Reactive Workflow System and Method

Abstract

A system and method for determining the consequent step of a multi step procedure determines the identity of components usable in the procedure. Based on the components introduced and the context of the procedure at the time the component is introduced determines a consequent step and moves to that determined consequent step.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A system to determine a consequent step within a multi-step procedure comprising:
 a first circuit that identifies a context within the procedure;   a second circuit that identifies a component usable in the procedure; and   a third circuit that determines the consequent step within the procedure based on the identity of the component and the context.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the context is a particular step within the procedure. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a fourth circuit to identify a particular location and wherein the third circuit determines the consequent step based on the location, the identity of the component, and the context. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a display unit that displays a representation related to the consequent step. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the component is a multipart component capable of self-identifying the component's composite parts. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the multipart component is a tool with an attached device wherein the tool can identify the attached device. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the multipart component is a tool with an attached device wherein the attached device separately identifiable. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the fourth circuit is incorporated within a navigation system. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a fifth circuit to configure the consequent step with a parameter of the component. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the consequent step is a warning that the component is inappropriate for the context. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the consequent step includes controlling a piece of auxiliary apparatus. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a sixth circuit to identify an additional component and wherein the third circuit determines the consequent step based on the identity of the component, the identity of the additional component, and the context. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a sixth circuit to move to the determined consequent step. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the procedure is a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 16  that includes a database of user preferences and wherein the third circuit determines the consequent step based on the database, the identity of the component, and the context.