CA2061027A1 - User interface for medical test device - Google Patents
User interface for medical test deviceInfo
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- CA2061027A1 CA2061027A1 CA002061027A CA2061027A CA2061027A1 CA 2061027 A1 CA2061027 A1 CA 2061027A1 CA 002061027 A CA002061027 A CA 002061027A CA 2061027 A CA2061027 A CA 2061027A CA 2061027 A1 CA2061027 A1 CA 2061027A1
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Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A user interface system for a medical test device provides the display of menus in a softkey menu display with a plurality of menu sets to be sequenced through the softkey menu display. A softkey display position is designated as a primary position to display primary functions associated with the primary steps of a test procedure to be implemented using the test device. The user progresses through the primary steps of the procedure by repeatedly selecting the function displayed in the primary position so that the user is intuitively guided through the procedure.
Description
C ~r~
USER INTERFACE FOR MEDICAL TEST DSVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to the field of medicine, and more particularly to user interfaces for medical test equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Medical test and diagnostic equipment is increasingly sophisticated and complicated in design and operation. Users of new medical devices typically require extensive training. However, physicians or other personnel and other medical personnel often have difficulty finding time for the required training. As a result, there is often a reluctance on the part of the physicians to use new equipment, or they use the equipment with less than a preferred amount of training. Designing sophisticated medical equipment to be user-friendly and simple to operate is thus an important design goal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simple to use user interface system for a medical test device, wherein the user of the device is guided through the primary operational steps of the test procedure associated with use of the device. The invention includes a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions. One of the positions is designated as a primary position. The functions include primary functions, comprising operational functions and linking functions. The primary functions correspond to the primary steps and operations of the test procedure, with the operational functions activating, controlling, or responsive to the test equipment or other elements of the device. The linking functions link one part of the test procedure to another. Secondary functions are also included for performing functions related to the primary functions or other non-test related device control functions.
The function descriptions are organized into a plurality of menu sets, with each set including one or more descriptions of the user-selected functions. A plurality of the sets include one of the primary functions, with the sets organized into a display sequence so that the primary functions are in order corresponding to the primary steps of the test procedure.
A plurality of user-activated control switches, one associated with each of the softkey positions on the display, are also provided. Menu display means for displaying the menu sets in the softkey display positions provides that the primary function in a menu set is displayed in the primary position so that if a user repeatedly presses the switch corresponding to the primary 2r`'J~ 7 display position, there is a progression through the menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a medical test device of the type the invention is adapted for use with;
Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of the software structure according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the user interface of the system according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is an example of a main menu of user-selected functions according to the present invention; and Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are examples of menu sets corresponding to selections shown in the menu of Figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration, a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.
~ 7 Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, an example of an implementation of the present invention in a medical test device will be given. System 1 includes a CPU 10, a terminal 12, a signal conditioning module 20 and a transducer 30. CPU 10 may be of ccnventional design, for example an IBM-compatible 80386 personal computer. Terminal 12 includes a monitor providing a display 14 and a keyboard unit 15. Unit 15 includes a plurality of user-activated control switches 16, positioned adjacent and underneath display 14. Display 14 includes a plurality of softkey display positions 18 each oriented proximate one of switches 16. Preferably, control switches 16 are push button switches.
CPU lO is connected to terminal 12 to receive input from keyboard 15 and provide control over display 14.
CPU 10 is further connected to signal conditioning unit 20, which receives signals from transducer 30 positioned on the chest of a patient 5. Transducer 30 is mounted to the chest of patient 5 using a base plate 32. Transducer 30 provides output signals, derived from the patient's heart wall motion to the signal conditioning module 20, which includes a pair of amplifiers 22, a pair of filters 24 and an A/D converter 26 which digitizes the amplified and filtered signals. CPU 10 receives the digitized signals over a data bus 28, and provides control information and receives status information from the signal conditioning unit 20 over bus 29. Software 1] in CPU 10 is provided for control and operation of the test device.
An output printer 42 is also provided, whereby output may be printed. A plurallty of traces 40 are shown displayed on display 14 as an example of an output of a medical test.
Turning now to Figure 2, a simplified diagram of the software of the system 1 of Figure 1 will be described.
Software 11 includes a main module 50, which receives input from the control switches 16 and other keyboard input. A
menu display routine 52 controls the display of menu information in the softkey display positions 18. Menu information 54 is stored in CPU 10 in memory, on disk, or in an equivalent storage location. Device control software 56 controls the operation of the medical test equipment which, in the example shown, consists of signal conditioning unit 20. Device interface software 58 is provided to interface the device control software 56 to the device hardware. In the example of Figure l, interface software 58 would receive and send information to signal conditioning module 20 over bus 29, and coordinate the receipt of data over bus 28.
