Consolidated Medical Display Interface for Multi-System Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of multiple medical systems in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is hindered by the need for separate visual displays and input devices, which occupy space and cause confusion among healthcare professionals.

Innovation Solution

A consolidated user interface system that integrates multiple medical systems onto a single display with an active and inactive display area, using a controller to select and switch between systems based on predetermined procedures or user input, allowing a single input device to control multiple systems seamlessly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate medical systems each have their own visual display and input device, then each system can be operated independently, but the procedure room requires more space and there is increased risk of confusion among healthcare professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent system operationVSAvoidprocedure room space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate medical system displays and input devices into a single integrated display unit. The display shows multiple system interfaces simultaneously or sequentially, and a single input device can control multiple systems, thereby reducing the physical space required while maintaining the ability to operate each system independently through software-based separation of functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated display and input device serve multiple functions by supporting operation of different medical systems. The display can show interfaces for various systems (e.g., imaging, navigation, monitoring) and the input device can send commands to different systems, making the single unit universal rather than dedicated to one system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate medical systems each have their own visual display and input device, then each system can be operated independently, but there is increased risk of confusion among healthcare professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent system operationVSAvoidrisk of confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple system interfaces into a single display, the patent reduces the number of separate visual sources that could cause confusion. The integrated display presents information from multiple systems in a unified, coordinated manner, making it clearer which system is currently active and reducing the cognitive load on healthcare professionals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback through the integrated display to indicate which medical system is currently active or being controlled. This feedback mechanism helps healthcare professionals understand system states and prevents accidental control of the wrong system, thereby reducing confusion and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Area of stationary object

If a consolidated user interface integrates multiple medical systems onto a single display, then space requirements are reduced and confusion is minimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure room spaceVSAvoidinterface integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated display and input device are designed with universal functionality to support multiple medical systems. Rather than creating separate dedicated displays for each system, a single multi-functional interface is used, which reduces physical space while the software architecture manages the complexity of supporting multiple systems through standardized protocols and interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If a consolidated user interface integrates multiple medical systems onto a single display, then the operation is simplified and workflow efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplificationVSAvoidinterface integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control interfaces into a single unified display that presents information from different medical systems in an integrated view. This consolidation simplifies operation by reducing the number of separate devices the operator must manage, while the backend software handles the complexity of interfacing with multiple systems through standardized communication protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8242972B2System state driven display for medical procedures

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 STEREOTAXIS INC

AI summary

A method of performing a multi-step medical procedure requiring the operation of a plurality of separate computer systems, each accepting inputs and providing a visual display, the method including displaying the displays from the separate computer controlled systems on a composite display; and based in part from information from one of the separate computer systems, automatically selecting the next step from a plurality of possible next steps, and displaying a prompt for the automatically selected next step, and automatically reconfiguring the composite display for the automatically selected next step.