Data Eyeglasses for Surgical Instrument Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation and handling of surgical instruments in cleaning and disinfection devices are complex due to the variety of instruments and their specific requirements, leading to cumbersome and error-prone processes, especially when relying on outdated or unavailable manual instructions.
Innovation Solution
A user assistance system using data glasses with a camera and imaging optical module that projects information onto a projection surface, identifying surgical instruments and providing visual and audio instructions for correct handling and connection, eliminating the need for manual consultation and reducing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual instructions (leaflets/manuals) are used to guide cleaning operations, then information about instrument handling is provided, but the user must handle both the instrument and the guide simultaneously which is cumbersome and reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera, processing unit, and display device that mediates between the cleaning instructions and the user. The camera captures images of the surgical instrument, the processing unit identifies the instrument type and retrieves corresponding cleaning instructions, and the display device presents these instructions to the user. This intermediary system eliminates the need for users to physically handle separate manual guides while maintaining access to comprehensive cleaning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical manuals and leaflets with an electronic information delivery system. Instead of users physically consulting paper or plastic guides, the system uses digital image processing, database retrieval, and electronic display to deliver cleaning instructions. This substitution eliminates the physical handling burden while preserving information accessibility.
2Reliability
If detailed manual guides are provided for each surgical instrument type, then accurate cleaning instructions are available, but updating information requires exchanging numerous physical handouts which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of cleaning instructions stored in a database accessible by the processing unit. Instead of maintaining multiple physical copies of manuals for different instrument types, the system stores digital representations of cleaning procedures that can be rapidly retrieved and displayed. This digital copying approach ensures information accuracy while enabling easy updates through simple database modifications rather than physical manual redistribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic information system where cleaning instructions can be updated in real-time through database modifications. The system transitions from static physical manuals to a dynamic digital database that can be remotely updated, allowing the information to adapt to new instrument types or changed cleaning protocols without requiring physical manual exchanges.
3Loss of information
If the user consults manual instructions while preparing the surgical instrument, then correct handling information is obtained, but both hands are occupied making safe insertion and connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary information delivery mechanism that presents cleaning instructions through a display device visible to the user without requiring physical handling of manual guides. The camera captures the instrument, the system retrieves instructions, and the display presents them in the user's field of vision, allowing hands-free access to information and reducing contamination risk during instrument preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the information delivery from a two-dimensional physical manual that requires manual handling to a digital display interface that can be viewed without physical contact. By projecting or displaying information in the user's visual field, the system provides another dimension for information access that eliminates the need for hand-to-manual interaction, thereby reducing contamination risks.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a user assistance system (2) of a cleaning and disinfecting device (4), to a cleaning and disinfecting device (4) and to a method for operating a user assistance system (2) as well as to a computer program product. The user assistance system (2) comprises data eyeglasses (14) which have a camera (16) and an image-forming optical module. The imaging-forming optical module is designed to project information items on a projection surface arranged in the field of vision of the user of the data eyeglasses (14). A data memory (28) is provided, on which a multitude of data sets regarding different types of surgical instruments (5) are stored. An identification feature of a particular type of surgical instrument (5) is identified in a sensed image and visual data relating to instructions regarding the cleaning of this type are displayed to the user of the data eyeglasses (14).