Object-Discriminating Footswitch Interface for Pre-Activation Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control interfaces for industrial and medical equipment lack reliable feedback mechanisms to prevent unintended actuation, posing safety risks as operators may accidentally activate equipment without knowing the connected device or function, especially in situations where the footswitch is not visible and requires attention away from the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A control interface with sensors that detect the profile, position, and motion of objects within a sensing field, comparing these attributes to stored values to generate a control signal for pre-activation warnings or to enable/disable input devices, ensuring accurate actuation by distinguishing between valid operator inputs and other objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a footswitch control interface is used to operate surgical equipment, then the operator's hands are freed to perform the procedure, but the operator cannot see the footswitch and may accidentally activate the wrong function
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the foot's approach and position in the sensing field before the actual actuation occurs. The sensor detects the profile, position, and motion of the foot, and the system generates a pre-activation alert before the input device is fully actuated, giving the operator a chance to cancel or confirm the action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through a display showing which function is about to be activated based on the detected foot position and motion. This feedback loop allows the operator to see the intended action before it occurs, preventing accidental activation of wrong functions while maintaining hands-free operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions are connected to a single footswitch, then equipment versatility is improved, but the operator cannot know which function is active without taking eyes off the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The display provides continuous feedback about which function is currently active and what action will be taken when the footswitch is actuated. This allows the operator to maintain awareness of the system state without diverting attention from the procedure, resolving the information loss problem while preserving multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual indicators such as color changes or lighting patterns to indicate different active functions and states of the footswitch. This provides intuitive, at-a-glance information about system status without requiring the operator to read detailed displays or take eyes off the procedure.
3Extent of automation
If the sensor detects any object in the sensing field, then the system responds to any potential input, but unintended objects may trigger false actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system defines specific zones within the sensing field corresponding to different input devices and functions. Each zone has localized detection parameters, and the sensor determines which specific zone the object is in. This allows the system to automatically detect valid inputs while ignoring objects in incorrect locations, preventing false actuation while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting the object's profile, position, and motion characteristics before triggering actuation. This preliminary detection phase allows the system to distinguish between valid foot inputs and unintended objects, reducing false actuation while preserving automatic response to legitimate inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
A control interface includes a sensor having a sensing field projecting adjacent to one or more input devices such as switches actuated by an operator. The control interface detects the profile, position, and/or motion of objects in the sensing field and compares these to stored values of profile, position, and/or motion representing a valid operator attempt to actuate the input device. Upon detection of a valid attempt to actuate the input device, the control interface generates a control signal that may be communicated to an operator or to connected equipment. The control signal is generated before operator makes contact with the input device. The control signal may be used to provide a pre-activation alert to the operator with identifying the input device about to be actuated. Alternatively, the control interface may disable input devices until a valid attempt to actuate the input device is detected, and the control signal is used to enable the input device.