Patient Support Interface Control with Adaptive Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses have complex user interfaces that are costly to manufacture and require improved usability and functionality for caregivers and patients in various operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a control system that includes a caregiver sensing arrangement for variable illumination of user interfaces, adjustable sensitivity of touch sensors, and adaptive screen illumination based on movement detection, along with a gimbal mechanism to maintain optimal viewing orientation, enhancing user interface usability and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses use complex user interfaces with multiple functions and features, then functionality and capabilities are improved, but manufacturing cost and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of user interface characteristics based on detected user characteristics. The control system modifies illumination intensity, touch sensitivity, and interface elements in real-time according to user type (caregiver or patient) and environmental conditions, making the interface adaptable rather than static and complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple interface parameters simultaneously based on user detection: illumination intensity is adjusted according to ambient light and user type, touch sensitivity is modified based on user characteristics, and interface elements are dynamically modified. This allows a single interface to serve multiple functions and user types without requiring separate complex interfaces
2Illumination intensity
If user interface illumination is continuously maintained at high levels, then visual performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system operates periodically rather than continuously. The control system detects user presence and characteristics, then activates appropriate illumination levels only when needed. Illumination intensity is dynamically adjusted based on ambient light conditions and user type, turning off or dimming during periods of non-use to conserve energy
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination intensity is dynamically adjusted based on multiple factors including ambient light sensor readings, detected user type (caregiver or patient), and user proximity. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate visual performance when needed while minimizing power consumption during non-use or in well-lit environments
3Ease of operation
If touch sensor sensitivity is set to high levels for better user interaction detection, then ease of operation is improved, but false detections and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Touch sensor sensitivity is dynamically adjusted based on detected user characteristics. The control system identifies whether the user is a caregiver or patient and modifies sensitivity levels accordingly, optimizing ease of operation for each user type while reducing false detections and power consumption compared to a continuously high-sensitivity setting
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus including a support deck with a support surface and a deck section configured to move between a first position and a second position, a barrier to limit egress from the support surface operatively attached to the deck section for concurrent movement, and a user interface coupled to the barrier and configured to receive input from a user. The user interface includes a screen to display visual content to the user, and an input device to generate an input signal in response to receiving user input. An orientation sensor determines an orientation of the screen based on movement of the deck section between the first position and the second position. A controller is configured to perform a function in response to receiving the input signal, and maintain a predetermined orientation of the visual content displayed on the screen as the screen moves with the deck section.