The present invention is described herein as applied in the user interface of a device for measuring and characterizing the ventricular wall motion of a patient~s heart from cardiac induced compression waves detected at the surface of the patient's body. Transducer 30 thus consists of an accelerometer, which is responsive to compression waves at the surface of the patient's body for generating a plurality of compression wave signals corresponding to the ventricular wall motion. The signals are amplified, filtered and processed to provide display traces, such as display traces 40, shown in Figure 1 on display 14. Further information on the design and operation of such medical device may be found in U. S.
Patent Application Serial Number 07/495,262, filed March 16, l990, and entitled "Myocardial Ischemia Detection System" to John Zanetti et al., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, it shall be understood that the present invention is in no way limited in application in this type of medical device, but instead may be utilized in other types of medical devices, wherein a plurality of steps of a test procedure are followed in operating the device. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention could be applied in such devices as imaging systems, radiation therapy systems, and electrocardiogram equipment.
Referring now to Figure 3, there shown a schematic diagram of the display 14, control switches 16 and softkey menu display positions 18. Display 14 includes, preferably, a first section 14a for displaying the title of the particular display, for example, "Main Menu." Area 14b is reserved as the main window of the display, with a display area 14c reserved for the softkey display positions 18. A control switch 16 is provlded approximate each of the softkey display positions 18.
Figure 3 shows a set of example softkey display functions, namely "Resting Test", "Help", "Exercise Test", "Patient Files", and ~'Quit Seismocardiogram (SCG)" shown in positions 18a through 18e, respectively. The selection of one of the functions represented in softkey display positions 18 is accomplished pressing the corresponding one of control switches 16. In the example of the present invention, the main module 50 monitors control switches 16 and, in turn, receives control information. Menu display routine 52 controls the display of the descriptions of the user-selected functions in display positions 18. The descriptions are stored as menu information 54.
Main module 50 performs certain of the user-selected functions while others of these functions are performed by device control software 56, as explained further below.
The function descriptions shown in Figure 3 correspond to the menu set 70 shown in Figure 4. Menu set 70 consists of the five function descriptions labeled 70a through 70e. Function descriptions 70a through 70e are displayed in the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e, respectively. Each of function descriptions 70a ~ .f ~7 through 70e allow the user to select a particular branch of the menu structure of the system. Selection of Resting Test function 70a branches the system, under control of the main module 50, to the menu branch shown in Figure 5.
Selection of function 70c branches the system to the menu branch shown in Figure 6, selection 70d to the menu branch shown in Figure 7, and selection of function 70e to the menu branch shown in Figure 8. Selection of menu function 70b branches the system to a set of help menus which, for the sake of brevity of the drawing, are not illustrated herein.
Throughout Figures 4 through 8, an empty box indicates that no function is assigned to the corresponding softkey display position.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown the Resting Test Menu branch. The Resting Test Menu branch consists of a plurality of menu sets 80 through 84, each of which includes a plurality of softkey function descriptions. Menu set 80 includes the function descriptions "Clear Information", "Help", "Save Information", "An Empty Box", and "Press Twice Main Menu".
These function descriptions are displayed by menu display routine 52 in the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e, respectively. Here, as in the case of Figure 4 and the Figures 6, 7 and 8, the function descriptions correspond to functions of the system 1. Accordingly, the menus of Figures 4 through 8 double as schematic representations of corresponding system functions carried out by the software and hardware of the system. Menu descriptions 81a through 81e, 82a through 82e, 83a through 83e and 84a through 84e of menu sets 81 through 84 are also displayed in the respective softkey menu positions 18a through 18e. Menu sets 80 through 84 are displayed in sequence under user control. The primary functions of the Resting Test procedure are represented by function descriptions 80c, 81c, 82c, 83c and 84c. Selection by the operator of the device of the functions corresponding to these descriptions leads the operator through the resting test procedure, which comprises the steps of saving (patient) information, recording SCG data and printing a report. The Go To Resting SCG function connects or "links"
the Save Information function to the Record Data function.
Functions 80c, 81c, 82c, 83c and 84c are referred to herein as "primary" functions. There are two types of primary functions in the example of the present invention herein illustrated. One type of primary function is an "operational" function which activates, controls or responds to test equipment or relates to the operation of the device. The other type is a "linking" function which links one part of the procedure to another, typically in connection with a step of the procedure requiring operator or user activity such as placing sensors or electrodes on a ~ ~ ~ 7 patient's body. The Record Data ~Eunction corresponding to function description 82c is an operational function which activates, controls, and responds to the device test equipment which performs tests and obtains data from a patient. In the case of the syst~em illustrated in Figure 1, the test equipment consists of signal conditioning module 20, transducer 30 and base plate 32, and related connections.
