configurations described by surgical procedures;

FIG. 12

is a front view of a display of a medical device controller similar to the display of

FIGS. 9-11

, showing an automatic configuration screen accessed from a menu selection such as provided by

FIG. 11

, the screen including an iconographic representation of a side view of a patient atop a mattress surface and articulated table frame configured consistently with the surgery description, and a selection indicator for an operator to automatically configure the table to the configuration corresponding to the iconographic representation;

FIG. 13A

is a front view of an adjust table position screen similar to

FIG. 12

, showing a table adjustment screen for adjusting a surgical table, including an iconographic representation of a patient atop a mattress surface and articulated table frame, with input indicators for adjusting articulated table frame sections and a vertically adjustable support column, input indicators for automatically leveling the table, automatically flattening the table surface, and engaging a floor brake, and selection indicators along the bottom of the display for accessing further adjustment screens;

FIG. 13B

is a front elevation view of the medical device controller of

FIG. 9

, showing an adjust table screen somewhat similar to

FIG. 13A

, with Trendenlenberg, lateral tilt, and slide selection indicators positioned adjacent auto flat, brake, and slow adjust input indicators, and automatic table adjustment, mattress adjustment, and help information selection indicators along the bottom of the display;

FIG. 14

is a front view of a top slide screen similar to

FIG. 12

, showing input indicators for sliding the table surface from end-to-end relative to the support column and for adjusting the vertical support column;

FIG. 15

is a front view of a lateral tilt screen similar to

FIG. 12

, showing input indicators for tilting the table about a longitudinal axis and for adjusting the vertical support column;

FIG. 16

is a front view of a Trendelenberg adjustment screen similar to

FIG. 12

, showing input indicators for tilting the table about a lateral axis and for adjusting the vertical support column;

FIG. 17

is a front view of a mattress surface adjustment screen including an iconographic representation of a top view of a patient atop a mattress, with selection indicators for selecting leg, torso, and head adjustment functions, and including selection indicators along the bottom of the display to access mattress temperature adjustment and automatic mattress surface adjustment screens;

FIG. 18

is a front view of a mattress surface adjustment screen similar to

FIG. 17

with a torso section of the mattress selected for adjustment, and including selection indicators for selecting regions of the torso section of the mattress for adjustment, input indicators for increasing or decreasing pressure in a selected region, and input indicators for stabilizing the mattress surface or to equalize mattress pressure;

FIG. 19

is a front view of an automatic mattress surface adjustment screen similar to

FIG. 17

, including selection indicators for selecting some or all portions of the mattress for adjustment and input indicators for stabilizing, equalizing, or automatically adjusting the entire mattress by sensing pressure in each mattress region and controlling each region to conform the mattress to the patient's body;

FIG. 20

is a front view of a mattress temperature adjustment screen similar to

FIG. 17

, including a temperature display and input indicators for enabling or disabling temperature control and for increasing or decreasing a designated temperature;

FIG. 21

is a front view of an alternative embodiment menu display similar to

FIG. 11

with selection indicators provided for selecting predefined surgical table configurations described by doctor's names and/or surgical procedures;

FIG. 22

is a top plan view of an embodiment of a medical device controller similar to the embodiment of

FIGS. 9-11

, showing a relatively slim housing profile that is symmetric about a longitudinal axis and a generally cylindrical handle appended to a central portion of a back surface of the housing to facilitate storage and ambidextrous use of the controller;

FIG. 23

is a front elevation view of the controller of

FIG. 22

showing a power button and a display;

FIG. 24

is a perspective view of the controller of

FIG. 22

showing a user holding the controller with one hand and entering commands on the touch-screen with the other hand;

FIG. 25

is a top plan view of another embodiment of a medical device controller similar to the embodiment of

FIGS. 9-11

, showing a housing profile with a power button and configured for holding by a left hand;

FIG. 26

is a front elevation view of the controller of

FIG. 22

, showing a gripping surface and a display;

FIG. 27

is a perspective view of the controller of

FIG. 22

showing a right-handed user interface;

