Wearable Checklist Verification System for Process Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing process control systems lack reliable automated verification and logging of checklist completion, leading to preventable errors, and are impractical for use outside a fixed workstation.

Innovation Solution

A user-programmable system with advising, confirming, and alarm features, utilizing wall/ceiling-mounted and portable electronic devices for real-time verification and logging of checklist steps, allowing voice, gesture, or eye-activated responses, and providing continuous live support for protocol adherence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If paper-based checklists and manual entry computerized systems are used, then checklist verification can be performed, but the system is impractical to use away from a desk or fixed workstation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidchecklist verification reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual paper-based checklist systems with an automated electronic system that uses audio prompts and voice responses. The system substitutes mechanical writing and manual verification with electronic verification through microprocessors, audio output devices, and voice recognition capabilities, enabling reliable checklist verification while providing portability for use away from fixed workstations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If comprehensive checklist verification with logging and saving proof is implemented, then reliability of protocol adherence improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechecklist completion verificationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing user responses against the checklist requirements stored in memory. The microprocessor independently verifies compliance without requiring external verification personnel or complex manual processes. The system self-logs and saves proof of checklist completion automatically, reducing the need for additional verification infrastructure while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If real-time verification and logging of checklist steps is performed, then preventable errors are reduced, but loss of time in completing protocols increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror reductionVSAvoidprotocol completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous verification of checklist steps as they are performed, rather than requiring batch verification at the end. The audio prompting system guides users through steps sequentially, providing immediate verification feedback. This continuous process integrates verification into the workflow itself, reducing the need for separate verification steps and minimizing additional time requirements while maintaining error reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11341460B2Computerized contemporaneous process control and quality assurance

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 CLEAR PROTOCOL INC

AI summary

Improved process control systems determine whether a set of sequential steps that are included in a desired checklist have been performed by a user. The user provides, through a wearable device, individual verifications for the completions of the individual steps. The system generates an alarm if the steps of the checklist have not been performed. The user may perform corrective steps to remedy the issue, or else a second alarm is generated.