The Save Information function corresponding to description 80c is also an operational function, in this case for obtaining initial patient information into CPU 10, as can be entered through the Keyboard 15. As noted above, 81c is also a primary function, in this case a "linking"
function which lin~s the save information function to the record data function. During the display of menu set 80, there is displayed in the main window 14b a patient record, including the patient's demographic information. If the information displayed on the screen (not shown) is correct, the Save Information function 80c is selected by pressing the corresponding control switch, the information is saved in an appropriate storage location or device of CPU 10, and the software 11 causes the dis`play of the next menu set 81.
Menu set 81 provides for a pause in the testing procedure, allowing "help" to be obtained via help function 81b, or for patient procedure information to be obtained via function 81a. The help and procedure information is displayed in the main window 14b of the display, while the softkey menus are displayed underneath. Although not shown, the Help or Patient Proceclure Information menu branches include a "Return to Prc)cedure" function displayed in position 18c, while in these branches. The Return to Procedure function returns the menu system to the point where exited, allowing the test procedure to continue by selecting the primary position. In the case of menu sets 80, 81, 82 and 84, the user may return to the main menu by twice pressing the control switch corresponding to function descriptions 80e, 81e, 82e and 84e. If the user desires to proceed with the test according to its normal, standard steps, the Go ~o Resting SCG function 81c is selected, whereupon the menu set 82 is displayed. Once again, help may be obtained through help function 82b. Once the patient is properly connected to the equipment and positioned and preconditioned for the test, the Record Data function 82c is selected and the system begins collecting data. In the example of the present invention, data is obtained into CPU 10 from transducer 30, through signal conditioning module 20, into interface software 58, and device control software 52.
Freeze On/Off function 82a is provided, whereby visual screen data scrolling may be temporarily frozen. A
Printer On/Off function 82d provides that a printer may be activated to print data as it is acquired. Once data acquisition is initiated by the selection of Record Data function 82c, menu set 83 is displayed, in which case the only selections for the user of the system are the Freeze On/Off function 83a and the Printer On/Off 83d. Upon completion of data acquisition, menu set 84 is automatically displayed, providing the operator to select the final primary function of the test steps, which is the Print Report function 84c. Alternatively, help may be obtained via Help function 84b or the operator may return to the recording step of the procedure through function 84a.
Thus, as described above, primary functions 80c, 81c, 82c and 84c are displayed in the primary display position 18c of the softkey menu display positions. Thus, proceeding through the standard, "primary" steps of the testing procedure is accomplished by selecting the function corresponding to the primary position of the softkey menu displays. In this manner, the operator of the equipment intuitively understands the primary, standard sequence of steps to follow in the procedure. It is also a feature of the invention that the softkey display positions are displayed during the duration of the test procedure so that the user has a continuous indication of where in the procedure they are and also what is being done and needs to be done next. Other sections of the display are used for display of data and the like. One aspect of this feature is that during the recording of data as activated at step 82c, a "blank" 83c is displayed in the primary position to indicate that no primary step selection is available while data collection is in progress. This approach can be used for other steps during which the next step of the procedure cannot yet be progressed to.
The present invention terms functions 80a, 80b, 81a, 81b, 82a, 82b, 82d, 83a, 83d, 84a and 84b as secondary test procedure functions which perform functions related to the primary functions, but which are not in the standard sequence of primary functions corresponding to the primary steps of the test procedure. Functions 80e, 81e, 82e and - 84e are termed "secondary control" functions, because each perform functions not directly related to the medical test procedure, but rather functions such as moving through the menus of the system, or to other modes of operation of the system. All of these functions are collectively referred to as "secondary" functions.
Thus, the system of the present invention, as described above, provides that the primary function in a menu set is displayed in a primary position of the softkey display positions, and that, if a user repeatedly presses the switch corresponding to the primary display position, there is a progression through the menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure. It further provides that functions not displayed in the J~
primary display position are understood to the operator to be secondary functions, which, if selected, would not result in a progression through 1:he primary, standard steps of the procedure, bu-t rather provide other functions, such as secondary test procedure functions or secondary control functions. The system of the present invention thus provides for intuitive operation of the medical test device and intuitive understanding of the test procedure. The operator understands that the standard, primary steps of the procedure are accomplished by selecting the function displayed in the primary display position of the softkey function description positions, and, further, that selection of functions not displayed in the primary position will not advance the test procedure to its next, standard step. Furthermore, the operator understands that if no primary function is displayed for selection, there is none available at the current point of the procedure.
