Power Injector Help Logic for Operator Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power injectors lack intuitive and accessible assistance features for operators, making it difficult for users to navigate and understand the device's functionality, especially during medical procedures requiring precise fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A power injector with a graphical user interface and control logic that includes fluid delivery logic, help logic, and a help mode, allowing users to access tutorial modes, help screens, and cross-references to operator manuals, enabling users to select help options and navigate through system screens for assistance during both setup and fluid delivery procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If power injector operators rely on operator manuals and periodic training for assistance, then comprehensive information is available, but the complexity of operation increases and accessibility of help decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An on-screen help button serves as an intermediary between the operator and the help system. When activated, it displays contextual help information directly on the graphical user interface without requiring the operator to leave the current screen or consult physical manuals, thus making information more accessible while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The power injector provides self-service through built-in help functionality that operators can access independently at any time during setup or fluid delivery modes. The system offers contextual help screens and tutorial modes that enable operators to obtain assistance without external intervention or extensive training
2Reliability
If comprehensive operator manuals and training programs are provided, then complete operational guidance is available, but the time required for learning and accessing help increases
Solution Approach 1:
Help information is prepared and integrated into the graphical user interface in advance. Contextual help screens are pre-configured to display relevant information immediately when the help button is activated, eliminating the need for operators to search through manuals or wait for training sessions, thus reducing help access time while maintaining operational safety
Solution Approach 2:
The help system provides immediate feedback to operators by displaying contextual help information directly on the screen where they are working. This real-time feedback mechanism allows operators to resolve uncertainties quickly without interrupting their workflow or spending time searching for information in external documents
3Adaptability or versatility
If power injectors provide detailed system screens for fluid delivery procedures, then functional capability increases, but the difficulty of navigating and understanding the interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
Help functionality is integrated at local points throughout the graphical user interface rather than requiring operators to access a separate help system. Context-sensitive help buttons are positioned on relevant screens and components, providing targeted assistance exactly where needed, thus maintaining functional capability while improving interface navigability
Data Source
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AI summary
A power injector (10) with help functionality is disclosed. What may be characterized as a 'help output' may be displayed on a graphical user interface (11) in response to a request for help. This help output may be based upon a current state of the power injector (10), may be accompanied by a cross-reference to an operator's manual for the power injector (10), may be expanded to provide additional detail, or any combination thereof. At least one system screen that relates to the help output may be displayed (e.g., simultaneously, sequentially). The help functionality may be in the form of having the power injector (10) incorporate help mode logic (256) that is configured to allow a user to view and obtain information on the various system screens that would be presented when using the power injector (10) to deliver a fluid, but without actually operating the power injector (10) to deliver fluid.