Touch-Screen GUI for Infant Warming Therapy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warming therapy devices for infants lack intuitive control and monitoring interfaces, making them difficult for first-time users to operate effectively, especially in a neonatal intensive care unit setting.
Innovation Solution
A touch-screen Graphical User Interface (GUI) is integrated into the warming therapy device, providing a customizable display that shows patient information, control settings, and alarms, with a layout that mimics the patient's environment, allowing for intuitive monitoring and control of temperature, humidity, and other vital parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional LED or LCD displays are used in warming therapy devices, then the device can display alphanumeric information such as temperature and humidity values, but the display is not intuitive for first-time users and lacks detailed monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a visual representation of the patient (graphical icon) that mirrors the actual patient's position and state. This graphical copy is displayed on the monitor alongside real patient data, providing an intuitive visual interface that is easier to understand than traditional alphanumeric displays. The graphical representation copies essential patient characteristics and allows users to quickly grasp patient status without interpreting numerical data alone.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional control panels with alphanumeric displays are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the interface is not intuitive and lacks detailed display monitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by integrating multiple functions into a single control panel and monitor system. The monitor simultaneously displays graphical patient representations, multiple vital signs (temperature, humidity, heart rate, respiratory rate), alarm status, and treatment parameters. The control panel handles both monitoring and control functions, eliminating the need for separate devices and making the system adaptable to various patient care needs while maintaining a unified interface.
3Ease of operation
If detailed computer-type displays and touch-screen displays are added to warming therapy devices, then intuitive monitoring and control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing traditional mechanical control elements (physical buttons, switches, and alphanumeric displays) with a touch-screen interface and graphical user interface. This substitution allows for more intuitive interaction through visual representations and touch-based controls, while the underlying system complexity is managed through software integration rather than additional mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) coupled to the warming therapy device for monitoring patient medical information, and for controlling various aspects of the warming therapy device accordingly.