Patient Support User Module With Color-Matched Remote State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses face challenges in effectively and efficiently communicating monitored conditions to caregivers using indicator lights, requiring a more reliable and quicker method for state identification.
Innovation Solution
A patient support apparatus with a user interface, display, and indicator panel that utilizes light emitters to project colors matching state indicators, allowing for remote and efficient communication of monitored conditions through a reflective surface, prioritizing critical conditions for immediate attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional indicator lights are used to communicate monitored conditions, then the apparatus can indicate condition states, but the communication is not effective or efficient enough for quick identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicator lights that change color to represent different states of monitored conditions. Each monitored condition has associated indicia illuminated in specific colors (e.g., green for normal, red for alarm) that correspond to the state of the condition. This color-coding system enables caregivers to quickly and reliably identify condition states at a glance, resolving the contradiction between reliable communication and quick identification time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple monitored conditions are indicated simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the complexity of communicating all states effectively increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the indication system into separate indicator lights and indicia for each monitored condition. Each condition is independently indicated with its own color-coded light and associated indicia on the indicator panel. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of multiple conditions while maintaining simplicity in communication, as each condition can be independently identified without interference from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific colors to specific monitored conditions and their states. Each indicator light and its associated indicia have a dedicated color code that remains consistent across different conditions. This localized color assignment system enables comprehensive monitoring while reducing communication complexity, as caregivers can quickly identify both the condition and its state through the specific color displayed.
3Illumination intensity
If indicator lights are placed for direct observation, then clear visibility is achieved, but remote viewing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the indication system into multiple spatial dimensions by placing indicator lights and reflective surfaces at various locations on the patient support apparatus. The reflective surfaces are positioned to redirect light from the indicator lights toward remote viewing areas, allowing caregivers to observe condition states from different positions and distances while maintaining clear visibility through the reflected colored light.
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
Enables caregivers to quickly and reliably identify changes in monitored conditions, improving patient care by providing visual and remote indicators that match the state of the apparatus and patient, enhancing communication and reducing the need for direct observation.
Implementation Method 1
One or more first light emitters are arranged to project light to illuminate the indicia
Implementation Method 2
One or more light emitters are arranged to project light against the reflective surface to illuminate the reflective surface in a reflected color so that the reflected color is viewable by a user remote from the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure, a user module, and a controller. The user module comprises a display and indicator panel that has a plurality of indicia, each associated with a monitored condition. First light emitters are arranged to project light to illuminate the indicia and second light emitters are arranged to project light off a reflective surface. The controller is coupled to the display and the light emitters, and is configured to, in response to a change in a state of one of the monitored conditions, generate on the display a state indicator corresponding to the change in the state and activate the light emitters such that a color of the light projected by the light emitters matches a color of the state indicator.