Method for controlling an operating table with a foot-operated controller

Abstract

 According to one exemplary embodiment, the application relates to a method (100) for controlling an operating table with a foot-operated controller, which comprises at least one foot-controlled footswitch, and which method comprises transmitting (170) a user-issued adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch, to the operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command. The foot-operated controller further comprises at least one touchscreen by way of which is designated (130, 140, 180) an operating table function to be adjusted.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The application relates generally to a method for controlling an operating table with a foot-operated controller.

Background

[0002] Operating tables are used in operating rooms for positioning patients such that, in the case of each patient and medical procedure, the patient can be placed by means of the operating table firmly in a position that enables an optimal performance of the procedure. Traditionally, operating tables have been adjusted to a desired position by means of operating buttons included in control panels mounted permanently thereon, as well as by means of remote controllers equipped with operating buttons.

[0003] The adjustment of operating tables has also been performed with foot-operated controllers provided with one or more pedals, wherein each pedal has some predetermined operating table-related function, for example raising or lowering the operating table. The control commands issued by a user with the pedal have been communicated over a cable connection to the operating table.

[0004] One example of a foot-operated controller for controlling an operating table is Stryker Corporation's footswitch "iSWITCH™" provided with three operating buttons and two pedals, which communicates wirelessly over a Wireless USB (WUSB) connection and a separate console with devices to be controlled.

[0005] Another example of a foot-operated controller comprises foot controls manufactured by Steute, whereby the control commands are issued by a user with his/her foot by way of pedal. The foot controls are connectible by means of a data transfer cable or a wireless connection to an operating table for conveying the control commands to the operating table.

[0006] A problem with prior known foot-operated controllers has been the awkward applicability thereof to the versatile control of an operating table, as well as light fixtures and cameras included therein, since it has been necessary to define the function of each pedal in advance at the manufacturing stage, and changing the function assigned to a specific pedal is not possible without a computer during daily operating room activities.

Summary

[0007] One objective of the invention is to further facilitate and simplify the control of an operating table present in a hospital's operating room and to diversify the use of a foot-operated controller in controlling the operating table with the ability to change the control function of the foot-operated controller directly by way of a user interface of the foot-operated controller without a separate computer, and programmed movement sequences can be stored in the foot-operated controller's memory for subsequent use.

[0008] The one objective of the invention is achieved by a method of claim 1, a foot-operated controller of claim 8, a computer program of claim 9, and a system of claim 10.

[0009] In a method according to one embodiment, the operating table is controlled with a foot-operated controller comprising at least one foot-controlled footswitch, and the method comprises conveying a user-issued adjustment command, received from the footswitch, to the operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command. In the method, the foot-operated controller further comprises at least one touchscreen used for pointing out the operating table function to be adjusted.

[0010] The term "operating table" is used in reference to an adjustable platform used for example in healthcare industry, which enables a surgical patient to be placed by means of table adjustments in a position favorable from the standpoint of a medical operation, for example an examination and/or a procedure performed on the patient.

[0011] The term "touchscreen" is used for example in reference to an electronic visual display, which is capable of sensing a touch and its location on the display as well as forwarding a communication about the touch. The touchscreen can be for example a capacitive or resistive touchscreen.

[0012] The term "footswitch" is used for example in reference to a rocker switch intended for foot control, which can be pressed in two opposite directions and the pressing is followed by the rocker switch returning to a balanced position for example by means of a spring. Alternatively, the footswitch may refer for example to two push switches (control pedals), each of which can be adjusted in just one direction and which return back to the original position thereof as soon as the switch is no longer pressed with the foot.

[0013] The term "cable connection" is used for example in reference to a Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, or some other connection, which conveys signals by way of a cable, a fiber, or some other solid medium used for the communication between a foot-operated controller and a controlled device, said controller being intended for controlling for example an operating table and/or its lights and/or cameras for imaging the same.

[0014] The term "wireless connection" is used for example in reference to the use of radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and/or ultrasonic (US) technology for the communication between a foot-operated controller and a device to be controlled, the controller being intended for controlling for example an operating table and/or its lights and/or cameras for imaging the same. The wireless connection can be for example a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WUSB, or some other wireless connection.

[0015] A foot-operated controller according to one embodiment, intended for controlling an operating table, comprises at least one touchscreen, at least one foot-controlled footswitch, at least one processor, and at least one memory with a computer program. The at least one memory and computer program are adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller at least to transmit a user-issued adjustment command, received from the footswitch, to an operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command and to point out by way of the at least one touchscreen the operating table function to be controlled.

