Optical Call Light Monitoring for Real-Time Wait Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing healthcare facility call light systems lack real-time monitoring of call light durations, leading to inefficient patient care responses and variations in service quality, and require costly and disruptive infrastructure overhauls for modernization.

Innovation Solution

A non-intrusive monitoring system using cameras or light-sensing technologies to detect call light states and durations, providing real-time data and historical insights via display devices, with remote management capabilities and task alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional wired monitoring systems are implemented, then post-hoc reporting capabilities are provided, but real-time display of active call light durations is still lacking and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall light duration informationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical/electrical monitoring systems with optical sensing technology. Cameras or light sensors detect call light states non-intrusively without requiring physical connections to the call light circuitry, thereby providing real-time duration information while avoiding the complexity of wired system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring device that captures images of call lights and processes the information independently. This intermediary system bridges the gap between existing call light infrastructure and digital monitoring needs, providing real-time data without directly modifying the original system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If comprehensive system overhauls are performed to modernize call light systems, then real-time monitoring capabilities are achieved, but installation costs and operational disruptions increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation cost and disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring function from the call light system itself. Instead of overhauling the entire system, it adds separate, independent monitoring devices that can be installed individually in each patient room, allowing phased deployment without facility-wide disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring devices are designed to be universally compatible with various types of existing call light systems regardless of age or design. A single device type can monitor different call light configurations, eliminating the need for custom solutions and reducing overall implementation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If nursing staff respond to calls without knowledge of wait duration, then basic call response is maintained, but prioritization of patient needs becomes difficult and response efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse efficiencyVSAvoidwait time information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where call light duration information is continuously captured, processed, and displayed to nursing staff in real-time. This feedback loop enables staff to see which calls have been waiting the longest, allowing them to prioritize responses based on actual wait duration rather than arbitrary factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of call urgency by automatically tracking duration before staff intervention is needed. Call lights are pre-sorted by wait time, so when staff arrive at the nursing station, the most urgent calls are already identified and highlighted, eliminating the need for manual prioritization.

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

Enhances patient care efficiency by prioritizing urgent needs and improving staff coordination through real-time data and task management, while being compatible with existing systems and reducing installation costs.

Implementation Method 1

Utilizing cameras or other light-sensing technologies, these monitoring devices are capable of discerning multiple call light states

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250342955A1System and method for call light monitoring

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 FORSGREN MICHAEL

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a call light monitoring system designed to enhance response efficiency and patient care management in healthcare facilities. This system includes unobtrusive monitoring capabilities that detect the activation of call lights without interfering with existing facility infrastructure. The system features a real-time display that provides immediate visual feedback on the duration of active call lights, enabling staff to prioritize responses based on urgency and elapsed time. Additionally, the system includes a comprehensive reporting module that records and analyzes the history of call light durations. This historical data can be used for performance evaluations, optimizing staff allocations, and identifying patterns that may indicate areas needing process improvement. The integration of these features into a single system provides a robust tool for improving patient satisfaction and operational efficiency in healthcare settings.