Moreover, as illustrated with respect to menu set 81, the linking function 81c can provide for a pause in the procedure to allow for the operator to perform some activity such as preparing the patient for a test or positioning test equipment. The Patient Procedure Information or Help functions can be called upon to obtain information on what needs to be done before continuing.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the exercise test menu branch 90 corresponding to the exercise ~'s~
test function 70c shown in Figure 4. Upon selection of exercise test function 70c, menu set 91 is displayed in the corresponding positions of the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e as it was described above with respect to the menus discussed with respect to Figure 5.
In the usual case, the exercise test is performed on a new patient, so that the new patient function 91c would be selected. Alternatively, the test could be reselected for a patient, on which a prior test had been immediately been run using the medical test device. ~election of the usual case of a new patient, will cause the system to move to the display of menu set 93, which begins in the same manner as described with respect to the Resting Test procedure, and to progress through the primary functions Save Information, Go To Base Line SCG (menu set 94) and Record Baseline Data (menu set 95). The primary functions of the exercise test procedure further include exercising the patient as corresponds to menu set 98 and as would be indicated by the Help or Patient Procedure Information functions, if selected.
At the completion of the exercise, the Press at End of Exercise function is selected, moving the menu system to the menu set 99, whereby the Record Post-Exercise Data function may be selected to collect data from the transducer and signal conditioning unit. Upon the completion of the recording of the post-exercise data, the c system progresses automatically l:o the display of menu set 101, which allows for the operator to select the Go To Recovery SCG function to obtain recovery data. Again, this linking function corresponds to a pause in the test procedure requiring some operator/patient activity related to the test, which activity can be determined by review of information in the Help or Patient Procedure Information function. The final primary function of the procedure is the Print Exercise Report function in menu set 104.
In the case where the Current Patient function 9la is selected, menu set 92 allows for branching into the standard test procedure at any one of three points. In the usual case where Current Patient function 91a is selected, the Post-Exercise SCG function will be desired, and thus, it is displayed in the primary display position of the softkey menu display.
The functions represented by menus 91 through 104 in Figure 6 are organized the same as those described with respect to Figure 5, providing that the primary functions are displayed in the primary display position of the softkey menu display, with the secondary functions displayed in the other positions. Certain of the primary functions are equipment functions, namely the Record Baseline Data, Record Post-Exercise Data, and Record Recovery Data functions, while other primary functions are operational or linking functions, for example, the operational functions Save Information and Print Report or the linking functions Go To Baseline SCG and the Go To Post-Exercise SCG in menu set 97, which link portions of the test procedure together in the normal, standard operating sequence, allowing the operator a time and instructions to perform certain activities required during the sequence.
Referring now to Figure 7, the Patient File Menu branch 110 is illustrated. The primary function of the Patient File Menu branch is the Select Patient function in menu set 111, which, if selected, allows the operator to select a patient from the database of patients maintained by the system (by main module 50 of the software 11). This selection will be accomplished using the keyboard of the terminal 14. Once a patient is selected via the keyboard, menu set 112 is displayed, providing access to a Modem Data function, a Help function, and a Print Report function, or allowing for return to the main menu.
The Quit SCG menu branch 120 is shown in Figure 8 and provides a menu set 121, allowing a user to select the Quit SCG function, a help function, or a Main Menu function.
Thus, the interface system of the present invention provides for intuitive operation of the medical device in which it is employed and for an intuitive understanding by medical personnel of the sequence of steps s.J ~ ~q ~
in the test procedure performed using the device. The system thus helps minimize the amount of training required prior to use of the medical device in which it is employed, and further provides for fewer errors in the operation of the device.
As noted above, the particular medical device in which the menuing system of the present invention is employed is not critical to the invention. The interface system may be employed in any medical device wherein the device is operated in accordance with a predetermined test procedure, and wherein the steps of the test procedure can be generally organized into primary functions and secondary functions. The primary functions may include at least primary operational functions for activating, controlling or responding to test equipment or other elements of the medical test device, or linking functions for linking one part of the test procedure to another and proceeding through the primary functions and steps of the procedure.
By organizing the primary functions to be displayed in the same position of a softkey menu display system with the secondary functions in the other positions, the present invention provides for an intuitive understanding of the normal or standard procedure, and for an intuitive understanding of how to operate the medical test equipment in which the invention is employed. Also, by providing linking functions in the primary functions, the operator ~ ~a~
can be kept on track during those steps of the procedure requiring operator activity.
Furthermore, it shall be understood that the invention could be employed with other "switch" systems such as a mouse pointing device or touch screen display to select functions displayed in the softkey positions.
Moreover, it is contemplated that the function descriptions can be icons, pictographs or the equivalent, and the term "descriptions", as used in the claims appended hereto, shall be read to include such other representations.
