Portable Patient Record Interface with Hierarchical Image Menus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional patient chart systems face limitations such as inefficiencies in indexing and access, bulkiness, and the challenge of keeping records up-to-date, especially when physicians need to access patient information at different locations, and existing electronic systems are constrained by the lack of secure, portable, and user-friendly data access and navigation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A portable processing device system that provides a user interface for secure access, navigation, and updating of patient records, featuring image menus and data processing capabilities, allowing users to access and manage patient information through a network that supports multiple communication links, including infrared, Ethernet, and wireless connections, enabling secure transfer and storage of medical records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable processing device with a large display is used to view patient records, then the ease of viewing and accessing patient information is improved, but the portability and mobility of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-level hierarchical menu system that transforms the two-dimensional display space into a three-dimensional navigation structure. Image menus display multiple patient records simultaneously, with each record containing nested content indexes and further nested data sections. This dimensional organization allows comprehensive patient information access without requiring a larger physical display, maintaining device portability while enhancing viewing efficiency through structured information presentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If computerized patient record systems are used to enable access from many locations, then the accessibility of patient information is improved, but the security and control over data access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary authentication mechanisms where users must provide user identification information before accessing any patient records. The portable processing device validates user credentials and establishes authorized access rights before allowing any data retrieval. This preliminary security action ensures that even though the system enables access from multiple locations, only authenticated users can access patient information, maintaining security controls across distributed access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable processing device acts as an intermediary between users and the patient record database. It manages all access requests, validates user credentials, controls data retrieval operations, and maintains audit trails of access activities. This intermediary layer enables multi-location accessibility while preserving security, as the device mediates all interactions between users and sensitive patient data, ensuring controlled and monitored access regardless of location.
3Ease of operation
If a single copy of the patient chart is kept near the patient, then the ease of updating the record is improved, but the accessibility of the chart for review at different locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and manages multiple digital copies of patient records stored in a centralized database accessible from multiple locations. When a user accesses a patient record at any location, they are retrieving a copy from the database rather than transporting a physical chart. This copying mechanism enables both easy updating (through centralized database modifications) and location-independent accessibility, as all users access the same up-to-date information regardless of where they are located.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable processing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a patient record viewer, an update terminal, a security authentication system, and a data transfer device. The same device can be used by different users at different locations to both read and update patient records, eliminating the need for separate systems for updating and accessing. This multi-functionality enables both ease of updating and location versatility through a single integrated system.
4Reliability
If traditional paper charts are used for patient records, then the simplicity and reliability of the system is improved, but the efficiency of indexing and locating information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical paper-based chart systems with an electronic database system accessible through portable processing devices. Instead of physically flipping through paper pages or manually searching paper records, users interact with digitally organized patient data through image menus and content indexes. This substitution maintains reliability through structured data organization while dramatically improving productivity through efficient electronic search and navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patient record system is segmented into hierarchical components: image menus displaying multiple patients, content indexes organizing record sections, and detailed data views for specific information. This segmentation allows users to navigate from a broad patient list to specific record sections efficiently. The segmented structure maintains system simplicity through clear organizational boundaries while enhancing information location efficiency through targeted navigation at each hierarchical level.
Data Source
AI summary
A system facilitates the secure access, transfer and update of patient record information and the creation and navigation of image menus supporting the location and access of desired patient record data by a user. A system provides a user interface for use by a portable processing device for accessing and navigating patient record information. The system receives user identification information for use in authorizing user operation of the portable processing device and initiates display of an image including a plurality of links to a corresponding plurality of individual patients. The system also initiates display of a patient record content index image including a plurality of links to a corresponding plurality of items of patient record information in response to user selection of a link to one of the plurality of individual patients. The system further initiates display of an image including information comprising a portion of a patient record in response to user selection of a link to one of the plurality of items of patient record information.