Wearable Cardiac Defibrillator Wireless Control via Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable Cardiac Defibrillator (WCD) systems face challenges in user compliance due to their visible nature, leading to unwanted attention and potential embarrassment, which can deter patients from wearing them.
Innovation Solution
A WCD system configured to be worn with a mobile communication device that allows wireless inputs, reducing the need for a visible action unit and incorporating a support structure that can be discreetly located at the lumbar region, minimizing visibility and promoting better compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a WCD system includes a visible action unit with a user interface for patient interaction, then the system provides necessary control functions, but the visible device attracts unwanted attention and causes embarrassment to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functions from the visible WCD system components and relocates them to a mobile communication device that the patient already carries. The mobile device's interface is used for entering wireless inputs, while the visible WCD components are minimized to only essential elements like electrodes and a support structure, reducing social stigma while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the mobile communication device's existing user interface for WCD control functions. The mobile device serves dual purposes: its primary communication functions and the additional role of controlling the WCD system through wireless inputs, eliminating the need for a separate visible action unit.
2Ease of operation
If the WCD system components are positioned to be easily accessible for patient interaction, then the system is easy to operate, but the device becomes more visible and noticeable to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the patient and the WCD system. The mobile communication device acts as a mediator, allowing the patient to interact with the WCD system remotely without physical access to the visible components. This enables easy operation through wireless inputs while keeping the WCD components hidden or minimized.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the action unit is made compact and less visible, then the device is less noticeable, but the user interface for entering inputs becomes less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user interface functionality from the compact WCD action unit and places it in the mobile communication device. This allows the action unit to remain small and discreet while the full-featured interface resides in the mobile device, which the patient already carries and is comfortable using.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the user interface interaction from a physical, local dimension (buttons, displays on the action unit) to a wireless, remote dimension. The mobile device communicates wirelessly with the WCD system, allowing the interface to exist in a different spatial dimension that doesn't compromise the compactness of the visible WCD components.
Data Source
AI summary
A Wearable Cardiac Defibrillator (WCD) system is configured to be worn by a patient who carries a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device has a user interface that is configured to enable the patient to enter wireless inputs. The WCD system includes a communication module that is configured to establish a local comlink with the mobile communication device. The WCD system also includes a tethered action unit that has a user interface configured to enable the patient to enter action inputs. The WCD system can perform some of its functions in response to the action inputs or to the wireless inputs. Since the wireless inputs can be provided from the mobile communication device instead of the action unit, the patient is less likely to attract attention when entering them, and thus exhibit better compliance.