Motion-Based Input Filter for Patient Care Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices are prone to damage and unintended input during transport, posing safety risks to patients due to hazardous motions, accidental activation, and incorrect instructions.
Innovation Solution
A device that filters human interface device inputs based on motion, using a motion event generator and input filter applicator to detect and differentiate between intentional and unintentional inputs, alerting caregivers to potential damage and preventing unintended operations during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If medical devices are transported during patient care, then device versatility and patient care continuity are improved, but device damage risk and unintended input risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting motion events and pre-filtering inputs before they can cause damage or unintended operations. Motion sensors continuously monitor for drops, shakes, and bumps, and the filter is pre-configured to block potential harmful inputs based on detected motion patterns, preventing problems before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motion-based input filter as an intermediary between the motion sensor and the medical device processor. This intermediary component analyzes motion events and selectively blocks or allows inputs based on whether they occur during hazardous motion, thereby protecting the device while allowing normal operation during transport.
2Reliability
If motion-based input filtering is implemented, then patient safety and device protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the input processing function into distinct components: a motion sensor that detects physical movement, a filter applicator that processes motion events, and an output mechanism that delivers filtered inputs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall architecture by separating motion detection from input processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion-based filter applicator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects against device damage from drops and bumps, prevents unintended inputs during transport, and maintains normal device operation during legitimate use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection systems, thereby limiting complexity increase.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If all inputs are blocked during motion, then device damage prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The input filter dynamically adjusts its blocking behavior based on real-time motion detection. Rather than statically blocking all inputs during transport, the system continuously monitors motion events and selectively filters inputs only when hazardous motion is detected, allowing full operability during normal transport and restricted input only when necessary for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the input filter based on detected motion characteristics. When motion parameters indicate a drop, shake, or bump event, the filter transitions to a high-blocking state; when motion parameters indicate normal transport or stationary use, the filter transitions to a permissive state, thereby maintaining ease of operation during legitimate use.
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
The solution effectively reduces the risk of damage to medical devices and ensures patient safety by distinguishing between intentional and unintentional inputs, preventing harmful operations and alerting caregivers to potential issues.
Implementation Method 1
A motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, is configured for measuring information associated with a movement of a patient care device
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for filtering human interface device inputs based on motion. The device includes a motion event generator configured for generating at least one motion event based on information readings associated with a movement of a patient care device and at least one motion detecting filter, and an input filter applicator, the input filter applicator configured for applying a set of input filters to the at least one motion event, thereby generating a filtered output event that indicates a status of the movement of the patient care device. In one embodiment, the device rejects, modifies or accepts an event from an input by utilizing information from the at least one motion event.