Acoustic Sensor Mediator for Nurse Call Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices struggle to automatically and efficiently notify clinicians of acoustic alarms from medical devices, especially when clinicians are not in close proximity, and existing solutions are often costly and require cumbersome wiring or incompatible communication protocols, leading to potential delays and increased anxiety for patients.
Innovation Solution
A medical notification apparatus comprising an acoustic sensor, signal processing unit, and interface unit that generates and transmits a message signal to a healthcare facility call system based on specific identification criteria, using wireless communication and customizable message signals to differentiate between important and non-important alarms, without the need for extensive device replacement or wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If acoustic alarm signals are made louder to be heard from greater distances, then the alarm can be heard by clinicians farther away, but it disturbs patients in other rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary notification system that converts acoustic alarm signals into visual notifications on a display device. The acoustic sensor detects the alarm, the signal processing unit analyzes it, and the interface unit triggers a visual alert on a remote display, eliminating the need for loud acoustic propagation through the hospital space.
2Reliability
If medical devices are equipped with wired connections to nurse call systems, then reliable communication is achieved, but the wiring becomes cumbersome and presents safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an acoustic sensing system. Instead of using physical wires to connect medical devices to the nurse call system, the invention uses acoustic sensors to detect alarm sounds and wirelessly transmits notification signals to the display device, eliminating all wiring-related safety hazards and mobility restrictions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If medical devices incorporate communications hardware and software for specific nurse call systems, then compatibility with the healthcare facility system is achieved, but the device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standalone intermediary device that acts as a bridge between any medical device emitting acoustic alarms and the healthcare facility's nurse call system. This intermediary contains the communication interface and compatibility logic, allowing it to work with multiple different nurse call systems without requiring each medical device to be customized for a specific system, thereby keeping individual device costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification apparatus is designed with universal compatibility across multiple nurse call system protocols. The signal processing unit can recognize and translate various acoustic alarm patterns into standardized notification signals that work with different healthcare facility systems, making the solution broadly applicable without requiring system-specific modifications to each medical device.
4Loss of time
If clinicians remain close to medical devices to hear acoustic alarms, then they can respond to alarms promptly, but their mobility and ability to perform other tasks is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote notification intermediary that captures acoustic alarm signals and relays them to clinicians through a display device in their workspace. This allows clinicians to remain at a distance from the medical devices, maintaining mobility and ability to perform other tasks, while still receiving immediate visual notifications of alarms without needing to be physically close to hear acoustic signals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables timely and cost-effective notification of clinicians about critical medical device alarms, reducing patient anxiety and eliminating the need for extensive device upgrades or wiring, while allowing for customization to suit clinical needs.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor configured to generate a sensor signal in response to an acoustic alarm indicative of a medical device parameter
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical notification apparatus and method for use with a preexisting healthcare facility nurse call system are disclosed. The apparatus sends a message signal to the healthcare facility call system when the apparatus receives and identifies an acoustic signal indicative of a medical device alarm or other parameter. The apparatus comprises an acoustic sensor, a signal processing unit, and an interface unit. A band pass filter, timing gate, and a processor are configured in one embodiment to process the received acoustic signal to identify an acoustic alarm. A memory device may be used to store a set of identification criteria for identifying a variety of acoustic alarms, and to store a set of message signals. The sent message signal is selected from among the stored set of message signals.