Infusion Pump NFC Tag Input for Simpler User Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion pump systems face challenges in simplifying user interactions and enhancing safety and efficacy due to complex user interfaces, which can be difficult for users to operate, especially those who are mentally or physically impaired.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology allows for simplified data communication between an infusion pump system and NFC tags, enabling users to input commands and data through proximity, reducing the need for complex menu navigation and enhancing user interaction by using accelerometers to activate NFC communications based on movement thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface with multiple menu selections and data entry steps is used, then the infusion pump system can provide comprehensive control and data input capabilities, but the ease of operation deteriorates, making it difficult for users to operate, especially those who are mentally or physically impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data input function from the complex user interface and places it into separate NFC tags. Each NFC tag contains pre-programmed data (such as carbohydrate amounts for different foods) that can be transferred to the pump with a single tap, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menu selections and data entry steps while preserving comprehensive data input capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC tags as an intermediary between the user and the pump's data input system. Instead of directly interacting with the complex user interface, users tap NFC tags that automatically transfer the necessary data to the pump, simplifying the interaction while maintaining full data input functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional user interface methods are used, then the system can provide comprehensive control options, but the time required for data entry increases, preventing timely and complete data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming all necessary data into NFC tags before use. Each NFC tag contains ready-to-transfer data (such as carbohydrate content for specific foods), so when a user needs to input data, the information is already prepared and can be transferred instantly with a single tap, eliminating time-consuming manual entry while preserving comprehensive control options
3Ease of operation
If simple proximity-based NFC input is used, then the ease of operation and speed of data entry improve, but the device complexity increases due to the integration of NFC circuitry and accelerometer sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating the NFC circuit and accelerometer sensor into the existing pump system. These components serve multiple purposes: the NFC circuit enables both data transfer from NFC tags and communication with external devices, while the accelerometer detects various movements (taps, shakes, drops) to trigger appropriate responses. This approach simplifies operation and speeds up data entry while managing device complexity through versatile component design
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
This solution facilitates more timely and complete data entry, improves user safety and convenience by allowing for rapid and intuitive input of data, and enables users to operate the infusion pump system more reliably, particularly for those with disabilities, while maintaining portability and concealability.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC circuit can be configured to wirelessly receive the infusion pump task data from a NFC communicator device when the NFC circuit and NFC communicator device are positioned with in a NFC proximity range
Implementation Method 2
the infusion pump system can be equipped with one or more accelerometers that can be used to activate the potential for NFC communications to take place when an acceleration at or above the threshold level is detected
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices using near field communication (NFC). In particular embodiments, by incorporating near field communication capabilities into the infusion pump system, user communications with the infusion pump system can be enhanced and simplified.