USER INTERFACE FOR MEDICAL TEST DSVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains generally to the field of medicine, and more particularly to user interfaces for medical test equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Medical test and diagnostic equipment is increasingly sophisticated and complicated in design and operation. Users of new medical devices typically require extensive training. However, physicians or other personnel and other medical personnel often have difficulty finding time for the required training. As a result, there is often a reluctance on the part of the physicians to use new equipment, or they use the equipment with less than a preferred amount of training. Designing sophisticated medical equipment to be user-friendly and simple to operate is thus an important design goal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simple to use user interface system for a medical test device, wherein the user of the device is guided through the primary operational steps of the test procedure associated with use of the device. The invention includes a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions. One of the positions is designated as a primary position. The functions include primary functions, comprising operational functions and linking functions. The primary functions correspond to the primary steps and operations of the test procedure, with the operational functions activating, controlling, or responsive to the test equipment or other elements of the device. The linking functions link one part of the test procedure to another. Secondary functions are also included for performing functions related to the primary functions or other non-test related device control functions.
The function descriptions are organized into a plurality of menu sets, with each set including one or more descriptions of the user-selected functions. A plurality of the sets include one of the primary functions, with the sets organized into a display sequence so that the primary functions are in order corresponding to the primary steps of the test procedure.
A plurality of user-activated control switches, one associated with each of the softkey positions on the display, are also provided. Menu display means for displaying the menu sets in the softkey display positions provides that the primary function in a menu set is displayed in the primary position so that if a user repeatedly presses the switch corresponding to the primary 2r`'J~ 7 display position, there is a progression through the menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a medical test device of the type the invention is adapted for use with;
Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of the software structure according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the user interface of the system according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is an example of a main menu of user-selected functions according to the present invention; and Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are examples of menu sets corresponding to selections shown in the menu of Figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown by way of illustration, a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.
~ 7 Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, an example of an implementation of the present invention in a medical test device will be given. System 1 includes a CPU 10, a terminal 12, a signal conditioning module 20 and a transducer 30. CPU 10 may be of ccnventional design, for example an IBM-compatible 80386 personal computer. Terminal 12 includes a monitor providing a display 14 and a keyboard unit 15. Unit 15 includes a plurality of user-activated control switches 16, positioned adjacent and underneath display 14. Display 14 includes a plurality of softkey display positions 18 each oriented proximate one of switches 16. Preferably, control switches 16 are push button switches.
CPU lO is connected to terminal 12 to receive input from keyboard 15 and provide control over display 14.
CPU 10 is further connected to signal conditioning unit 20, which receives signals from transducer 30 positioned on the chest of a patient 5. Transducer 30 is mounted to the chest of patient 5 using a base plate 32. Transducer 30 provides output signals, derived from the patient's heart wall motion to the signal conditioning module 20, which includes a pair of amplifiers 22, a pair of filters 24 and an A/D converter 26 which digitizes the amplified and filtered signals. CPU 10 receives the digitized signals over a data bus 28, and provides control information and receives status information from the signal conditioning unit 20 over bus 29. Software 1] in CPU 10 is provided for control and operation of the test device.
An output printer 42 is also provided, whereby output may be printed. A plurallty of traces 40 are shown displayed on display 14 as an example of an output of a medical test.
Turning now to Figure 2, a simplified diagram of the software of the system 1 of Figure 1 will be described.
Software 11 includes a main module 50, which receives input from the control switches 16 and other keyboard input. A
menu display routine 52 controls the display of menu information in the softkey display positions 18. Menu information 54 is stored in CPU 10 in memory, on disk, or in an equivalent storage location. Device control software 56 controls the operation of the medical test equipment which, in the example shown, consists of signal conditioning unit 20. Device interface software 58 is provided to interface the device control software 56 to the device hardware. In the example of Figure l, interface software 58 would receive and send information to signal conditioning module 20 over bus 29, and coordinate the receipt of data over bus 28.
The present invention is described herein as applied in the user interface of a device for measuring and characterizing the ventricular wall motion of a patient~s heart from cardiac induced compression waves detected at the surface of the patient's body. Transducer 30 thus consists of an accelerometer, which is responsive to compression waves at the surface of the patient's body for generating a plurality of compression wave signals corresponding to the ventricular wall motion. The signals are amplified, filtered and processed to provide display traces, such as display traces 40, shown in Figure 1 on display 14. Further information on the design and operation of such medical device may be found in U. S.
Patent Application Serial Number 07/495,262, filed March 16, l990, and entitled "Myocardial Ischemia Detection System" to John Zanetti et al., the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. However, it shall be understood that the present invention is in no way limited in application in this type of medical device, but instead may be utilized in other types of medical devices, wherein a plurality of steps of a test procedure are followed in operating the device. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention could be applied in such devices as imaging systems, radiation therapy systems, and electrocardiogram equipment.
