Handheld Medical Device Display Type Detection and Dynamic Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical devices with integrated displays face challenges in maintaining a consistent perceived appearance due to variations in manufacturing processes and materials, affecting user experience and accuracy in displaying medical data.

Innovation Solution

A handheld medical device system that includes a monitoring module to determine the resistance of an electrically resistive component in the display device, allowing for dynamic adjustment of operating parameters such as brightness, contrast, and tint to ensure a consistent display appearance, regardless of the display type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If display devices are manufactured using standard manufacturing processes, then production cost and time are reduced, but variations in display appearance and performance occur due to manufacturing tolerances and material differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddisplay appearance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of display characteristics during device initialization or factory testing, measuring parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature. Based on these measurements, compensation values are pre-calculated and stored in a lookup table, enabling automatic compensation before the device is used by the patient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts display parameters (brightness, contrast, gamma correction, color temperature) based on detected display characteristics and ambient lighting conditions. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system compensates for manufacturing variations and ensures consistent visual appearance across different devices and viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If display parameters are fixed during manufacturing, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for manufacturing variations and ensure consistent appearance is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay control system complexityVSAvoiddisplay appearance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically detecting its own characteristics and compensating for deviations. The microcontroller measures display parameters, compares them against target values, and adjusts control signals accordingly, eliminating the need for manual calibration or complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where display output is continuously monitored, and adjustment signals are generated based on the difference between actual and desired display characteristics. This feedback loop ensures that manufacturing variations are automatically compensated, maintaining consistent appearance without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If manual calibration of each display device is performed, then display appearance consistency is improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay appearance consistencyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical calibration processes with automated electronic detection and adjustment. Instead of requiring technicians to physically adjust display components, the system uses software-based parameter measurement and control, dramatically reducing calibration time while maintaining or improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic calibration during device initialization or factory testing, measuring display characteristics and storing compensation values before the device is used. This preliminary automated calibration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment during setup or manufacturing, reducing both time loss and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures a uniform and reliable display experience for users, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of medical data presentation across different devices.

Implementation Method 1

determining a resistance of the electrically resistive component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3060120B1System and method for display type detection of a handheld medical device
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 ROCHE DIABETES CARE GMBH
  • EP3060120B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3060120B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3060120B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device which supports identification of an integrated display and dynamic adjustments to operating parameters thereof includes: a port that receive a test strip having a reaction site for receiving a sample of fluid from a patient, a blood glucose (bG) meter cooperatively operable with a test strip inserted in the port to measure glucose in a sample of fluid on the test strip, and a display device having an electrically resistive component integrated therein and operable to display the glucose measurement in accordance with one or more operating parameters associated with the display device The system also includes a monitoring module electrically connected to the resistive component, wherein the monitoring module determines a type for the display device based on a resistance of the resistive component and a control module that selectively adjusts a given operating parameter of the display device in accordance with the type of display device.