FIG. 28

is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a medical device controller, showing a tapered housing with a graphical display, semi-circular adjust and select buttons, a pair of up/down buttons, and a recessed power button, each button aligned along a central vertical axis of the housing to facilitate ambidextrous use of the controller;

FIG. 29

is a perspective view of the controller of

FIG. 28

showing left-handed use of the controller;

FIGS. 30-33

are front views of the display and the select and adjust buttons of the controller of

FIG. 28

, showing automatic configuration selection displays similar to the configurations of

FIGS. 3-6

;

FIG. 34

is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a medical device controller similar to that of

FIG. 28

, showing a tapered housing with a graphical display, three pie-shaped selection buttons, a pair of up/down buttons, and a recessed power button;

FIG. 35

is a perspective view of the controller of

FIG. 24

showing left-handed use of the controller;

FIGS. 36-38

are front views of the display and selection buttons of the controller of

FIG. 28

, showing graphical interfaces for controlling a lighting system, a temperature control system, and a table;

FIG. 39

is a front elevation view of yet another embodiment of a medical device controller, showing a hand-held housing, a display, and several pairs of control buttons, each pair of buttons aligned along a central vertical axis of the housing to facilitate ambidextrous use of the controller, and

FIG. 40

is a perspective view of the controller of

FIG. 39

showing left-handed use of the controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A medical device controller

40

according to the present invention is integrated into an operating room environment that includes a surgical table

42

, a surgical lighting system

44

, a control station

46

, and an IV stand

48

, as shown in

FIG. 1. A

surgeon

50

and one or more assistants

52

typically perform a procedure on a patient

54

while another care giver

56

, such as an anesthesiologist or a nurse, controls and monitors operating room equipment from control station

46

. Table

42

and lighting system

44

provide a variety of controllable features, as discussed in more detail below. Controller

40

provides a single, integrated, user-friendly interface for care giver

56

to control medical devices such as table

42

and lighting system

44

.

Controller

40

is a hand-held device and can be configured to control medical devices through a variety of communication interfaces. For example, as shown in

FIG. 1

, lighting system

44

includes a base unit

64

coupled to light heads

62

via independent, articulated arms

66

. Controller

40

can be coupled directly to based unit

64

by a telescoping arm

68

. Telescoping arm

68

is coupled to base unit

64

by a horizontal pivot

70

and a vertical pivot

72

, and includes a distal pivot

74

, thereby providing for flexible movement of controller

40

throughout the operating room environment. In this configuration, signals between controller

40

and light heads

62

can be hard-wired through arms

66

,

68

and base unit

64

.

Controller

40

is either wired directly to the controllable devices or, preferably, is configured to send signals to the controllable devices using a wireless link, such as a radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) communication link. Wireless communication links are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention for controller

40

to use any means known to those skilled in the art to send signals to the controllable devices.

By using a wireless communication protocol, controller

40

is conveniently moved around the operating room environment by care giver

56

, for example as shown by dashed lines in

FIG. 1. A

sterile sheath (not shown), made from a suitably flexible and transparent material such as thin latex rubber, is provide to encapsulate controller

40

so that it can be safely used throughout an operating room without contaminating the sterile environment. By providing a single controller

40

that integrates controls for several operating room devices, and allowing controller

40

to be moved freely throughout the environment, the present invention increases operating room efficiency.

Modern surgical tables such as the illustrative table

42

shown in

FIGS. 1-6

provide a variety of controllable functions. Table

42

includes articulated table frame

58

, mattress

60

, vertical support column

76

, and base

78

. Base

78

includes a foot control panel

80

having a plurality of control buttons

82

, for adjusting vertical support column

76

, mattress

60

, and articulated table frame

58

. As shown in

FIG. 2

, a pendant controller

81

coupled by a tether

83

to frame

58

similarly includes a plurality of control buttons

85

as well as a display

87

. Pendant controller

81

, which can be coupled to table

42

at any convenient location, similarly provides for adjusting frame

58

, mattress

60

, and support column

76

.

