Interchangeable Faceplates for Medical Device Interface Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical device user interfaces, such as patient monitors, often lack customization options, which can lead to inefficiencies when shared among multiple caregivers with different preferences, as they may require different input configurations and settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interchangeable faceplates with varying input devices and memory storage for user interface preferences allows caregivers to customize the interface by selecting a faceplate that suits their needs, including buttons, knobs, and touch screens, with options for alarm limits, display layouts, and language settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If patient monitors are shared among multiple caregivers, then device availability and resource utilization are improved, but user interface customization and ease of operation deteriorate because different caregivers have different preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple interchangeable faceplates, each tailored to different caregiver preferences. Instead of a single fixed interface, the system divides the interface into modular components that can be swapped independently, allowing each caregiver to select their preferred configuration while sharing the same monitor device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic reconfigurability through interchangeable faceplates that can be attached or removed as needed. This allows the user interface to adapt dynamically to different users without requiring permanent customization or complex software configurations, enabling quick switching between different caregiver preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input device configurations are provided, then adaptability to different user preferences is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple faceplates and configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple faceplates are designed with a universal mounting interface that fits all monitor models within the product line. This universal compatibility reduces the complexity of maintaining different mounting mechanisms for each configuration, allowing the same base unit to support multiple input device configurations through standardized faceplate attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing multiple complex software configuration systems, the patent uses physical copies of interface elements in the form of interchangeable faceplates. Each faceplate is a physical copy of a complete interface configuration, eliminating the need for complex software-based customization while maintaining adaptability across different user preferences.
3Ease of operation
If interchangeable faceplates with memory storage are implemented, then user interface customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Memory storage components are nested within the faceplate structure during manufacturing. The memory element is integrated into the faceplate assembly in a compact manner, allowing the faceplate to serve dual purposes as both the physical interface and the storage medium for user preferences, thereby reducing overall system complexity rather than increasing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory storage in each faceplate enables self-service customization. When a faceplate is attached to the monitor, it automatically loads its stored configuration settings without requiring manual setup or complex programming. This self-configuring capability simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for individual customization during assembly, while still providing extensive customization options to users.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to customization of user interfaces for medical devices. According to certain embodiments, patient monitors may include a device body designed to interface with interchangeable and removable faceplates. The faceplates may include input devices for controlling the patient monitor. Further, the properties of the input devices, such as the size, shape, labels, type, and location, may vary between faceplates. Further, in certain embodiments, the faceplates may include a memory for storing preferences associated with the user interface.