Touch Screen Interface for Dialysis Machine Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces in dialysis machines are cumbersome and time-consuming for non-specialized operators during preparation procedures, which are critical and laborious, especially in intensive therapy settings where rapid intervention is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a touch-screen display divided into two areas, where touch keys in the first area trigger the display of corresponding images and pictographs in the second area, providing step-by-step visual instructions for machine preparation, reducing the complexity and time required for setting up the extracorporeal blood treatment machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional user interface with multiple menus and text-based instructions is used, then comprehensive control and information display are achieved, but the preparation time and operational complexity increase significantly for non-specialized operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pictorial copies and visual representations of the extracorporeal circuit components and connection points instead of text-based instructions. The touch-sensitive display shows graphical depictions of the blood pump, dialyzer, drip chamber, and other components with visual indicators showing where connections should be made, allowing operators to quickly understand and perform preparation tasks without reading complex text manuals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction (physical manuals, switches, buttons) with a touch-sensitive display system. The interface uses visual feedback and graphical representations to guide operators through preparation procedures, substituting text-based and physical instruction systems with an intuitive visual-tactile interface that reduces cognitive load and preparation time
2Loss of information
If detailed text-based instructions and multiple menu levels are provided, then complete procedural information is available, but the interface becomes cumbersome and difficult for non-expert users to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional text-based instructions to two-dimensional graphical representations on a touch-sensitive display. The interface presents spatial and visual information about circuit connections, component positions, and procedural steps through pictorial displays that show the entire system layout at once, allowing operators to grasp complex information quickly without navigating through multiple text menus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user interface into distinct functional areas on the display, with different visual zones showing different aspects of the extracorporeal circuit. The interface can display multiple pieces of information simultaneously in separate visual regions, and can be segmented to show different levels of detail depending on the preparation stage, reducing the need for operators to drill down through complex menu structures
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for extracorporeal blood treatment includes a user interface having a touch screen and a controller programmed to display on a screen (16) a display in which two distinct areas are arranged, one of which (161) exhibits a series of touch keys (17), wherein activation of any one touch key (17) causes visualization of an image in a second area (162) of the screen, wherein the images are displayed alternatively and are at least partly different one from another, wherein each touch key (17) is associated to an instruction, or to a group of instructions, each concerned with readying the machine for use, wherein each image is a pictograph of a configuration of the machine, correlated with an instruction associated to the touch key (17) selected, and wherein the operator is aided in making the machine ready for treatment.