Patient Bed Interface Buttons Dynamic Illumination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient support systems, such as beds in care facilities, face user confusion due to numerous and complex input options, leading to undesirable user interactions and increased manufacturing and inventory costs, as existing interfaces do not effectively manage unavailable operations or customize for varying patient needs.
Innovation Solution
A patient bed with a control system and interface device featuring buttons that darken or pulse based on predetermined thresholds, such as position or pressure limits, to indicate unavailable operations and suggest preferred positions, reducing user confusion and enhancing customization across different patient support configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of input options on the patient support interface is increased to provide more control functions, then the functionality and versatility of the system is improved, but user confusion increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically changes the visibility state of buttons based on real-time system conditions. Buttons transition between illuminated (available) and darkened (unavailable) states according to whether their corresponding functions can be executed, providing context-aware guidance without requiring permanent interface changes
Solution Approach 2:
The interface uses illumination intensity changes to encode functional availability information. Buttons are illuminated when their functions are available and darkened when unavailable, creating an intuitive visual language that reduces user confusion about which operations can be performed
2Ease of manufacture
If a universal interface device is used across different patient support configurations, then manufacturing costs and inventory requirements are reduced, but the ability to accommodate varying patient needs and control options is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A single interface device design serves multiple patient support configurations by dynamically adapting button availability rather than requiring physical customization. The same hardware platform can support different bed types, functions, and control schemes through software-controlled button illumination states
Solution Approach 2:
The interface adapts to different patient support configurations by changing the operational parameters of existing buttons rather than requiring different hardware. Button functionality and visibility are adjusted based on the specific patient support type and patient needs, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes
3Ease of operation
If all buttons remain illuminated to indicate availability, then user visibility and ease of operation are improved, but the indication of unavailable operations becomes unclear and user confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface uses illumination intensity as a visual indicator of functional availability. Buttons transition between bright (available) and dark (unavailable) states, providing clear information about which operations can be performed without compromising the visibility of available functions
Solution Approach 2:
The interface provides real-time feedback about system state and functional availability through button illumination changes. When a function becomes unavailable, the corresponding button darkens to inform the user, creating a continuous feedback loop between system state and user interface
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
The solution simplifies user interaction by clearly indicating unavailable options and guiding users toward recommended settings, reducing confusion and enhancing the human-machine interface while allowing for universal interface customization across diverse patient support systems, thus improving user experience and reducing manufacturing and inventory complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The interface device includes a number of buttons for user selection to selectively position the deck, and at least one light source for illuminating the number of buttons. The at least one light source is configured to darken selective ones of the number of buttons responsive to the position of the deck reaching at least one predetermined threshold.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patient bed includes an interface device having buttons for positioning the patient bed to accommodate a patient's body. The buttons can be illuminated, and can be responsively dimmed when the patient bed reaches movement thresholds to communicate to the user that further movement according to the particular button is discouraged and/or unavailable.