OCR and Wearable Code Automation for Surgical Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical center workflows, especially in small clinics, are inefficient and prone to errors due to manual processing of patient information, lack of integrated systems, and challenges in maintaining patient privacy during teleconferencing and video broadcasting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing optical character recognition for patient identification and data entry, using wearable codes for patient records, and providing visual indications of information flow to ensure accurate and efficient patient processing and privacy during medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processing methods are used for patient check-in and data entry, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry processes with optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The OCR system automatically captures and processes patient information from documents, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing errors. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated optical recognition directly improves productivity while managing system complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wearable codes (barcodes/QR codes) on patient wristbands that contain copied patient information. This allows multiple systems (registration, operating room, imaging) to access the same patient data without manual re-entry. The code acts as a portable copy of patient information that can be scanned and processed automatically across different devices and locations, improving efficiency and data consistency.
2Measurement precision
If isolated small clinics use manual record-keeping systems, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision of patient information decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based record keeping with OCR technology that automatically captures and digitizes patient information. This automated optical recognition system reduces transcription errors and improves the accuracy of patient data by eliminating manual typing mistakes. The system maintains simplicity by using software-based OCR rather than complex hardware infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements wearable codes on patient wristbands that contain accurate copies of patient identification information. These codes provide a reliable, error-free representation of patient data that can be scanned by multiple systems. The coded information serves as a precise copy that eliminates the inaccuracies associated with manual data entry and paper-based records.
3Loss of time
If manual data entry is performed in operating rooms, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements patient verification and information retrieval before the surgical procedure begins. The wearable code on the patient's wristband is scanned in advance, and patient information is pulled from the database before the surgeon needs it. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary patient data is ready and verified before the procedure starts, eliminating time losses during surgery and allowing the surgical team to focus on the procedure rather than administrative tasks.
4Reliability
If paper-based surgical checklists are used, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability of surgical procedures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces paper-based surgical checklists with digital checklist systems that are integrated into the operating room workflow. These digital checklists provide structured, standardized procedures that reduce the risk of missing critical steps. The system can enforce completion of required checklist items and provide alerts for incomplete tasks, thereby improving the reliability and consistency of surgical procedures while using software rather than complex hardware infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a visual indication that information is being saved or broadcast includes providing at least one recording device for obtaining the information, providing a system for saving and/or broadcasting the information obtained from the at least one recording device, providing at least one monitor for viewing the information, providing a plurality of visual indications, and activating the plurality of visual indications when the information is being saved or broadcast.