Bilingual Language Controller for Automated External Defibrillator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated external defibrillators (AEDs) face challenges in providing instructions in multiple languages, which can be distracting and time-consuming for users during high-stress rescues, and require complex manufacturing and distribution processes to accommodate different languages.

Innovation Solution

A portable medical device, such as an AED, is equipped with a labeled language controller that senses and configures itself to provide audible instructions in the identified language, allowing end-user configuration and ensuring language labeling matches the device's behavior, with an optional button for toggling between languages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AEDs are pre-programmed with multiple languages and require user selection during operation, then multilingual capability is provided, but user distraction and time consumption increase during high-stress rescues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultilingual capabilityVSAvoiduser distraction during rescue
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The language controller is pre-configured with a specific language before the AED is deployed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for language selection during the rescue operation, allowing the device to automatically provide instructions in the pre-selected language without distracting the user during the critical rescue moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AED with a pre-configured language controller serves itself by automatically operating in the correct language without requiring user intervention for language selection. The device self-determines the language to be used based on the pre-configured controller, eliminating the need for user distraction during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If AEDs are manufactured with multiple language options, then multilingual support is achieved, but manufacturing and distribution complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultilingual supportVSAvoidmanufacturing and distribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multilingual capability is segmented into separate language controller units, each configured for a specific language. Instead of integrating all languages into a single complex device, the language functionality is divided into modular controllers that can be individually manufactured and configured, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The language capability is achieved by changing the configuration parameter of the language controller rather than changing the hardware architecture. Each language controller is configured with a specific language parameter, allowing the same hardware platform to support multiple languages through simple parameter adjustment during configuration, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2809396B1Bilingual language controller for an automated external defibrillator
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2809396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2809396B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2809396B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A language controller (20) is described which can be installed on the front face of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in order to establish the language of the AED user interface. The language controller is in the form of a labeled plaque (210) which informs the user which language is currently in use. The plaque may also contain a button (222) which enables toggling from one language to another. Memory may also reside in the plaque to provide language data to the AED.