[0016] In a computer program according to one invention, which is intended for controlling an operating table with a foot-operated controller, said foot-operated controller comprises at least one touchscreen, at least one foot-controlled footswitch, at least one processor, and at least one memory with a computer program. The computer program, which is executed with the at least one processor, comprises at least a transmission code adapted to transmit a user-issued adjustment command, received from the footswitch, to an operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command, and a designation code adapted to point out by way of the at least one touchscreen the operating table function to be controlled.

[0017] A system according to one embodiment, intended for controlling an operating table, comprises not only an operating table but also a foot-operated controller, intended for controlling the same and comprising at least one touchscreen, at least one foot-controlled footswitch, at least one processor, and at least one memory with a computer program. The at least one memory and computer program are adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller at least to transmit a user-issued adjustment command, received from the footswitch, to an operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command and to point out by way of the at least one touchscreen the operating table function to be controlled.

[0018] Other embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the figures

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will be described more accurately in the detailed specification of figures with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

fig. 1

shows a flowchart for a method conducted with a foot-operated controller intended for controlling an operating table,

figs. 2a-2c

illustrate functional units for the foot-operated controller, its appearance in an overhead view, and a foot-operated controller assembly consisting of several foot-operated controllers, and

fig. 3

shows a system for controlling an operating table and a light fixture/camera unit included therein.

Detailed description of the figures

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a method 100 for controlling an operating table in the operating room with a foot-operated controller, which comprises at least one foot-controlled footswitch, the pressing of which enables the user to issue control commands to an operating table for its adjustment, and at least one touchscreen for receiving and presenting the user-issued commands and/or information. The movable and floor mounted foot-operated controller is capable of communicating by way of a wireless connection and/or a cable connection with any of the following devices, which make use of wireless connection and/or cable connection in the transfer of data and which include: an operating table, its light fixture/camera unit, some operating table accessory or some other device included in the operating room. Alternatively, the foot-operated controller can be integrated completely or partially with the structure of an operating table or some other device.

[0021] A startup phase 102 comprises activating the foot-operated controller from a power switch intended for its activation, which can be included in the foot-operated controller or in some other device, and activating the operating table from a power switch found in its own control panel. In the course of initialization routines taking place after the startup, the foot-operated controller may update its software, install new programs, and/or delete outdated unnecessary updates and/or programs for maintaining its memory capacity.

[0022] As necessary, the movable wireless foot-operated controller and the operating table must be paired with each other for enabling a specific operating table to be controlled with the foot-operated controller. In case the movable foot-operated controller and an operating table are communicating by way of a cable connection, the foot-operated controller is only intended for controlling this specific operating table, or if the foot-operated controller is integrated with an operating table, these two need not be paired.

[0023] The pairing is enabled by moving the foot-operated controller to the proximity of an operating table in case the foot-operated controller is beyond the range of a wireless connection, which is followed by performing the pairing according to pairing routines, for example by way of an RF connection. After the pairing, it is only this particular operating table, its light fixture, or its camera that can be controlled with the foot-operated controller, and the pair is valid regardless of power turnoffs of the devices until a new pairing is established with some other operating table.

[0024] At phase 108, the user can choose to program the foot-operated controller by way of a touchscreen, for example such that a single push of the footswitch results in an operating table becoming adjusted to some specific position predetermined by the user on the basis of an adjustment made up by one or more sequential adjustment movements.

[0025] In case the user wishes to program an operating table for its adjustment to some specific position with a single push of the footswitch, it is at phase 110 that the foot-operated controller receives one or more programming commands issued by the user by way of the touchscreen for establishing a function to be adjusted.

[0026] At phase 120, the programmed function made up by one or more adjustment movements is stored in the foot-operated controller's memory, in which it is readily selectable for the user from among other functions.

[0027] After storing the functions, or in case the user has not designed personal ready-to-use adjustment functions, it is at phase 130 that the foot-operated controller's touchscreen is used for presenting the user with options for the adjustment of an operating table and/or its lighting/camera unit. In addition to basic adjustment functions, these comprise for example programmed functions, which are already present in the foot-operated controller and comprise a plurality of previously defined adjustments, as well as functions programmed by the user him-/herself. As for the operating table, the user is able to adjust for example its leg portion, table top position, backrest, Trendelenburg, height, and lateral tilt.

[0028] Phase 140 comprises receiving by way of the touchscreen an indication of a function selected to be adjusted by the user, for example the adjustment of an operating table leg portion up or down, and phase 150 comprises displaying on the touchscreen a manual for the adjustment of a selected function, i.e. adjustment instructions which inform the user of how he/she should press the footswitch in order to effect the operating table to become adjusted in a direction of this/her preference.

[0029] The footswitch may comprise for example one foot-controlled rocker switch for the adjustment of adjustment directions up and down or left and right, or an assembly of two push switches with separate adjustment pedals for each of the two adjustment directions. In the case of one rocker switch, for example, the adjustment of a leg portion occurs in such a way that, with the foot resting on the rocker switch, the user presses the rocker switch (forward) for example with the ball of his/her foot according to an adjustment instruction, for example an upward-pointing indication arrow, displayed on the touchscreen. Hence, the leg portion rises as the rocker switch is pressed forward by a user. The adjustment does not stop until the user stops pressing the rocker switch. Respectively, the adjustment downward occurs according to a downward-pointing indication arrow by pressing the rocker switch for example with the heel of a foot (backward), whereby the leg portion descends as the footswitch is pressed by a user towards him-/herself. If the footswitch is designed with two adjustment pedals, the upward lift of a leg portion is effected by pressing one adjustment pedal and the downward descent occurs on the other hand by pressing the other adjustment pedal.

[0030] At phase 160, the foot-operated controller receives an adjustment command issued by a user through the intermediary of the footswitch, and transmits at phase 170 the adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch, wirelessly or over a cable connection by means of the foot-operated controller's data transfer unit to an operating table for controlling its function. The operating table becomes naturally adjusted as instructed by the adjustment command received thereby.

[0031] At phase 180, the foot-operated controller presents on a touchscreen the effect of a function on the operating table. The presentation may comprise for example displaying a new adjustment value for an adjusted function, i.e. for the leg portion, at least in one of the following modes: in verbal, numeric, and graphic mode.

[0032] In case it is desirable to continue the adjustment of an operating table leg portion at phase 184, the leg portion adjustment can be continued by a user with the footswitch and the method returns back to phase 160. If the user no longer wishes to adjust the leg portion, yet he/she would like to adjust some other function of the operating table, for example the backrest position or the lighting/camera unit, at phase 186, there will be a return to phase 130 for selecting a backrest or lighting/camera unit adjustment from among the presented functions.

[0033] When wishing to adjust setups for light fixtures and/or cameras, the user makes use of the touchscreen to select a light fixture/camera unit, which comprises at least one operating table light fixture possibly with an integrated camera. The touchscreen can be used for powering a light fixture/camera unit and for adjusting for example the brightness of a light fixture, the light beam size of a light fixture, the enlargement of a camera, the focusing of a camera, and the freezing of a camera image. Naturally, the light fixture and the camera can be on at the same time, or just one of those can be on. The light fixture/camera unit may further comprise at least one operating table monitor.

[0034] If the user does not wish to adjust any function at phase 186, the method 100 comes to an end at phase 188. Fig. 2a shows the functional units of a foot-operated controller 200 intended for controlling an operating table and/or a light fixture/camera unit included therein.

[0035] The foot-operated controller 200 has encapsulated therein at least one processor 210, which is used for executing instructions defined for example by a user or an application program and for processing data. The foot-operated controller 200 has naturally at least one memory 220 for the storage and conservation of data, for example instructions. In addition, the foot-operated controller 200 includes at least one resistive or capacitive touchscreen 230, at least one footswitch 240 to be controlled with a foot, which comprises for example one rocker switch or two adjustment pedals, and a power button 242 visible in fig. 2b. A power supply 250 may comprise a rechargeable or disposable battery, or the foot-operated controller 200 has a connection interface (not shown) to enable its connection to an external power supply by means of a fixed or detachable power cable. In addition, the foot-operated controller 200 may include at least one terminal interface 260, for example a USB cable connector for software updates and/or for a possible battery charger, as well as a data transfer unit 270 comprising an RF and/or IR transceiver, by means of which the foot-operated controller 200 transmits and receives information.

[0036] The memory 220 further comprises a program 280 controlling the touchscreen 230 in terms of its operation, a program 282 intended for controlling the footswitch 240, a program 284 intended for controlling the power supply 250 provided that the foot-operated controller 200 operates with a rechargeable battery, possibly a program 286 intended for controlling the at least one terminal interface 260, at least one program 288 intended for controlling the data transfer unit's RF and/or IR transceiver 270, and a computer program 290 which enables an operating table and/or its light fixture/camera unit to be controlled by the foot-operated controller 200.

[0037] The foot-operated controller 200 has its at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 stored therein adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to enable the foot-operated controller 200 to at least transmit by way of the data transfer unit 270, for example an RF transceiver, a user-issued adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch 240, to an operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command and to point out by way of the at least one touchscreen 230 the operating table function to be adjusted.

[0038] The at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to further enable the foot-operated controller 200 to display on the at least one touchscreen 230 a manual for the adjustment of a selected function with the footswitch 240. The adjustment can be applied to at least one of the following: an operating table, at least one operating table light fixture/camera unit, and at least one operating table monitor.

[0039] The at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to enable the foot-operated controller 200 to display on the at least one touchscreen 230 at least one adjustable function for a user and/or to receive by the at least one touchscreen 230 a designation of the function selected by the user for adjustment.

[0040] The at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to enable the foot-operated controller 200 to display the result of a function adjustment on the at least one touchscreen 230.

[0041] The at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to enable the foot-operated controller 200 to transmit an adjustment command, which has been received thereby, to an operating table wirelessly by means of the foot-operated controller's 200 data transfer unit 270.

[0042] The at least one memory 220 and the computer program 290 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor 210, to enable the foot-operated controller 200 to receive programming commands from a user by way of the at least one touchscreen 230 for establishing a function to be adjusted by the foot-operated controller 200, and/or to store a user-established function in the foot-operated controller's 200 memory 220.

[0043] The computer program 290 which is present in the memory 220 of the foot-operated controller 200 and to be executed with the processor 210, comprises at least a transmission code which is adapted to transmit, by means of the data transfer unit 270, a user-issued adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch 240, to an operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command, and a designation code which is adapted to point out by way of the at least one touchscreen 230 the operating table function to be adjusted.

[0044] The computer program 290 may further comprise a presentation code, which is adapted to display on the at least one touchscreen 230 a manual for the adjustment of a selected function with the footswitch 240.

[0045] The computer program 290 may comprise a presentation code, which is adapted to present the user with at least one adjustable function by way of the at least one touchscreen 230, and/or a reception code, which is adapted to receive by way of the at least one touchscreen 230 a designation of the function selected by the user for adjustment.

[0046] The computer program may comprise a presentation code, which is adapted to display the result of a function adjustment on the at least one touchscreen 230.

[0047] The computer program 290 may comprise a transmission code, which is adapted to transmit an adjustment command to an operating table wirelessly by means of the foot-operated controller's 200 data transfer unit 270.

[0048] The computer program 290 may further comprise a reception code, which is adapted to receive programming commands by way of the at least one touchscreen 230 for establishing a function to be adjusted by the foot-operated controller 200, and/or a storage code, which is adapted to store a user-established function in the foot-operated controller's 200 memory 220.

[0049] The computer program 290 can be a computer program product, which comprises a computer-readable data transfer medium, for example a CD-ROM disc, a USB flash drive, or an electronic computer program file capable of being uploaded over a communication network in a computer memory and containing a computer program code intended to be executed by a computer.

[0050] Fig. 2b shows in an overhead view the appearance of a foot-operated controller 200 intended for controlling at least one piece of operating room equipment, for example an operating table. The foot-operated controller 200 has its cover portions 292 made for example from plastics and/or aluminum or the like, and these make up a frame for the touchscreen 230, the footswitch 240 operating on a rocker switch principle, the terminal interfaces 260, and the data transfer unit 270.

[0051] The touchscreen 230 is designed for bowing on a support (not shown) at least partially above a platform 244 ad the footswitch 240. The support can be adjustable in terms of its height, but preferably the touchscreen 230 is positioned for ending up at a somewhat higher level than the instep of a user as the user has set his/her foot on the footswitch 240. Alternatively, the touchscreen 230 and its support can be designed in such a way that the entire footswitch 240 is visible in a view from above.

[0052] The footswitch 240 has its adjustment parts 240a, 240b, i.e. for example the rocker switch ends intended for moving an operating table up and down, positioned on top of the platform 244 with enough room to move therefrom and being readily adjustable with a foot. When pressed with a foot, the adjustment parts 240a, 240b move downward by virtue of an axle 240c indicated with dashed lines, thus effecting the actual adjustment of an operating table or the like, and as the foot is lifted off, the rocker switch 240 resumes its neutral position. The adjustment direction for an upward movement of the adjustment part 240a is pointed out with a direction arrow 246a on a surface of the platform 244 and the adjustment direction for a downward movement of the adjustment part 240b with a direction arrow 246b.

[0053] The terminal interfaces 260 for receiving for example a USB flash drive/cable that contains software update and/or a battery charger are located for example at a top or bottom edge 244a, 244b of the platform 244. The charger can be for example a docking station with a possibility of using a foot-operated controller 200 installed therein. In this case, the charging interface 260 can also be positioned for example on a bottom of the platform 244. Respectively, mechanical coupling elements (not shown) for connecting a foot-operated controller 200 to at least one other foot-operated controller 200 can be in turn mounted on side edges 244c, 244d. The terminal interfaces 260 can be protected with a silicone shield, which is removed from top of the terminals 260 that are in active service. The data transfer unit 270 is in turn integrated either into the touchscreen 230 or into the platform 244.

[0054] Fig. 2c shows a foot-operated controller assembly 296 for controlling an operating table, comprising three foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c. The foot-operated controller 200a, 200b, 200c can be mechanically connected to at least one other foot-operate controller 200a, 200b, 200c with appropriate attachment elements between the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c, for example with mechanical connector pairs 294a, 294b, 294c, 294d, the number of which is at least one per a pair of controllers, such that the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c make up the foot-operated controller assembly 296 consisting of two or three or more side-by-side foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c. Consequently, the user is capable of using in parallel two or three foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c for performing the most vital adjustments of an operating table or the like without each adjustment necessitating the use of a touchscreen in order to locate a menu for the component to be adjusted. Alternatively, the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c can have the outer casings/structure thereof designed so as to comprise the attachment elements 294a, 294b, 294c, 294d, which can be readily and releasably coupled with each other for establishing the foot-operated controller assembly 296. Alternatively, the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c need not be physically attached to each other, but can be just gathered closely together for easy location.

[0055] For example, when repeating some medical examination or procedure several times in succession, one of the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c can be programmed in such a way that, when pressing its footswitch 240, the operating table's height, its leg portion and its back portion become adjusted to a predetermined basic starting position, which has been stored in the memory of the foot-operated controller 200a, 200b, 200c and which makes it easy for a surgical patient to settle on the operating table. One of the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c can be programmed in such a way that, when pressing its footswitch 240, the operating table's height, its leg portion and its back portion become adjusted to a predetermined and stored basic procedure position for performing some specific medical examination or procedure on the patient. A third one of the foot-operated controllers 200a, 200b, 200c can be allocated to a fine adjustment of the basic positions should this be necessary for example due to the physical measurements or limitations of a patient.

[0056] Fig. 3 illustrates a control system 300, wherein at least one wireless foot-operated controller 310 is used for controlling an operating table 320 and/or its light fixture/camera unit 330, included in an operating room 314.

[0057] The foot-operated controller 310 features at least one touchscreen 312, at least one footswitch 314 intended to be controlled with a foot, at least one processor, and at least one memory with a computer program. The at least one memory and the computer program are adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller 310 at least to transmit a user-issued adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch 314, by means of a data transfer unit to the operating table 320 and/or to the light fixture/camera unit 330 for controlling its function according to the adjustment command, and to point out the to-be-adjusted function of the operating table 320 and/or the light fixture/camera unit 330 by way of the least one touchscreen 312. The data transfer unit may comprise for example an RF and/or IR transceiver.

[0058] The operating table 320 is includes a control unit 322 with at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one data transfer unit that comprises at least an RF and/or IR transceiver. By means of its data transfer unit, the operating table 320 communicates with the at least one foot-operated controller 310 wirelessly over an RF and/or IR connection 340. The control unit 322 has stored in its memory a computer program, which is adapted to receive adjustment commands that have arrived from the foot-operated controller 310 and on the basis of which it controls the operating table 320, as well as to transmit information to the foot-operated controller 310 regarding the operating table 320. The operating table 320 may also comprise its inherent control panel and/or hand-operated controller, thus enabling the control unit 322 to be controlled also from the inherent control panel and/or hand-operated controller of the operating table 320.

