Voice-Activated Nurse Call Interface for Mobility-Impaired Patients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional nurse call button systems are ineffective for patients with severe mobility impairments, requiring physical activation that they cannot easily perform.
Innovation Solution
A voice-activated nurse call system comprising a processor, microphone, speaker, and indicator, integrated with a nurse call control station, allowing voice-activated assistance requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional nurse call button systems are used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but patients with severe mobility impairments cannot effectively activate the call
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an acoustic field-based voice recognition system. The microphone captures voice commands, the processor analyzes the acoustic signals to identify wake phrases and assistance requests, and the system automatically triggers the nurse call without requiring physical activation. This substitution enables patients with mobility impairments to use the system while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive voice control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice recognition technology as an intermediary between the patient and the nurse call system. The microphone and processor act as mediators that translate voice commands into activation signals, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with the call button. This intermediary layer provides accessibility for patients with mobility issues while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voice-activated technology is added to the nurse call system, then accessibility for patients with mobility issues is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single nurse call device: voice command recognition, wake phrase detection, assistance request identification, and traditional button call functionality. The processor handles both voice-activated and manual activation modes, making the system universally applicable to patients with varying mobility levels. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while consolidating components to manage device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on detected parameters - when voice commands are detected, the system activates voice-based assistance; when no voice input is detected, it remains ready for manual button activation. This parameter-based adaptability allows the system to serve diverse patient needs without requiring separate devices, managing complexity through intelligent mode switching rather than parallel systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables patients with mobility issues to notify nursing staff through voice commands, ensuring clear and reliable communication with visual and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone (108) that creates a bit stream directed to Vosk
Implementation Method 2
an audio message is played to the speaker
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, there is a voice-activated nurse call device comprising a processor, a memory, a microphone, a speaker, and an indicator that are housed such that the device couples to a nurse call control station socket found in hospitals and nursing homes.