Infusion Device Digit Field Segmentation for Parameter Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion pumps face challenges in providing a user-friendly interface for entering numerous parameters, leading to inefficiencies in data entry due to the complexity of drug delivery systems, with existing methods often requiring additional scroll keys or resulting in accidental value changes.
Innovation Solution
An infusion device with a processor and display screen that determines the required digit fields for inputting parameters based on medication data, allowing for incremental or decremental adjustments of values through touch-sensitive controls, and displaying alerts when limits are exceeded, thereby simplifying the input process without additional input controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic repeat function is used to accelerate data entry, then data entry speed is improved, but user control precision deteriorates due to inadvertent scrolling past desired values
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple character fields, each representing a digit position. The user interacts with each field independently by selecting it and then adjusting its value. This segmentation allows precise control over each digit without the risk of overshooting that occurs with automatic repeat functions, while still enabling rapid entry through systematic progression through fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily determines the number of character fields to display based on the medication type and parameter requirements before the user begins data entry. This pre-configuration establishes the exact number of fields that need to be filled, allowing the user to focus on entering values systematically without needing to scroll through excessive options or risk overshooting desired values.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive parameter options are provided for sophisticated drug delivery, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface displays only the specific number of character fields relevant to each medication type and parameter category. Rather than presenting all possible parameters simultaneously, the system locally adapts the display to show only the necessary fields (e.g., one field for simple medications, multiple fields for complex ones). This reduces perceived complexity while maintaining full adaptability to various drug delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The character field display serves multiple functions: it presents parameter values, accepts user input, indicates which fields are required, and adapts its configuration based on medication type. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate interface elements for different operations, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If multiple character fields are displayed for parameter input, then data entry accuracy is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the number of character fields displayed based on the medication type and parameter requirements. For simple medications, fewer fields are displayed; for complex medications requiring more precision, additional fields are added. This parameter adaptation allows the interface to maintain accuracy requirements without consistently presenting excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion device determines, based on a medication loaded by the device, a number of digit fields for inputting a parameter associated with the medication, obtains first and second limits pertaining to the medication, determines which of the digit fields are selectable based on the first limit, displays, on a display screen, a plurality of selectable character input fields corresponding to the number of digit fields, visually identifies a first of the input fields as an adjustable field, displays one or more controls for incrementing or decrementing a value of the identified adjustable field, visually identifies, responsive to receiving the selection of a second character input field, the second character input field as the adjustable field and, in response to determining that an adjusted value exceeded the second limit, displays an alert proximate to the adjusted value of the second selectable character input field.