Augmented Reality Guidance for Dialysis Device Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex medical devices, such as dialysis devices, require extensive user training and manual reading to operate safely, leading to potential user stress and mistakes during unusual tasks or malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing an augmented reality (AR) device that captures data via sensors, identifies device settings, monitors user activities, and provides assistance through an assistance scheme via optical, acoustic, or haptic indications to guide the user through tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user reads the manual or receives training to operate the medical device, then the user becomes familiar with the device operations, but the user requires significant time investment and must be present at the same location for training
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the user's current situation, device state, and task requirements before providing assistance. Sensors capture data about the user's activities and the device's operational setting in advance, allowing the control device to prepare context-specific guidance before the user actually needs it during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors, control device, and output device that mediates between the complex medical device and the user. This intermediary translates device states and operational requirements into simplified, context-relevant visual or acoustic guidance, eliminating the need for direct manual reading or in-person training.
2Reliability
If the user is trained by human trainers, then the user can learn device operations, but the trainer and user must be present at the same location
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service learning by providing automated, context-aware assistance that adapts to the user's specific situation. The control device analyzes sensor data about the user's activities and device state, then delivers personalized guidance without requiring human trainer intervention, allowing users to learn and operate the device independently at any location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human trainer-user interaction with an automated electronic system. Sensors capture user actions and device states, the control device processes this information, and output devices provide guidance, substituting the physical presence requirement of human trainers with an electronic information delivery system.
3Reliability
If the device provides comprehensive guidance to the user, then the user can perform tasks safely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is segmented into independent functional modules: sensors for data capture, control device for analysis and decision-making, and output devices for guidance delivery. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to provide comprehensive safety guidance without requiring the entire system to be understood or managed as a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides localized, context-specific guidance rather than comprehensive general instructions. The control device analyzes the user's current activity and device state to deliver targeted assistance only where needed, reducing the overall information burden while maintaining safety through precision-targeted guidance.
4Productivity
If the user operates the complex medical device without assistance, then the operation speed may be faster, but the risk of mistakes increases during unusual tasks or malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user activities through sensors and provides real-time feedback about the correctness of performed actions. The control device compares observed user behavior against expected procedures and delivers corrective guidance when deviations are detected, allowing users to maintain operational speed while reducing error rates through immediate feedback loops.
Data Source
AI summary
To assist a user when dealing with a medical device such as a hemodialysis (HD) device or a peritoneal dialysis (PD) device, the user is provided with assistance via an augmented reality device. The assistance may be provided by analyzing a current situation and the needs of the user. An operational setting of the dialysis device is detected for providing automated assistance to a user. The user can further be assisted by an expert, including a fully or partially automated process for selection of an appropriate expert.