Hospital Bed Touch Interface With Animated Graphical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user modules for patient supports are often cumbersome and non-intuitive, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration due to lack of clear feedback and complex interfaces, making it difficult for caregivers to manage automated therapy functions and patient data effectively.
Innovation Solution
A user module with a communication interface, input device, and output device featuring a visual display that uses graphical depictions and animated elements to communicate selections and status, along with touch sensors for easy configuration, addressing the complexity and feedback issues of existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional user modules are fixed in or coupled to siderail or footboard, then device stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome design and non-intuitive interface
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple independent control elements including voice recognition module, touch-sensitive display, and physical buttons. Each control mode can be used independently or in combination, allowing users to interact with the most convenient interface for their specific needs while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A microprocessor-based control system serves as an intermediary between various input devices (voice, touch, buttons) and the patient support functions. This intermediary processes all inputs through a unified interface, providing consistent feedback and control regardless of the input method used, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional user modules provide extensive informational content on compact displays, then quantity of information is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in verifying single changed parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail in different display regions. Critical parameters such as patient weight and therapy status are highlighted with visual indicators and larger display elements, while less critical information is shown in smaller text. This allows extensive information to be presented while maintaining ease of verification for important parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color changes and visual indicators to highlight changed parameters and important information. When a parameter changes, the display updates with color-coded indicators that draw attention to the specific modified value, making it easy to verify changes even when extensive information is displayed simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If conventional user modules use text-based instructions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to language barriers and lack of intuitive understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from one-dimensional text-based instructions to multi-dimensional communication by incorporating voice recognition, visual icons, and graphical representations alongside text. This allows the same information to be conveyed through multiple sensory channels, maintaining precision while dramatically improving intuitiveness and eliminating language barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses graphical icons and visual representations that copy or symbolize the actual patient support functions and patient position. These visual copies provide intuitive understanding without requiring text comprehension, while still conveying precise operational information through standardized symbolic language.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional user modules require multiple steps for configuration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced caregiver efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preset configuration options and default settings that are pre-programmed with clinically appropriate parameters. Caregivers can quickly select from pre-configured therapy settings rather than manually adjusting each parameter, maintaining configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing setup time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to caregivers during configuration, confirming selections and alerting to potential errors. This feedback mechanism ensures configuration accuracy is maintained while allowing faster adjustment of parameters, as caregivers receive immediate confirmation without needing to carefully verify each setting manually.
Data Source
AI summary
A user module for a patient support apparatus is provided. The user module has a user interface operably coupled thereto. The user interface includes an input device and an output device. The output device includes a visual display including textual and non-textual elements. The non-textual elements include enhanced, graphical, and animated portions relating to one or more operational features of the patient support or to a person positionable on the patient support. The input device includes one or more touch sensors corresponding to defined regions of the visual display.