AR Training for Medical Devices Using Component Tags

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing training methods for medical devices, such as dialysis machines, are often static and paper-based, which can limit the effectiveness of training and device troubleshooting, especially for home users with limited technical skills.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses augmented reality (AR) technology, where a medical device is equipped with tags associated with its components, and an electronic mobile device executes an AR application to provide interactive and dynamic training, maintenance, and troubleshooting instructions, including real-time feedback and video conferencing with expert technicians.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional paper-based instructions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but training effectiveness and user understanding deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the physical medical device, allowing users to interact with a digital representation that displays detailed information about components, setup procedures, and troubleshooting without requiring physical manuals or complex documentation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a mobile device and AR application that mediates between the physical medical device and the user, providing enhanced information and guidance without requiring the user to directly handle complex documentation or technical manuals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If simplified device design is implemented for home use, then ease of operation is improved, but troubleshooting capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidtroubleshooting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AR system provides real-time guidance and troubleshooting information to users based on their interactions with the simplified device, enabling them to resolve issues independently through dynamic information delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides preliminary troubleshooting information and guidance through the AR system before issues arise or escalate, giving users the knowledge and tools needed to handle common problems that may occur with simplified device designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250166813A1Augmented Reality-Based Training and Troubleshooting for Medical Devices
Publication Date: 2025.05.22 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS INC
  • US20250166813A1 patent drawing
  • US20250166813A1 patent drawing
  • US20250166813A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Augmented reality-based training and troubleshooting is described for medical devices. An electronic mobile device can be equipped with an AR application that, when executed, causes the electronic mobile device to provide augmented reality-based training on how to set up, or perform maintenance on, one or more components of a medical device. The AR application, when executed, can also cause the electronic mobile device to provide augmented reality-based troubleshooting for one or more components of a medical device.