Virtual Application Containers for Single-Threaded Physiological Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physiological parameter display devices with embedded operating systems that only allow single-program execution are limited in functionality, preventing concurrent execution of multiple programs, which restricts their ability to display patient data alongside additional applications or functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A physiological parameter display device with an operating system that allows a single program to run at a time, but enables users to install and run virtual applications while continuing to display patient data, using a program with multiple threads and a container to manage resource allocation and provide additional functionalities like BMI calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-program execution model is used, then the operating system remains simple and reliable, but the device functionality is constrained and cannot support concurrent applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a container-based architecture where virtual applications are nested within a single operating system. Each application is encapsulated in its own container that isolates it from other applications and the core OS, allowing multiple applications to run concurrently without compromising OS simplicity or stability. The container structure enables the single-threaded OS to manage multiple logical execution contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the execution environment into separate containers, each housing a specific application. This segmentation allows the operating system to maintain a simple single-threaded architecture while supporting multiple applications by dividing the execution space into isolated segments that can run concurrently through thread management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple programs execute concurrently, then application versatility improves, but system reliability and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting applications within isolated containers, the system allows multiple applications to execute concurrently while maintaining strong isolation boundaries. If one application fails or behaves incorrectly, the container isolation prevents it from affecting the OS or other applications, thereby maintaining system reliability while enabling multi-application capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary layer between applications and the operating system. This intermediary provides resource management and isolation, allowing concurrent application execution while protecting the OS from application-level failures, thus maintaining system stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device displays patient data continuously, then clinical functionality is maintained, but adding new applications interrupts the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display architecture where the screen can dynamically switch between showing patient data and showing application interfaces. The system can dynamically allocate display resources to different applications without requiring a complete system restart, allowing continuous operation with flexible display content based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The display functionality is segmented into different modes: patient data display mode and application display mode. This segmentation allows the system to switch between displaying clinical information and application interfaces without interrupting the overall system operation, maintaining ease of operation while enabling application addition.
Data Source
AI summary
A physiological parameter display device displays data representing the current values of one or more physiological parameters of a patient. The device has an operating system that does not allow multiple-program execution. A program runs on the operating system. The program provides functionality that gives a user of the device an ability to install virtual applications on the device. In addition, the program provides functionality that gives the user an ability to run the virtual applications on the device while the device continues to display data representing the current value of the physiological parameter of the patient.