Terminal device and program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body support apparatuses with mechanical buttons are difficult for physically handicapped patients to operate, and replacing buttons or providing multiple controllers increases manufacturing costs and risks user error.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device with a touch panel that displays operation buttons and switches between different display formats based on user or bed settings, allowing for intuitive operation through touch inputs and ensuring only authorized controls are accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical buttons are used in the controller, then the structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates for physically handicapped patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons with a touch panel display that shows operation buttons visually. This substitution allows physically handicapped patients to operate the device more easily through touch input while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The controller unit integrates both the touch panel and display unit, avoiding the need for multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit can switch between different display formats (first display format showing multiple operators, second display format showing one operator at a time) based on instructions from the controller. This dynamic adaptability allows the interface to adjust to different user needs and operational contexts, improving ease of operation without requiring multiple physical controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of controllers are prepared for different users, then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the risk of user error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller design where a single controller unit can serve multiple users with different needs. The display unit adapts its format based on instructions from the controller, allowing one controller to function effectively for different users without requiring multiple specialized controllers. This reduces manufacturing costs and eliminates the risk of users mistakenly selecting the wrong controller type.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically switches between different display formats (first display format with multiple operators visible, second display format with one operator visible at a time) based on operational context and user needs. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single controller to adapt to various user requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple physical devices.
3Productivity
If multiple operators are displayed simultaneously, then the productivity is improved by reducing operation steps, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with limited dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit dynamically switches between two display formats based on instructions from the controller. The first display format shows multiple operators simultaneously, enabling users to perform multiple operations efficiently and improving productivity. The second display format shows one operator at a time, making the interface simpler and more accessible for users with limited dexterity. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting to different user needs and operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display information into different formats: the first display format presents multiple operators in a consolidated view for efficient multi-operation, while the second display format separates operators into individual, focused views for easier targeting and operation. This segmentation allows users to choose the format that best suits their operational needs and physical capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention is a terminal device controlling a body support apparatus capable of a first operation and a second operation; the terminal device includes a displayer and a controller; the displayer displays an operator controlling an operation of the body support apparatus; the controller switches between a first display format and a second display format based on an instruction from an outside; the first display format displays a first operator and a second operator in the displayer; the first operator controls the first operation; the second operator controls the second operation; and the second display format displays one of the first operator or the second operator in the displayer.