Referring now to Figure 3, there shown a schematic diagram of the display 14, control switches 16 and softkey menu display positions 18. Display 14 includes, preferably, a first section 14a for displaying the title of the particular display, for example, "Main Menu." Area 14b is reserved as the main window of the display, with a display area 14c reserved for the softkey display positions 18. A control switch 16 is provlded approximate each of the softkey display positions 18.
Figure 3 shows a set of example softkey display functions, namely "Resting Test", "Help", "Exercise Test", "Patient Files", and ~'Quit Seismocardiogram (SCG)" shown in positions 18a through 18e, respectively. The selection of one of the functions represented in softkey display positions 18 is accomplished pressing the corresponding one of control switches 16. In the example of the present invention, the main module 50 monitors control switches 16 and, in turn, receives control information. Menu display routine 52 controls the display of the descriptions of the user-selected functions in display positions 18. The descriptions are stored as menu information 54.
Main module 50 performs certain of the user-selected functions while others of these functions are performed by device control software 56, as explained further below.
The function descriptions shown in Figure 3 correspond to the menu set 70 shown in Figure 4. Menu set 70 consists of the five function descriptions labeled 70a through 70e. Function descriptions 70a through 70e are displayed in the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e, respectively. Each of function descriptions 70a ~ .f ~7 through 70e allow the user to select a particular branch of the menu structure of the system. Selection of Resting Test function 70a branches the system, under control of the main module 50, to the menu branch shown in Figure 5.
Selection of function 70c branches the system to the menu branch shown in Figure 6, selection 70d to the menu branch shown in Figure 7, and selection of function 70e to the menu branch shown in Figure 8. Selection of menu function 70b branches the system to a set of help menus which, for the sake of brevity of the drawing, are not illustrated herein.
Throughout Figures 4 through 8, an empty box indicates that no function is assigned to the corresponding softkey display position.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown the Resting Test Menu branch. The Resting Test Menu branch consists of a plurality of menu sets 80 through 84, each of which includes a plurality of softkey function descriptions. Menu set 80 includes the function descriptions "Clear Information", "Help", "Save Information", "An Empty Box", and "Press Twice Main Menu".
These function descriptions are displayed by menu display routine 52 in the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e, respectively. Here, as in the case of Figure 4 and the Figures 6, 7 and 8, the function descriptions correspond to functions of the system 1. Accordingly, the menus of Figures 4 through 8 double as schematic representations of corresponding system functions carried out by the software and hardware of the system. Menu descriptions 81a through 81e, 82a through 82e, 83a through 83e and 84a through 84e of menu sets 81 through 84 are also displayed in the respective softkey menu positions 18a through 18e. Menu sets 80 through 84 are displayed in sequence under user control. The primary functions of the Resting Test procedure are represented by function descriptions 80c, 81c, 82c, 83c and 84c. Selection by the operator of the device of the functions corresponding to these descriptions leads the operator through the resting test procedure, which comprises the steps of saving (patient) information, recording SCG data and printing a report. The Go To Resting SCG function connects or "links"
the Save Information function to the Record Data function.
Functions 80c, 81c, 82c, 83c and 84c are referred to herein as "primary" functions. There are two types of primary functions in the example of the present invention herein illustrated. One type of primary function is an "operational" function which activates, controls or responds to test equipment or relates to the operation of the device. The other type is a "linking" function which links one part of the procedure to another, typically in connection with a step of the procedure requiring operator or user activity such as placing sensors or electrodes on a ~ ~ ~ 7 patient's body. The Record Data ~Eunction corresponding to function description 82c is an operational function which activates, controls, and responds to the device test equipment which performs tests and obtains data from a patient. In the case of the syst~em illustrated in Figure 1, the test equipment consists of signal conditioning module 20, transducer 30 and base plate 32, and related connections.
The Save Information function corresponding to description 80c is also an operational function, in this case for obtaining initial patient information into CPU 10, as can be entered through the Keyboard 15. As noted above, 81c is also a primary function, in this case a "linking"
function which lin~s the save information function to the record data function. During the display of menu set 80, there is displayed in the main window 14b a patient record, including the patient's demographic information. If the information displayed on the screen (not shown) is correct, the Save Information function 80c is selected by pressing the corresponding control switch, the information is saved in an appropriate storage location or device of CPU 10, and the software 11 causes the dis`play of the next menu set 81.
