Intelligent human-machine interface

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for an intelligent human-machine interface. By way of example, but not limited thereto, embodiments of methods and apparatus are presented of an intelligent human-machine interface for the operating room, and more particularly, to systems and processes for real-time management and feedback of process control, situational awareness, logistics, communication, and documentation, herein referred to as system. One element of the system, among others, provides a knowledge base that organizes information and rules that enables an accurate, relevant and timely decision support system. The knowledge base is represented in a hierarchical structure of functions and systems. The system serves as platform for the avoidance, detection and timely correction of errors, and as such, acts as a countermeasure to error.

1 . An intelligent human-machine interface comprising:
 an interface shell;   a system agent including one or more dynamic, knowledge-based software object sub-agents adapted to model and track the state of a work area; and   a function agent adapted to model, track, and facilitate work area functions, the interface shell adapted to provide a hardware and software interface between the system agent and the function agent.   
   
   
       2 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a dynamic documentation system in communication with the function agents and system agents.   
   
   
       3 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 1 , adapted to track the movement of specific instruments. 
   
   
       4 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 3 , adapted to indicate key milestones in a work process. 
   
   
       5 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 2 , wherein voice recognition and specific workstation input identifies a human actor and holds the actor responsible for the accuracy and effort to accomplish a checklist-prescribed event, the interface shell adapted to provide intelligent prompts projected on a monitor providing situational and logistics information. 
   
   
       6 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 2 , wherein the dynamic documentation system tracks events and anticipates the next likely step, cueing operator and team members. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . A method for providing an intelligent human-machine interface comprising:
 providing an interface shell;   providing a system agent including one or more dynamic, knowledge-based software object sub-agents adapted to model and track the state of a work area; and   providing a function agent adapted to model, track, and facilitate work area functions, the interface shell adapted to provide a hardware and software interface between the system agent and the function agent.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 providing a dynamic documentation system in communication with the function agents and system agents.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the interface shell is adapted to track the movement of specific instruments. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 providing voice recognition and specific workstation input so as to identify a human actor and holds the actor responsible for the accuracy and effort to accomplish a checklist-prescribed event, the interface shell adapted to provide intelligent prompts projected on a monitor providing situational and logistics information.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the dynamic documentation system tracks events and anticipates the next likely step, cueing operator and team members. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 providing a layering architecture, comprising:   a tracking layer;   an equipment and supply management layer adapted to takes the information from the tracking layer and processes the information in regards to records, inventory and maintenance systems;   a coordination layer adapted to take information from the tracking layer and the equipment and supply management layer to develop an image of what is occurring in comparison to what an overall plan is based;   a situational awareness layer in communication with the tracking layer and adapted to provide output features of the various interfaces; and   an oversight layer is adapted to combine the information from the situational awareness with the function agents to determine if processes are being preformed correctly.   
   
   
       15 . An intelligent human-machine interface for an operating room, comprising:
 an interface shell;   a system agent including one or more dynamic, knowledge-based software object sub-agents adapted to model and track the state of the operating room; and   a function agent adapted to model, track, and facilitate operating room functions, the interface shell adapted to provide a hardware and software interface between the system agent and the function agent.   
   
   
       16 . The intelligent human-machine interface for an operating room of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a dynamic documentation system in communication with the function agents and system agents.   
   
   
       17 . The intelligent human-machine interface for an operating room of  claim 15 , further comprising means to track the movement of specific instruments in communication with the function agent. 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . The intelligent human-machine interface for an operating room of  claim 16 , further comprising means for voice recognition and specific operating room input adapted to identify a human actor and hold the actor responsible for the accuracy and effort to accomplish a checklist-prescribed event, the interface shell adapted to provide intelligent prompts projected on a monitor providing situational and logistics information. 
   
   
       20 . The intelligent human-machine interface for an operating room of  claim 16 , wherein the dynamic documentation system tracks surgical events and anticipates the next likely step, cueing operator and team members. 
   
   
       21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 15 , further comprising: means to transmit changes aimed at process optimization to all human actors, mechanical elements, and support systems in order to enhance quality. 
   
   
       23 . The intelligent human-machine interface of  claim 15 , further comprising means for providing decision support to the human actors involved in the process. 
   
   
       24 - 30 . (canceled)