Sterilizer Touch Interface With State-Based Guided Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical, dental, laboratory, and pharmaceutical goods are inefficient and costly due to complex user interfaces that do not provide adequate support for users, leading to improper operation and increased processing times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a display that uses graphical interactive user interface objects to guide users through the process by detecting the current state and visually differentiating necessary interface elements, allowing users to transition between states efficiently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user interface with multiple controls is provided, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion and improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into context-relevant subsets based on the current process state. The control panel displays only the subset of controls that are relevant to the current state, while other controls are hidden or dimmed. This segmentation reduces cognitive load and makes the interface easier to operate while maintaining full functionality through state-dependent display updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface dynamically adapts its configuration based on the detected process state. As the device transitions between different process states, the control panel automatically updates to show only the controls relevant to the current state. This dynamic reconfiguration maintains versatility while improving ease of operation at each stage.
2Reliability
If comprehensive process monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of sterilization is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors process parameters and uses this feedback to automatically adjust controls and provide real-time guidance to users. The feedback mechanism ensures reliable sterilization by detecting deviations from optimal parameters and triggering appropriate responses, while the automated nature of this feedback loop avoids adding significant operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages complex monitoring and adjustment tasks without requiring constant user intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting process state changes and autonomously configuring the relevant controls, thereby maintaining high reliability while minimizing the operational burden on users.
3Ease of operation
If extensive user guidance is provided through the interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information increases due to cluttered display
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the interface have different levels of information density based on local needs. The control panel highlights only the specific controls and information relevant to the current process state, while dimming or hiding unrelated elements. This local quality approach provides comprehensive guidance where needed while maintaining overall information clarity by reducing visual clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
Interface information is segmented into context-relevant groups displayed according to the current process state. Only the segment of information pertinent to the current state is prominently displayed, preventing information overload while ensuring users receive all necessary guidance for the current operational phase.
4Productivity
If the device provides real-time state detection and dynamic interface updates, then the productivity is improved through faster operation, but the use of energy increases due to continuous monitoring and display updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs state detection and interface updates at appropriate intervals rather than continuously. The control panel refreshes its configuration based on detected changes in process state, providing real-time responsiveness when needed while reducing energy consumption during stable operational phases. This periodic updating maintains productivity while managing energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices having user-interactive guided control interfaces. The devices are for washing, disinfecting and/or sterilizing medical, dental, laboratory and/or pharmaceutical goods. Devices may include sterilizers, washer-disinfectors, autoclaves, and washers. Users are only presented with user interface objects which are appropriate at each step or process state of the guided process. Devices may include a touch screen, a chamber for goods to be processed, and a door to the chamber. Different sets of user interface objects are presented on a display for different respective states of the device.