Nurse Call Device Embedded Viewer for External System Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nurse call systems require costly and complex isolation from third-party systems to ensure reliability, limiting additional functionality and potentially violating regulatory standards due to the need for new certification with each software update.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an embedded viewer that allows access to external systems without downloading new code, providing additional functionality while maintaining core nurse call system integrity, and using an application programming interface for bi-directional communication to leverage existing annunciating capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nurse call systems are isolated from third-party systems to ensure reliability, then system reliability is improved, but additional functionality and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadditional functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a core nurse call system and an embedded viewer component. The embedded viewer acts as an isolated module that can access external systems through controlled interfaces (iframes), allowing functionality expansion without compromising the integrity of the core nurse call system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The embedded viewer serves as an intermediary between the nurse call system and external third-party systems. It provides a controlled interface that allows data exchange and functionality integration while maintaining system isolation through sandboxing and iframe containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If plug-ins are used to provide additional functionality, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity and regulatory compliance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of downloading and installing plug-in code that modifies the device, the embedded viewer creates a copy of the external system's interface within an iframe. This allows the external system to be displayed and interacted with without actually installing new code on the nurse call device, maintaining a simpler system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of external systems is extracted and displayed within the embedded viewer without bringing the external system's codebase into the nurse call system. This separation keeps the core system simple while still providing access to additional functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If plug-ins are used to add functionality, then adaptability is improved, but regulatory compliance and certification requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionalityVSAvoidregulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded viewer is designed with built-in safety mechanisms (sandboxing, iframe containment, resource restrictions) that prevent external systems from compromising the core nurse call system. This beforehand protection ensures that even when accessing external systems, the device maintains its UL 1069 compliance without requiring recertification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If external systems are accessed through embedded viewer, then adaptability is improved, but device resource capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadditional functionalityVSAvoiddevice resource capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded viewer loads and renders only the specific portions of external systems that are needed for nurse call functionality. Rather than loading entire external applications, it selectively displays relevant content within the iframe, reducing the overall resource burden on the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3594960A1Device for a nurse call system

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 ASCOM SWEDEN

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Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for a nurse call system, wherein the device comprises: a core nurse call functionality; and an embedded viewer adapted to provide access to at least one system external of the nurse call system in order to provide the device with additional functionality. The present invention also relates to a nurse call system and a corresponding method.