Menu set 81 provides for a pause in the testing procedure, allowing "help" to be obtained via help function 81b, or for patient procedure information to be obtained via function 81a. The help and procedure information is displayed in the main window 14b of the display, while the softkey menus are displayed underneath. Although not shown, the Help or Patient Proceclure Information menu branches include a "Return to Prc)cedure" function displayed in position 18c, while in these branches. The Return to Procedure function returns the menu system to the point where exited, allowing the test procedure to continue by selecting the primary position. In the case of menu sets 80, 81, 82 and 84, the user may return to the main menu by twice pressing the control switch corresponding to function descriptions 80e, 81e, 82e and 84e. If the user desires to proceed with the test according to its normal, standard steps, the Go ~o Resting SCG function 81c is selected, whereupon the menu set 82 is displayed. Once again, help may be obtained through help function 82b. Once the patient is properly connected to the equipment and positioned and preconditioned for the test, the Record Data function 82c is selected and the system begins collecting data. In the example of the present invention, data is obtained into CPU 10 from transducer 30, through signal conditioning module 20, into interface software 58, and device control software 52.
Freeze On/Off function 82a is provided, whereby visual screen data scrolling may be temporarily frozen. A
Printer On/Off function 82d provides that a printer may be activated to print data as it is acquired. Once data acquisition is initiated by the selection of Record Data function 82c, menu set 83 is displayed, in which case the only selections for the user of the system are the Freeze On/Off function 83a and the Printer On/Off 83d. Upon completion of data acquisition, menu set 84 is automatically displayed, providing the operator to select the final primary function of the test steps, which is the Print Report function 84c. Alternatively, help may be obtained via Help function 84b or the operator may return to the recording step of the procedure through function 84a.
Thus, as described above, primary functions 80c, 81c, 82c and 84c are displayed in the primary display position 18c of the softkey menu display positions. Thus, proceeding through the standard, "primary" steps of the testing procedure is accomplished by selecting the function corresponding to the primary position of the softkey menu displays. In this manner, the operator of the equipment intuitively understands the primary, standard sequence of steps to follow in the procedure. It is also a feature of the invention that the softkey display positions are displayed during the duration of the test procedure so that the user has a continuous indication of where in the procedure they are and also what is being done and needs to be done next. Other sections of the display are used for display of data and the like. One aspect of this feature is that during the recording of data as activated at step 82c, a "blank" 83c is displayed in the primary position to indicate that no primary step selection is available while data collection is in progress. This approach can be used for other steps during which the next step of the procedure cannot yet be progressed to.
The present invention terms functions 80a, 80b, 81a, 81b, 82a, 82b, 82d, 83a, 83d, 84a and 84b as secondary test procedure functions which perform functions related to the primary functions, but which are not in the standard sequence of primary functions corresponding to the primary steps of the test procedure. Functions 80e, 81e, 82e and - 84e are termed "secondary control" functions, because each perform functions not directly related to the medical test procedure, but rather functions such as moving through the menus of the system, or to other modes of operation of the system. All of these functions are collectively referred to as "secondary" functions.
Thus, the system of the present invention, as described above, provides that the primary function in a menu set is displayed in a primary position of the softkey display positions, and that, if a user repeatedly presses the switch corresponding to the primary display position, there is a progression through the menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure. It further provides that functions not displayed in the J~
primary display position are understood to the operator to be secondary functions, which, if selected, would not result in a progression through 1:he primary, standard steps of the procedure, bu-t rather provide other functions, such as secondary test procedure functions or secondary control functions. The system of the present invention thus provides for intuitive operation of the medical test device and intuitive understanding of the test procedure. The operator understands that the standard, primary steps of the procedure are accomplished by selecting the function displayed in the primary display position of the softkey function description positions, and, further, that selection of functions not displayed in the primary position will not advance the test procedure to its next, standard step. Furthermore, the operator understands that if no primary function is displayed for selection, there is none available at the current point of the procedure.
Moreover, as illustrated with respect to menu set 81, the linking function 81c can provide for a pause in the procedure to allow for the operator to perform some activity such as preparing the patient for a test or positioning test equipment. The Patient Procedure Information or Help functions can be called upon to obtain information on what needs to be done before continuing.
Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the exercise test menu branch 90 corresponding to the exercise ~'s~
test function 70c shown in Figure 4. Upon selection of exercise test function 70c, menu set 91 is displayed in the corresponding positions of the softkey menu display positions 18a through 18e as it was described above with respect to the menus discussed with respect to Figure 5.
In the usual case, the exercise test is performed on a new patient, so that the new patient function 91c would be selected. Alternatively, the test could be reselected for a patient, on which a prior test had been immediately been run using the medical test device. ~election of the usual case of a new patient, will cause the system to move to the display of menu set 93, which begins in the same manner as described with respect to the Resting Test procedure, and to progress through the primary functions Save Information, Go To Base Line SCG (menu set 94) and Record Baseline Data (menu set 95). The primary functions of the exercise test procedure further include exercising the patient as corresponds to menu set 98 and as would be indicated by the Help or Patient Procedure Information functions, if selected.
