Dialysis Device Assistance Through Real-Time Augmented Reality Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex medical devices like dialysis machines require extensive user training and manual study, posing a risk of improper operation under time pressure, especially when unusual tasks or malfunctions occur, necessitating rapid and reliable user assistance.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality (AR) device captures data on the device and user interactions, identifies operational settings, determines tasks, monitors user activities, and provides tailored assistance through optical, acoustic, and haptic indications based on an assistance scheme, using sensors and a control device to enhance user operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a user studies the manual and undergoes extensive training to operate a complex medical device, then the user gains knowledge and skill, but the time required for preparation increases and the user may still become stressed or nervous during unusual tasks or malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operation reliabilityVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

An augmented reality device serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex medical device, providing real-time guidance and assistance during operation. The AR device captures data about the medical device and user activities, identifies operational settings, determines tasks, and provides tailored assistance through visual overlays, thereby reducing the need for extensive prior training and minimizing user stress during unusual tasks or malfunctions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring user activities and device operational settings in real-time, then providing appropriate guidance through the augmented reality interface. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt assistance dynamically based on the user's current state and the device's operational context, improving reliability without requiring extensive pre-training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the medical device operates automatically with high complexity, then the device performs sophisticated functions, but the ease of operation decreases and users require extensive training

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiduser operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality device acts as an intermediary interface between the user and the complex medical device, translating sophisticated device functions into intuitive visual guidance. The AR system overlays contextual information, task instructions, and operational feedback directly in the user's field of view, making complex device operations more accessible and easier to perform without extensive training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service assistance by automatically detecting the device's operational setting and the user's current activities, then delivering tailored guidance without requiring the user to consult external manuals or seek additional training. The AR device adapts its assistance dynamically based on real-time data, enabling users to operate complex functions with greater ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the user operates the device under time pressure during unusual tasks or malfunctions, then rapid response is needed, but the user may make mistakes or not react quickly enough due to stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser response speedVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The augmented reality device provides preliminary action by pre-displaying task sequences and operational steps in the user's field of view before the user needs to execute them. The system anticipates required actions based on the current operational setting and presents guidance in advance, enabling users to respond rapidly and accurately even under time pressure during unusual tasks or malfunctions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous real-time feedback by monitoring user activities and comparing them with the required task sequence, then offering corrective guidance immediately when deviations are detected. This instantaneous feedback loop helps users maintain operational accuracy despite stress and time pressure, preventing mistakes while enabling rapid response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4618091A1Method for assisting a user and medical system
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP4618091A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4618091A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4618091A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an assistance of a user when dealing with a medical device such as a dialysis device. For this purpose, it is proposed to provide the user with assistance by means of an augmented reality device. The assistance may be provided by analysing a current situation and the needs of the user. An operational setting of the dialysis device is detected for providing automated assistance to a user. In further embodiments, the user can be assisted by an expert, wherein the user can be assisted for a full or partial automated selection of an appropriate expert.