Machine-Readable Garment System for Patient Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures face challenges in accurately authenticating patient information, particularly during transitions between medical facilities and processes, which increases the likelihood of errors due to incorrect patient records and obscured patient portions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses machine-readable information printed on garments worn by patients, processed by cameras and processors, to authenticate patient data and ensure correct medical procedures by determining if the procedure steps are properly aligned and authorized, preventing operation of medical equipment if errors are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If machine-readable information is used on patient garments, then patient identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual patient identification methods (visual inspection, paper records) with machine-readable information systems. Cameras capture images of machine-readable codes on patient garments, and processors automatically decode this information to identify patients, eliminating manual verification processes and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses machine-readable codes as digital copies of patient identification data. Instead of relying on physical patient characteristics or paper records, the system captures and processes digital representations of patient information stored in machine-readable format on garments, enabling accurate and efficient identification.
2Reliability
If multiple process elements are added to verify patient information, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple verification functions into an integrated system. The camera, processor, and medical equipment control are merged into a cohesive verification system that automatically checks patient identity, procedure appropriateness, and equipment authorization simultaneously, reducing the need for separate verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic verification without requiring manual intervention at each step. The processor automatically decodes machine-readable information, compares it with procedure data, and authorizes or prevents equipment operation based on verification results, making the system self- verifying and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time authentication is implemented, then error reduction is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements verification at specific periodic points in the medical procedure workflow - before patient identification, before procedure initiation, and before equipment operation. This periodic authentication approach ensures error reduction at critical moments without requiring continuous energy-intensive monitoring throughout the entire procedure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system able to acquire machine-readable information received from at least one of images received via the camera, process the machine-readable information to determine patient data from the machine-readable information, determine a medical procedure based on the patient data, permit use of at least a first portion of medical equipment coupled to the system, receive user input that indicates at least one planned procedure step, determine if the medical procedure includes the at least one planned procedure step. The present disclosure further includes a method including the above steps. The present disclosure also includes a system for printing machine-readable information on a garment to be worn in a medical procedure and a method of printing machine-readable information on such a garment.