Articulated table frame

58

includes a head section

84

, an upper back section

86

, a lower back section

88

, a seat section

90

, a pair of upper legs section

92

, and a pair lower legs section

94

. Sections of table frame

58

are coupled to longitudinally adjacent sections via pivots so that adjacent sections can be rotated with respect to each other by motors (not shown) or other suitable actuators well-known to those skilled in the art. Support column

76

is similarly vertically adjustable by a motor or actuator (not shown). Adjustment of articulated table frame sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

, and vertical support column

76

can be controlled by buttons

82

or, as discussed in more detail below, via controller

40

.

Mattress

60

illustratively includes an outer head section

96

, an inner head section

98

, a torso section

100

, and a pair of legs section

102

. Torso section

100

and legs section

102

illustratively include a plurality of chambers

61

that are individually controllable. Mattress

60

can be any type of controllable mattress surface, e.g., some type of fluid mattress such as an air mattress, or a vacuum bead mattress, etc. In the context of the embodiments of the invention as discussed below, mattress

60

illustratively is a vacuum bead air mattress system in which mattress sections

96

,

98

,

100

, and

102

can include multiple chambers and are coupled to a pressure and vacuum system to allow for selectively controlling the amount of pressure or vacuum in any chamber within any of the sections. Mattress

60

also includes a plurality of pressure sensors (not shown) to allow for measuring pressure within any chamber of the mattress sections. An illustrative controllable mattress is disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,763, entitled “Surface Pad System for a Surgical Table”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Surgical table

42

can be placed into configurations to support various medical or surgical procedures as shown, for example, in

FIGS. 3-6

. As discussed in more detail below, controller

40

provides for automatically placing table

42

in a desired, predefined configuration, such as those shown in

FIGS. 3-6

, as well as for incrementally adjusting table frame

58

and mattress

60

as required to accommodate variations needed for any particular doctor

50

or patient

54

.

Features of controllable tables such as surgical table

42

are also discussed and shown in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,073,284; 6,149,674; and 6,202,230, all filed concurrently herewith, and all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As illustrated by the block diagram of

FIG. 7

, controller

40

provides a single, mechanism for an operator, such as care giver

56

, to control features of articulated frame

58

or mattress

60

of surgical table

42

, as well as other controllable systems such as a lighting system

44

or a temperature control subsystem

104

that can be integrated with mattress

60

. As shown in

FIG. 8

, a basic architecture for controller

40

can be a processor

106

that is coupled to an I/O subsystem

108

, a memory

110

, and a communication interface

112

. Processor

106

is illustratively a microprocessor or a microcontroller (the latter can include integral memory to alleviate the need for a separate memory

110

.) By providing a processor-based architecture with memory

110

, controller

40

can be reconfigured or reprogrammed as needed to provide for control of new or different controlled medical devices, user interface needs, or external interface requirements. It is only necessary for a controlled device to be compatible with communication interface

112

as provided with controller

40

.

Controller

40

's I/O subsystem

108

is illustratively a touch-screen display system which provides a backlit, liquid crystal display

116

. The touch screen input signals are illustratively provided by a matrix of translucent, membrane-type switches (not shown) positioned above display

116

, although any touch-screen technology known to those skilled in the art can be used, such as those provided with personal digital assistant devices such as an Apple Newton™ or PalmPilot™ devices. Furthermore, although a touch-screen display is preferred for I/O subsystem

108

, a display with buttons or switches arranged near the display screen is also contemplated.

Communication interface

112

illustratively is a pulsed infrared communication system, which technology is well known in the art. Table

42

is coupled to an IR receiver system (not shown) that provides for receiving IR signals from controller

40

for commanding frame

58

and mattress

60

based on received IR command signals. As discussed above, a hard-wired communication link can be used, or other wireless communication systems can be used, such as an RF-based system, or an ultrasound system, or any other type of wireless technology. Communication interface

112

can also be configured to support multiple communication protocols or interfaces, for example by including a hard-wired connection to support one controlled subsystem and an infrared connection to support other controlled subsystems.