[0059] The light fixture/camera unit 330 included in the control system 300 features a control unit 332 with at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one data transfer unit that comprises at least an RF and/or IR transceiver. By means of the data transfer unit, the control unit 332 communicates with the at least one foot-operated controller 310 wirelessly over an RF and/or IR connection 340. The control unit 332 has stored in its memory a computer program, which is adapted to receive adjustment commands that have arrived from the foot-operated controller 310 and on the basis of which it controls at least one light fixture 334a,334b, 334c as well as a camera (not shown) integrated therewith. One or more of the cameras 334a, 334b, 334c can also be implemented without an integrated camera. The computer program is also adapted to transmit information to the foot-operated controller 310 regarding the light fixtures 334a, 334b, 334c and cameras. In the event of including at least one camera, the light fixture/camera unit 330 s additionally provided with at least one monitor 336 for displaying an image transmitted by the camera. The light fixture/camera unit 330 may also comprise its inherent control panel and/or hand-operated controller, thus enabling the control unit 332 to be controlled also from the inherent control panel and/or hand-operated controller of the light fixture/camera unit 330.

[0060] The foot-operated controller 310, the operating table 320 and its light fixture/camera unit 330 may constitute a wireless star network, wherein the foot-operated controller 310 functions as a central hub, and the operating table 320 and the light fixture/camera unit 330 do not communicate with each other. In addition, the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted to control monitors, for example switching the same on and off, and/or remote controlled power sockets or the like.

[0061] In the control system 300, the at least one memory and computer program of the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller 310 to present on the at least one touchscreen 312 a manual for adjusting a desired function with the footswitch 314. The adjustment can be effected at least on one of the following: the operating table 320, the at least one operating table light fixture/camera unit 330, and the at least one operating table monitor 336.

[0062] In the control system 300, the at least one memory and computer program of the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller 310 to present a user with at least one adjustable function by way of the at least one touchscreen 312, and/or to receive by way of the at least one touchscreen 312 a designation of the function selected by the user to be adjusted.

[0063] In the control system 300, the at least one memory and computer program of the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller 310 to present on the at least one touchscreen 312 the effect of a function adjustment.

[0064] In the control system 300, the at least one memory and computer program of the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to enable the foot-operated controller 310 to transmit an adjustment command to the operating table 320 and/or to its light fixture/camera unit 330 wirelessly by means of the foot-operated controller's 310 data transfer unit.

[0065] In the control system 300, the at least one memory and computer program of the foot-operated controller 310 can be adapted, jointly with the at least one processor, to further enable the foot-operated controller 310 to receive programming commands by way of the at least one touchscreen 312 for establishing a function to be adjusted by the foot-operated controller 310, and/or to store a user-established function in the foot-operated controller's 310 memory.

[0066] Described above are just a few exemplary embodiments of the invention. The principle according to the invention can naturally be varied within the scope of protection defined by the claims, regarding for example implementation details and fields of use.

Claims

1. A method (100) for controlling an operating table with a foot-operated controller, which comprises at least one foot-controlled footswitch, said method comprising
transmitting (170) a user-issued adjustment command, which has been received from the footswitch, to the operating table for controlling its function according to the adjustment command,
characterized in that
the foot-operated controller further comprises at least one touchscreen, by way of which is designated (130, 140, 180) an operating table function to be adjusted.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, which further comprises presenting (150) on the at least one touchscreen a manual for adjusting a selected function with the foot-operated controller.

3. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, wherein the designation of an operating table function to be adjusted by way of the at least one touchscreen comprises presenting (130) a user with at least one function to be adjusted, and/or receiving (140) the designation of a function selected by a user for adjustment.

4. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, wherein the designation of an operating table function to be adjusted comprises presenting (180) on the touchscreen the effect of adjusting the function.

5. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, which comprises transmitting an adjustment command to the operating table wirelessly by means of the foot-operated controller's data transfer unit.

6. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, which further comprises receiving (110) programming commands by way of the at least one touchscreen for establishing a function to be adjusted by the foot-operated controller, and/or storing (120) a user-established function in the foot-operated controller's memory.

7. A method as set forth in any of the preceding claims, wherein the foot-operated controller comprises at least one of the following: an operating table, at least one operating table light fixture/camera unit, and at least one operating table monitor.

8. A foot-operated controller (200) for controlling an operating table, said foot-operated controller comprising at least one touchscreen (230) and at least one footswitch (240), and which is adapted to carry out a method as set forth in any of claims 1-7.

9. A computer program (290) for controlling an operating table, which program, when executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out a method as set forth in any of claims 1-7.

10. A system (300) for controlling an operating table (320, 330, 336), said system including a foot-operated controller (310) which comprises at least one touchscreen (312) and at least one footswitch (314), said system being adapted to carry out a method as set forth in any of claims 1-7.

Drawing