Configurable Ventilator Display Using Geometric Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ventilators lack ease of use and reliability, posing risks due to operator errors, and existing systems do not provide optimal qualitative and quantitative measurement data availability for operators.

Innovation Solution

A ventilator connected to a sensor system and control system, featuring a configurable touchscreen display that processes and visualizes measurement data using geometric elements for intuitive operation, with integrated control and graphics logic modules for reliable and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional display devices are used in ventilators, then device complexity is reduced, but operator visibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to insufficient qualitative and quantitative measurement data availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement data availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional numerical displays to two-dimensional graphical representations. Measurement data are visualized using geometric elements (circles, squares, triangles) positioned in spatial relationships that represent physiological connections. This dimensional enhancement allows operators to perceive multiple parameters simultaneously with improved qualitative and quantitative visibility while maintaining comprehensive data availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of physiological structures (lungs, airways) using geometric elements that replicate the anatomical relationships. These graphical copies allow operators to intuitively understand measurement data in the context of the actual physiological system, improving ease of operation without losing measurement data availability through enhanced visual representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If animated graphical representations are added to ventilator displays, then operator visibility and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements animated graphical representations where geometric elements dynamically change position, size, and configuration based on real-time measurement data. The display automatically updates to reflect physiological changes, providing intuitive visual feedback that improves ease of operation. The animation complexity is managed through standardized geometric transformations rather than complex graphical processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical display system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it visualizes multiple measurement parameters, represents physiological relationships, provides real-time monitoring, and alerts operators to abnormal conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified geometric element system that can represent different parameters using the same visual language, reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If multiple measurement parameters are visualized simultaneously, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data availabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments measurement data into distinct geometric elements, with each parameter represented by a separate geometric shape or position. This segmentation allows multiple parameters to be visualized simultaneously without creating processing complexity, as each element can be independently generated and updated based on its corresponding measurement data stream.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different visual properties (geometric shapes, positions, sizes) to different measurement parameters based on their local characteristics and physiological significance. This local differentiation allows the system to efficiently process and display multiple parameters simultaneously by tailoring the visual representation to each parameter's specific requirements rather than using a uniform display approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3646334B1Breathing apparatus and method for controlling a breathing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 IMT MEDICAL AG(CH)
  • EP3646334B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3646334B1 patent drawingFigure 4~9
  • EP3646334B1 patent drawingFigure 10~12

AI summary

The invention relates to a breathing apparatus (15), which is connected to a sensor system (30) and to a control system (24), wherein the sensor system (30) is designed for capturing at least two items of measurement data (31) and for transmitting the captured measurement data (31) to the breathing apparatus (15) or the control logic module (25). The control system (24) is further connected to at least one indicating device (35), wherein the at least one indicating device (35) has a configurable screen (33). The control system (24) is designed for the presentation of indicated data (62, 65) based on the captured measurement data (31), which may be displayed on a first graphical unit (29) on the at least one indicating device (35). The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling a breathing apparatus (15).