Referring now to

FIG. 9

, controller

40

includes a housing

114

, a power button

115

, and a touch-screen display

116

. Controller

40

is a hand-held unit that includes microprocessor or microcontroller

110

programmed to control a surgical table system such as that shown in

FIGS. 1-6

via an IR or RF communication link

112

and to provide the user interface displays as shown in

FIGS. 9-21

. Controller

40

is powered on by depressing power button

115

, whereupon the introductory display shown in

FIG. 9

is provided, which includes four touch-screen selection indicators

118

,

120

,

122

,

124

to designate to an operator access to further display interfaces for surgical table adjustment, automatic table adjustment, mattress adjustment, or accessing help information, respectively. Selection indicators

118

,

120

,

122

,

124

are provided above touch-screen input switches included in touch-screen display

116

such as membrane switches (not shown), although, again, other touch-screen technologies can be used, or selection indicators

118

,

120

,

122

,

124

can be positioned near buttons or switches provided along edges of display

116

.

Controller

40

includes software programmed so that access of help information via selection indicator

124

from the display of

FIG. 9

yields display of the help information screen of FIG.

10

. Help information selection indicator

124

is removed, and more detailed help-related selection indicators

126

,

128

,

130

are provided for designating access to introduction, product operation, and servicing information screens. These detailed help screens provide on-line information that an operator otherwise would typically need to consult printed manuals to obtain.

Introduction screens accessed via selection indicator

126

provide information on the use and capabilities of controller

40

, while product operation screens accessed via selection indicator

128

provide tutorial information on the use and capabilities of controlled systems such as table

42

. Servicing information screens accessed via selection indicator

130

provide both manual and automated service and diagnostic facilities. Automated features include internal diagnostics of controller

40

and reporting of any diagnostic or service information available from controlled systems such as table

42

. Controller

40

can provide “built-in-test” screens that will exercise controlled systems and either automatically verify proper operation or prompt an operator to perform a verification. Controller

40

can automatically recognize required servicing information from any controlled device capable of reporting such information, and provide recommendations to the operator accordingly. By providing menu-based, on-line information for aspects of controller

40

's operation and servicing, as well as providing on-line information on controlled systems such as table

42

, controller

40

provides care givers with an efficient, user-friendly, integrated interface.

Controller

40

includes software programmed so that selection via automatic table adjustment selection indicator

120

from the display of

FIG. 9

yields display of an auto adjust table screen as shown in FIG.

11

. Automatic table adjustment selection indicator

124

is removed and a descriptive menu

132

is provided for selecting various predefined configurations of surgical table

42

. Menu

132

illustratively provides matrix of named table configurations

134

. . .

156

, in which each configuration includes text descriptive of a surgical procedure or category placed next to a button symbol.

An operator selects a configuration by pressing the adjacent button symbol, which is positioned on touch-screen display

116

above a touch-screen input switch. The descriptive text itself can be placed above one or more switches to achieve the same function by having the operator press directly above the text. The descriptive text can also be alternatively displayed near a button coupled to the housing along an edge of display

116

. An alternative automatic table adjustment menu

232

is; shown in

FIG. 21

, in which display

116

is partitioned into two columns each having five named table positions, with text that describes a medical or surgical configuration and in some cases an doctor's name. Although two columns of five named table positions are shown, the invention contemplates an arbitrary number of menu entries which can be presented on multiple screens or with a scrolling function. Alternative menu

232

illustrates how controller

40

's display and processor-based architecture facilitates modifications of the user interface.

Referring now to

FIG. 12

, a screen on display

116

based upon a selection of configuration

134

,

234

from menu

132

,

232

as shown in

FIGS. 11

or

21

is shown. An iconographic representation or pictogram

158

of a predetermined configuration of table

42

suitable for a gall bladder procedure, along with an adjust input indicator

160

, are provided. Selection indicators

118

,

120

,

122

to designate access to table adjustment, automatic table adjustment, and mattress adjustment displays, respectively, are also provided.

