Patient Support Electronics System for Hospital Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, have limited capabilities in providing advanced features for comfort and communication, necessitating improvements in their functionality and integration with hospital networks for enhanced patient care and caregiver assistance.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus equipped with a high-speed electronics system that includes a processor, memory, user interface, and network interface, allowing data communication at over 1 Mb per second, and capable of running general-purpose operating systems to control movable actuators and share computing resources with remote servers, enabling advanced features like location identification and integration with hospital networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patient support apparatuses are used, then basic patient support function is provided, but advanced communication and computing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support apparatus integrates multiple functions including patient support, high-speed data communication, computing operations, and network connectivity within a single device. The electronics system can run general-purpose operating systems and multiple software applications, enabling the device to perform diverse tasks from basic support to advanced communication and data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (patient support mechanics, communication interfaces, computing resources, and network connectivity) into an integrated electronics system. This merging allows the patient support apparatus to share computing resources with remote servers while maintaining basic support functions, reducing overall system complexity through resource consolidation
2Speed
If high-speed network interface is implemented, then data communication rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the hospital network and remote servers. It includes a network interface configured for high-speed data communication (greater than 1 Mb per second) that connects to the hospital network, enabling fast data exchange without requiring complex direct connections between all network components
3Adaptability or versatility
If general purpose operating system is used, then software application versatility is improved, but system reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support apparatus uses a network interface to copy and access software applications and operating systems from remote servers rather than storing everything locally. This allows the device to run general-purpose operating systems and multiple applications while relying on the stability and reliability of centralized server infrastructure for critical functions
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus includes an electronic control system with client browser software running on a general purpose operating system that connects with a remote server via a high speed network connection. The browser and operating system allows the patient support apparatus to access and run programs not designed exclusively for patient support apparatus electronics systems. A general purpose microprocessor along with network converter circuitry allows the patient support to deliver messages in frames having intended recipient addresses. The microprocessor communicates with one or more graphical user interfaces and with a control system that controls actuators of the patient support. The control system may comprise networked nodes, such as CAN nodes for example. Isolation circuitry isolates the patient support from a network of a care facility with which it communicates.