Head-Mounted Display for Medical Device Reprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable medical products require specific reprocessing instructions, which are often cumbersome to follow due to the need for manual handling of printed materials or operation of devices with one hand, leading to difficulties in simultaneous reading and execution of instructions, potentially resulting in incorrect preparation.
Innovation Solution
A user assistance system utilizing data glasses with a camera, imaging optical module, and projection surface, storing type, user, and location data records, which identifies medical devices and users, and displays relevant reprocessing instructions visually, allowing hands-free operation and context-dependent information display, including fluorescence imaging for contaminant visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If printed instruction manuals or tablets are used to provide reprocessing instructions, then reprocessing information is available to users, but users cannot simultaneously read and follow instructions with both hands free, leading to complicated preparation processes and potential incorrect execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional printed manuals or tablets to three-dimensional spatial projection of information directly in the user's field of view. The projection module displays reprocessing instructions as visual information in the user's visual field, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining access to comprehensive instructions. This dimensional shift from flat surfaces to spatial projection resolves the contradiction between information availability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection module as an intermediary between the instruction information and the user's visual field. This intermediary device projects the reprocessing instructions directly into the user's field of view, eliminating the need for manual handling of printed materials or tablets. The projection module serves as the mediator that delivers information without requiring the user's hands, thus resolving the contradiction between having information available and maintaining hands-free operation.
2Reliability
If multiple type data records with specific reprocessing instructions are provided for each medical device type, then accurate and specific instructions are available, but the complexity of managing and accessing the correct instructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic recognition technology that enables the projection module to autonomously identify the medical device type through its identification module and automatically retrieve and display the corresponding reprocessing instructions. The system serves itself by automatically matching the device type with the correct instruction set from the database, eliminating the need for manual selection or complex user navigation. This self-service mechanism maintains high reliability in providing correct instructions while minimizing the operational complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical systems of flipping through pages or navigating tablet interfaces with an automated optical and electronic system. The identification module optically or electronically detects the medical device type, and the processing module automatically retrieves the corresponding instructions from the database. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes reduces the complexity of accessing correct instructions while maintaining high reliability.
3Loss of information
If users must manually handle printed materials or operate tablets to access instructions, then comprehensive reprocessing information can be provided, but the preparation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading all reprocessing instructions into the database and pre-configuring the projection module to automatically display relevant information upon device identification. The instructions are prepared and ready in advance, eliminating the need for users to search through manuals or navigate through tablet interfaces during the reprocessing preparation. This preliminary preparation of information delivery significantly reduces the time required for users to access and understand reprocessing instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interactions with printed materials or tablet operations with an automated electronic projection system. The identification module automatically detects the medical device type, the processing module retrieves the corresponding instructions from the database, and the projection module displays them in the user's field of view. This electronic automation eliminates the time-consuming manual processes of handling printed materials or navigating tablet interfaces, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining comprehensive information delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and reliable reprocessing of medical products by providing relevant, context-specific instructions, reducing errors and improving manageability, with visual feedback on correct execution and documentation of processes.
Implementation Method 1
an image of a reusable medical device is captured with the camera
Implementation Method 2
the imaging optical module is configured to project visual information onto the projection surface located in the field of vision
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence imaging for contaminant visibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a user assistance system for reusable medical products (5) and to a method for monitoring the preparation process. Said user assistance system comprises a head-mounted display (14) and a data memory (28) in which a plurality of data records (30a, 30b, 30c), each comprising information (301a) relating to an identifying characteristic (6) of a defined type of medical product and information (36) relating to instructions for repeating the preparation of said type of medical product, are stored. The user assistance system is designed to detect a user identification characteristic (41) and to activate an associated user profile (322a), to detect a location identification characteristic (51, 53) and to activate an associated location profile (342a), and to display, as visual information, instructions for repeating the preparation of the medical product (5), associated with the active user profile (322a) and the active location profile (342a).