Iconographic representation

158

provides a graphical depiction in outline form of table

42

as configured for a gall bladder procedure, including patient

54

, mattress

60

, sections

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

of articulated table frame

58

, vertical support column

76

, and base

78

. If an operator wants to adjust table

42

automatically to the gall bladder configuration as depicted in iconographic representation

158

, then the operator simply presses touch screen

116

above adjust input indicator

160

. Software in controller

40

is configured to command table

42

to move to the predefined configuration only while a touch input is provided above adjust input indicator

160

. This “press and hold” feature provides a safety interlock in that table

42

only moves while a positive user input is provided. This also allows an operator to select an intermediate configuration by terminating the touch input above adjust input indicator

160

before table

42

reaches the predefined configuration.

Selection of the surgical table adjustment function, for example via selection indicator

118

as shown in

FIGS. 9-12

, results in the display of FIG.

13

A. Iconographic representation

158

is provided with elements of table frame

58

and mattress

60

shown in nominal positions, along with up and down adjustment input indicators

162

,

164

,

166

,

168

,

170

,

172

,

174

,

176

, auto level input indicator

178

, auto flat input indicator

180

, and brake input indicator

182

. Selection indicators

184

,

186

,

188

are provided along the bottom of display

116

for accessing top slide, lateral tilt, and Trendelenburg adjustment display screens, as are selection indicators

120

,

122

for automatic table adjustment and mattress adjustment.

Up and down adjustment input indicators

162

,

164

,

166

,

168

,

170

,

172

,

174

,

176

provide for “press and hold” adjustment of designated sections of articulated frame

58

as indicated by the graphical display and their placement relative to iconographic display

158

. Up and down input indicators

162

,

164

designate control of lower leg sections

94

, indicators

166

,

168

designate control of lower back section

88

, indicators

170

,

172

designate control of upper back section

86

, and indicators

174

,

176

designate control of vertical support column

76

. Up and down adjustment of designated sections provides for fine tuning the configuration of frame

58

from any predefined configuration.

Auto level input indicator

178

provides for automatically moving all articulated sections of frame

58

to achieve a level (horizontal) configuration. Like adjust input indicator

160

discussed above, auto level input indicator

178

can be used to achieve intermediate configurations via the “press and hold” feature. Similarly, auto flat input indicator

180

provides for automatically moving all articulated sections of frame

58

to achieve a flat configuration (while maintaining any preexisting longitudinal inclination of frame

58

with respect to the ground). Brake input indicator

182

provides for locking or unlocking one or more wheels or casters (not shown) provided on base

78

of table

42

to prevent movement of table

42

along the ground.

An alternative table adjustment display somewhat similar to

FIG. 13A

is shown in

FIG. 13B

, with input indicators performing the same functions labeled with the same reference numbers. The table adjustment display of

FIG. 13B

displays only “high level” selection indicators

120

,

122

,

124

for automatic table adjustment, mattress adjustment, and help information along the bottom of display

116

. Selection indicators

184

,

186

,

188

for table sliding, Trendelenberg tilting, and lateral tilting are displayed near auto flat

180

, brake

182

, and slow adjust

183

input indicators.

FIG. 13B

illustrates how controller

40

's architecture permits reprogramming to provide a user interface as desired.

A top slide display accessible via selection indicator

184

is provided for moving table frame sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

longitudinally relative to vertical support column

76

as shown in FIG.

14

. Iconographic representation

158

is provided with frame

58

shown in a level configuration, although a representation showing a current configuration of articulated sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

can be provided. Head end and foot end slide input indicators

190

,

192

for sliding frame

58

longitudinally relative to vertical support column

76

provide “press and hold” capability as discussed above for the up and down input indicators of FIG.

13

A. Vertical up and down input indicators

174

,

176

are also provided on display

116

, as are table adjustment, lateral tilt, Trendelenburg adjustment, automatic table adjustment, and mattress adjustment selection indicators

118

,

186

,

188

,

120

,

122

.

A lateral tilt display accessible via selection indicator

186

is provided for tilting table frame sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

laterally relative to vertical support column

76

as shown in FIG.

