Handheld 3D Motion Input for Patient Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients in healthcare settings who are unable to communicate effectively through speech or writing due to intubation, orofacial injuries, or cognitive and motor impairments face challenges in conveying needs or answering questions, as they lack the lung capacity or dexterity to use traditional communication tools like speaking valves or keypads/keywords.
Innovation Solution
A patient communication system comprising a hand-held data input subsystem that senses and wirelessly conveys three-dimensional movements, allowing interaction with a graphical user interface on a display device, which adapts to user motion sensitivity and provides audible feedback, enabling flexible communication without requiring a fixed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional communication tools like speaking valves or keypads are used, then communication can be established, but patients with motor impairments cannot operate them due to lack of hand dexterity and fine motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (keypads, buttons) with a voice-activated system that uses acoustic signals for input. The speech-to-text conversion module transforms spoken words into text, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and fine motor control while maintaining communication effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed to serve multiple patient needs through a single integrated system. It combines voice recognition, text display, and environmental control capabilities, making it adaptable to various communication scenarios and patient conditions without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If speaking valves are used for intubated patients, then speech communication is enabled, but patients lack the lung capacity to use them effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical speaking valve mechanism with an electronic speech-to-text conversion system. Patients can communicate by speaking softly or even whispering, as the sensitive microphones and algorithms amplify and process their voices, eliminating the need for strong lung capacity required by traditional speaking valves.
3Device complexity
If fixed position keypads are used, then communication input is provided, but patients cannot interact flexibly due to positioning constraints and fixed interaction modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the system adjusts to individual patient preferences and abilities. The interface can be customized in terms of display preferences, voice recognition sensitivity, and response patterns, allowing the same device to adapt to different patients' needs rather than requiring patients to adapt to a fixed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of various parameters including voice sensitivity thresholds, display font sizes, response time delays, and communication modes. These parameter adjustments enable the device to accommodate different patient capabilities and preferences without changing the fundamental device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient communication system comprises a hand-held data input subsystem and a display subsystem. The data input subsystem may be configured to sense, and wirelessly convey, information associated with 3-D movement of the data input subsystem, and actuation of a signaling element within the data input subsystem. The display subsystem may receive the information and to present a visual representation of the information in a graphical user interface (GUI). The display subsystem may adaptively interpret the information with respect to range of motion sensitivity and orientation of the data input subsystem, and movement of the data input subsystem with respect to its prior state. The system may map the conveyed information to the GUI, generate and display images on the GUI with which a patient may interact by manipulating the data input subsystem, and capture one or more selections executed by the patient through actuation of the signaling element.