Augmented Reality Patient Interface Fitting Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for selecting and fitting patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and PAP therapy are time-consuming, wasteful, and often inaccurate, as they require trying multiple devices and rely heavily on caregiver expertise, leading to potential discomfort and leakage issues due to improper fitting.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality apparatus and method that uses real-time image processing and stored data files to visualize different patient interface device geometries and styles directly on a patient's face, allowing clinicians to assess sizing and fit without physically trying devices, and identify potential problems or provide instructions for use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple patient interface devices are physically tried on the patient to determine proper fit, then the accuracy of device selection is improved, but the time required for the fitting process increases and devices may be damaged or wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection accuracyVSAvoidfitting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create virtual copies of patient interface devices that can be overlaid on real-time images of the patient's face. This allows multiple device types and sizes to be visualized without physically trying them on, eliminating device damage/waste and reducing fitting time while maintaining selection accuracy through virtual visualization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error fitting process with an augmented reality system that uses image processing and virtual overlay technology. The system captures real-time images, processes them to identify facial features, and superimposes virtual device representations to determine proper fit without physical contact with actual devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple patient interface devices are physically tried on the patient to determine proper fit, then the accuracy of device selection is improved, but device waste increases due to opening and trying multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection accuracyVSAvoiddevice waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If the fitting process relies on caregiver expertise and experience, then the accuracy of device selection can be improved, but the complexity and difficulty of the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice selection accuracyVSAvoidfitting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality system performs automatic facial feature detection, device visualization, and fit assessment without requiring extensive caregiver expertise. The system independently processes images, identifies key facial landmarks, and presents virtual device options with fit indicators, making the process accessible to caregivers with varying levels of experience while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If a patient interface device does not properly fit the patient, then the comfort of the patient is improved (by avoiding ill-fitting devices), but leakage increases due to gaps between the device and patient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidbreathing gas leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality system performs preliminary virtual fitting assessment before the actual device is applied to the patient. By visualizing how the device will contact the patient's face and identifying potential gap areas beforehand, the system enables caregivers to select the correct size and type, preventing both discomfort and leakage issues before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10459232B2Augmented reality patient interface device fitting apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An augmented reality apparatus for facilitating a patient interface device fitting process includes a device or system for providing a real-time image of the patient, and a processor apparatus structured to: (i) store a plurality of augmented reality component data files, each of the augmented reality component data files relating to either a structure or an aspect of one or more particular patient interface devices or a problem that may be encountered in the fitting process, and (ii) cause an augmented real-time image to be created and transmitted by the augmented reality apparatus by augmenting the real-time image using at least one of the augmented reality component data files.