15

. Iconographic representation

258

, which shows an end view of patient

54

atop table

42

, is provided. Left and right tilt input indicators

190

,

192

for tilting seat frame

58

and mattress

60

laterally relative to vertical support column

76

provide the “press and hold” capability as discussed above. Vertical up and down input indicators

174

,

176

are also provided on display

116

, as are table adjustment, top slide, Trendelenburg adjustment, automatic table adjustment, and mattress adjustment selection indicators

118

,

184

,

188

,

120

,

122

.

A Trendelenburg display accessible via selection indicator

188

is provided for conjointly tilting table frame sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

longitudinally relative to vertical support column

76

as shown in FIG.

16

. Iconographic representation

158

is provided with frame

58

shown in a level configuration, although, as with the display of

FIG. 14

, a representation showing a current configuration of articulated sections

84

,

86

,

88

,

90

,

92

,

94

can be provided. Foot end down and head end down input indicators

198

,

200

for tilting frame

58

longitudinally relative to vertical support column

76

provide “press and hold” capability as discussed above. Vertical up and down input indicators

174

,

176

are also provided on display

116

, as are table adjustment, top slide, lateral tilt, automatic table adjustment, and mattress adjustment display selection indicators

118

,

186

,

188

,

120

,

122

.

A mattress adjustment display accessible via selection indicator

122

is provided for controlling features of mattress

60

as shown in

FIG. 17. A

pictogram or iconographic representation

202

depicts a plan view of patient

54

atop mattress

60

showing various chambers with leg, torso, and head mattress sections. Selection indicators

204

,

206

,

208

are provided for selecting further screens for controlling leg

102

, torso

100

, and head

96

,

98

sections of mattress

60

. Automatic table adjustment, table adjustment, mattress temperature adjustment, and automatic mattress adjustment display selection indicators

118

,

120

,

210

,

212

are provided near display

116

bottom.

A torso mattress adjustment display accessible via torso selection indicator

204

is provided for controlling torso section

100

of mattress

60

as shown in FIG.

18

. Iconographic representation

202

and leg and head mattress section selection indicators

204

,

208

are provided as shown in FIG.

17

. Torso mattress section chamber selection indicators

214

,

216

,

218

,

220

,

222

,

224

,

226

are provided near their corresponding locations on iconographic representation

202

, along with lines indicating the correspondence. One or more mattress section chambers can be selected by depressing its indicator, which results in a reverse video display of that indicator to indicate its selection. Inflation increase and decrease input indicators

228

,

230

are provided for increasing or decreasing pressure in one or more selected mattress sections, using a “press and hold” paradigm as discussed above.

Stabilize input indicator

231

and equalize input indicator

233

are provided near increase and decrease input indicators

228

,

230

. The stabilize feature stiffens one or more selected sections of vacuum bead mattress

60

by creating a vacuum in the corresponding chamber(s) to withdraw fluid from selected section(s). The equalize feature adjusts selected mattress sections to a baseline level by setting pressure in corresponding chambers to a baseline level to prepare for a new patient or procedure. The torso mattress adjustment display also includes automatic table adjustment, table adjustment, mattress temperature adjustment, and automatic mattress adjustment selection indicators

120

,

118

,

210

,

212

displayed along the bottom of display

116

. Similar display screens (not shown) are provided for controlling leg and bead sections

102

,

96

,

98

of mattress

60

.

An automatic mattress adjustment display accessible via automatic mattress adjustment selection indicator

212

includes iconographic representation

202

, leg, torso, and head mattress section selection indicators

204

,

206

,

208

, an all mattress section selection indicator

235

, and stabilize, equalize, and automatically adjust input indicators

231

,

233

,

237

as shown in FIG.

19

. The all mattress selection indicator

235

provides a shorthand mechanism for selecting all sections. The stabilize and equalize functions work as discussed above for

FIG. 18

, except that all chambers within a selected mattress section are automatically designated for a selected mattress section. Selection of automatically adjust input indicator

237

uses pressure sensors within each chamber or cell (not shown) coupled to mattress

60

to conform mattress

60

automatically to a patient's body by varying pressures to each chamber based on sensed pressure. As with