Handheld Wireless Terminal Code Scanner for Medical Workflow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In healthcare environments, existing mobile computing devices for medical data management are cumbersome, expensive, and require two hands to operate, with limited battery life and inadequate portability, making them inefficient for rapid data entry and instruction execution.

Innovation Solution

A handheld wireless terminal equipped with a code scanner and transceiver that reads machine-readable codes to initiate processes and transmit instructions to a server, allowing for one-handed operation, efficient data entry, and integration with peripheral devices like printers and messaging systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If handheld wireless terminals with code scanners are used, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The code scanner automatically captures and transmits data without requiring manual typing, allowing the device to serve itself in data entry tasks. This reduces the operational burden on users while maintaining enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual keyboard typing is replaced with automated optical code scanning. The mechanical interaction of pressing keys is substituted with optical detection and automatic data transmission, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If code scanners are integrated into handheld terminals, then productivity is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry speedVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data entry through keyboards is replaced with automated optical code scanning. This substitution dramatically increases data entry speed and productivity, justifying the added cost through significant operational efficiency gains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The code scanner acts as an intermediary device that bridges physical patient identifiers (barcodes/QR codes) and digital medical records. This intermediary function enables rapid, accurate data capture without requiring complex manual data input processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless transmission capabilities are added, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless transmission occurs periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The device transmits data at specific intervals or when triggered by code scanning events, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining mobility and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS7607571B2Medical work flow system

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

A system is described for managing data and information in a healthcare environment, such as a hospital. A handheld code scanner reads codes and either accepts data, or performs instructions based on the read code. The code scanner wirelessly transmits the codes or data to a central server which acts on the read code to carry out necessary functions. The system is useful for tracking patient data, such as for delivery of medicine. In addition, since the system can carry out instructions, it is useful for allowing healthcare workers to quickly and conveniently perform their duties without the necessity of sitting at a computer terminal.