Radiation Therapy Control Pad with Follow-the-Lights Workflow Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy systems require extensive user training due to complex workflows involving numerous input mechanisms, leading to inefficient and time-consuming operation by inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that visually highlights available and recommended input mechanisms on a control pad using distinct colors or lighting techniques, reducing the number of options and guiding operators through radiation therapy workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional radiation therapy system provides numerous input mechanisms to enable sophisticated treatments like IGRT, then the system's functionality and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control pad is segmented into multiple zones, each corresponding to different workflow stages or functional groups. This spatial segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive functionality while organizing controls into manageable, context-relevant sections that reduce operator cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pad dynamically changes its operational state based on the current workflow context. Different zones are enabled or highlighted depending on the treatment stage, transforming a static complex interface into a dynamic adaptive one that presents only relevant controls at each moment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a radiation therapy system includes dozens of input mechanisms for comprehensive treatment options, then the system's versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the difficulty of selecting the correct input
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the control pad have distinct functional qualities and visual characteristics. Each zone is optimized for specific workflow stages, with local lighting, labeling, or activation states that guide operators to the appropriate controls for the current treatment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pad acts as an intermediary between the complex radiation therapy system and the operator. It mediates the interaction by translating numerous system functions into a simplified, context-aware interface that presents only the necessary controls at each workflow stage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a radiation therapy workflow involves a specific sequence of user inputs from multiple input mechanisms, then the treatment precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to the time-consuming selection process
Solution Approach 1:
The control pad is pre-configured with context-aware zoning that anticipates the required input sequence. Based on the current workflow state, the system preliminarily activates or highlights the zones and controls that will be needed next, allowing operators to proceed through the treatment protocol without searching for controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control pad provides visual or tactile feedback about which zones are currently active or relevant to the workflow stage. This feedback mechanism guides operators through the correct input sequence by indicating which controls should be used next, reducing errors and search time.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatuses of controlling a user interface with a plurality of input mechanisms are disclosed. One example method includes causing a first set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via a first visual technique while a second set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique, receiving a user input via an input mechanism that is included in the first set, based on the user input, determining a third set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms and a fourth set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms, and causing the third set of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via the first visual technique while the fourth set of available input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique.