Touchscreen Interface for Patient Support Mattress Therapy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support apparatuses have complex user interfaces that are difficult to operate, making it challenging for users to navigate and control various functions, particularly mattress therapy functions, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a touchscreen user interface with a simplified navigation system that includes a mattress screen for controlling mattress therapy functions, featuring icons for initiating, pausing, and stopping therapy, along with a banner displaying status information and controls, reduces the complexity and effort required to manage these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional user interface is used to control patient support apparatus functions, then comprehensive control capabilities are provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple screens, each dedicated to specific functions (mattress therapy screen, position control screen, etc.). This allows comprehensive control capabilities to be distributed across specialized screens rather than crowding a single interface, making each screen simpler and easier to operate while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchscreen display serves as a universal interface that can display multiple different screens for various functions. A single touchscreen device provides access to mattress therapy controls, position controls, and other apparatus functions through screen switching, eliminating the need for multiple separate control interfaces while maintaining ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual navigation between screens is required to check mattress therapy status, then screen organization is maintained, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress therapy status indicator is merged into the main mattress therapy screen where it is permanently displayed. This eliminates the need for users to navigate to separate screens or menus to check therapy status, as the status information is continuously available on the primary control screen, reducing navigation time while maintaining organized screen structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface provides self-service by automatically displaying mattress therapy status information without requiring user navigation actions. The status is presented proactively on the screen, allowing users to obtain information immediately without having to search through multiple screens or menus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full navigation freedom is provided in the user interface, then access to all functions is enabled, but accidental navigation and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the touchscreen interface have different qualities and functions. Certain areas are designated for specific controls while others provide information display only. This local differentiation allows comprehensive function access while reducing accidental navigation, as users can distinguish between clickable control areas and informational display areas, improving operation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, operating table, recliner, or the like, includes a litter frame, a support deck supported on the litter frame and adapted to support a mattress thereon, a touchscreen and a controller configured for carrying out various functions and to display various screens on the touchscreen, including screens for controlling a mattress function or for controlling a non-mattress function of the patient support apparatus. A notification regarding the status of a mattress function can be displayed on various screens. Status indications can be provided as a banner across a portion of the touchscreen.