Dialysis Machine User Interface Search for Faster Parameter Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex graphical user interfaces in medical devices, such as dialysis machines, make it difficult for operators to find specific information or input options, requiring extensive training and experience, especially as the interface becomes more complex.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with a control device that provides data access to digital files containing text and graphic information, allowing operators to select and input information using a search function, which can be accessed via a touchscreen display or acoustic input, simplifying the operation and making it safer by reducing the complexity of navigating menu structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the graphical user interface includes a variety of menu views and complex functions, then the device provides comprehensive information and input options, but the difficulty of finding specific information or input options increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive information accessVSAvoiddifficulty of finding information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically tracks the operator's information needs by monitoring selection behavior. When an operator selects a text part or graphic related to a resource, the system automatically provides the relevant operating parameters and input options without requiring the operator to manually navigate through multiple menu views or know the exact location of the information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical menu navigation system with a text-based search and selection system. Instead of requiring operators to physically navigate through hierarchical menu structures, the system allows direct text selection and automatic information retrieval, substituting manual navigation with automated information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If the graphical user interface is designed with multiple menu views, then specific information can be organized thematically, but the number of operator inputs required to access information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation organizationVSAvoidnumber of operator inputs
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential information elements (text parts and graphics related to resources) from the complex menu structure and makes them directly selectable. By separating the information content from the navigational framework, operators can directly access needed information without traversing the menu hierarchy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing by pre-organizing text parts and graphics related to resources in an accessible format. When operators need information, it is already prepared and可直接 selected, eliminating the need for sequential menu navigation and reducing the number of operator inputs required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the graphical user interface becomes more complex to provide special functions, then more capabilities are available, but extensive training and experience are required to operate it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecial functions availabilityVSAvoidtraining requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically adapting to the operator's information needs. Instead of requiring operators to learn complex menu structures, the system monitors selections and automatically delivers relevant information and input options, making the device usable without extensive training while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3374892B1Medical instrument with user assistance and method
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3374892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3374892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3374892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of medical instruments, particularly of dialysis machines. To simplify the input and output of information into a user interface and to increase the safety of the operation of the medical instrument, the invention proposes that the medical instrument has data access to at least one file relating to the medical instrument, with parts of the file being displayable, and with parts within a displayed part of a file that relate to resources of the medical instrument being selectable. Following selection of such a part, operating parameters of the relevant resources become visible or adjustable.