Medical Device Sound Synchronization via Communication Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

In emergency medical situations, the concurrent use of multiple medical apparatuses such as CPR assisting devices and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can confuse rescuers due to overlapping voice guidance instructions, leading to potential errors in rescue procedures.

Innovation Solution

A medical apparatus communication system where the first medical apparatus, such as a defibrillator, and the second medical apparatus, like a CPR assisting device, establish a communication connection to synchronize their operations, with the second apparatus controlling its sound output to prevent confusion by stopping its guidance sounds when the first apparatus is active, ensuring only the defibrillator provides sound cues during critical procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple medical apparatuses (CPR assisting device and AED) operate concurrently with independent sound output, then each device can provide its guidance instructions, but the rescuer becomes confused due to overlapping voice guidance instructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescue procedure accuracyVSAvoidguidance clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound output control of multiple medical apparatuses through centralized coordination. The controlling unit receives operation states from both the CPR assisting device and AED, then centrally decides which device should output sound guidance at any given time, combining their communication functions to avoid conflicting instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controlling unit acts as an intermediary between the CPR assisting device and AED. It receives operation state information from both devices via their communicating units, processes this information, and determines the appropriate sound output timing for each device, thereby mediating the interaction to prevent guidance confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the CPR assisting device continuously provides sound guidance, then the rescuer receives continuous feedback, but the guidance becomes confusing when the AED also outputs sound instructions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance continuityVSAvoidguidance clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sound output control based on operation states. The controlling unit determines specific time periods when each device should output sound guidance, creating a periodic rather than continuous sound pattern. This ensures the CPR assisting device provides guidance continuity while avoiding simultaneous sound output that would cause confusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the CPR assisting device and AED operate independently without communication coordination, then each device maintains its autonomous functionality, but the sound guidance instructions overlap and confuse the rescuer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidguidance clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The communicating units in both devices enable multi-functionality. Each device can operate autonomously for its primary function while also serving as a communication node that exchanges operation state information with the other device, allowing the system to adapt between independent and coordinated operation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2992928B1Medical apparatus communication system and medical apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 NIHON KOHDEN CORP
  • EP2992928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2992928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2992928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A medical apparatus communication system includes a first medical apparatus and a second medical apparatus. The first medical apparatus includes a first communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the second medical apparatus to communicate with the second medical apparatus, and a first controlling unit which controls the first medical apparatus. The second medical apparatus includes a second communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the first medical apparatus to communicate with the first medical apparatus, a second controlling unit which controls the second medical apparatus, and a second sound outputting unit which performs a sound output in accordance with a control of the second controlling unit. The second controlling unit controls the sound output of the second sound outputting unit in a predetermined timing after establishment of the communication connection between the first and second communicating units.