At the completion of the exercise, the Press at End of Exercise function is selected, moving the menu system to the menu set 99, whereby the Record Post-Exercise Data function may be selected to collect data from the transducer and signal conditioning unit. Upon the completion of the recording of the post-exercise data, the c system progresses automatically l:o the display of menu set 101, which allows for the operator to select the Go To Recovery SCG function to obtain recovery data. Again, this linking function corresponds to a pause in the test procedure requiring some operator/patient activity related to the test, which activity can be determined by review of information in the Help or Patient Procedure Information function. The final primary function of the procedure is the Print Exercise Report function in menu set 104.
In the case where the Current Patient function 9la is selected, menu set 92 allows for branching into the standard test procedure at any one of three points. In the usual case where Current Patient function 91a is selected, the Post-Exercise SCG function will be desired, and thus, it is displayed in the primary display position of the softkey menu display.
The functions represented by menus 91 through 104 in Figure 6 are organized the same as those described with respect to Figure 5, providing that the primary functions are displayed in the primary display position of the softkey menu display, with the secondary functions displayed in the other positions. Certain of the primary functions are equipment functions, namely the Record Baseline Data, Record Post-Exercise Data, and Record Recovery Data functions, while other primary functions are operational or linking functions, for example, the operational functions Save Information and Print Report or the linking functions Go To Baseline SCG and the Go To Post-Exercise SCG in menu set 97, which link portions of the test procedure together in the normal, standard operating sequence, allowing the operator a time and instructions to perform certain activities required during the sequence.
Referring now to Figure 7, the Patient File Menu branch 110 is illustrated. The primary function of the Patient File Menu branch is the Select Patient function in menu set 111, which, if selected, allows the operator to select a patient from the database of patients maintained by the system (by main module 50 of the software 11). This selection will be accomplished using the keyboard of the terminal 14. Once a patient is selected via the keyboard, menu set 112 is displayed, providing access to a Modem Data function, a Help function, and a Print Report function, or allowing for return to the main menu.
The Quit SCG menu branch 120 is shown in Figure 8 and provides a menu set 121, allowing a user to select the Quit SCG function, a help function, or a Main Menu function.
Thus, the interface system of the present invention provides for intuitive operation of the medical device in which it is employed and for an intuitive understanding by medical personnel of the sequence of steps s.J ~ ~q ~
in the test procedure performed using the device. The system thus helps minimize the amount of training required prior to use of the medical device in which it is employed, and further provides for fewer errors in the operation of the device.
As noted above, the particular medical device in which the menuing system of the present invention is employed is not critical to the invention. The interface system may be employed in any medical device wherein the device is operated in accordance with a predetermined test procedure, and wherein the steps of the test procedure can be generally organized into primary functions and secondary functions. The primary functions may include at least primary operational functions for activating, controlling or responding to test equipment or other elements of the medical test device, or linking functions for linking one part of the test procedure to another and proceeding through the primary functions and steps of the procedure.
By organizing the primary functions to be displayed in the same position of a softkey menu display system with the secondary functions in the other positions, the present invention provides for an intuitive understanding of the normal or standard procedure, and for an intuitive understanding of how to operate the medical test equipment in which the invention is employed. Also, by providing linking functions in the primary functions, the operator ~ ~a~
can be kept on track during those steps of the procedure requiring operator activity.
Furthermore, it shall be understood that the invention could be employed with other "switch" systems such as a mouse pointing device or touch screen display to select functions displayed in the softkey positions.
Moreover, it is contemplated that the function descriptions can be icons, pictographs or the equivalent, and the term "descriptions", as used in the claims appended hereto, shall be read to include such other representations.
Claims (7)
1. A user-interface system for controlling the operation of a device for performing a medical test, said device including test equipment for performing tests on a patient, said tests being part of a test procedure, comprising:
a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions, one of said positions being designated as a primary position, said functions including:
i) primary functions including operational functions and linking functions, said primary functions corresponding to the primary steps and operations of the test sequence, said operational functions for activating, controlling or responsive to said test equipment and for performing other functions related to the operation of the device, and said linking functions for linking one part of the test procedure to another;
ii) secondary functions, including secondary test procedure functions for performing functions related to said primary functions, but not in the sequence of primary functions;
said descriptions organized into a plurality of menu sets, each set including one or more descriptions for said user-selected functions, a plurality of said sets including one of said primary functions, said sets organized into a display sequence so that the selection of primary functions by a user advances the user through the primary steps of the test procedure;
means for selecting one of said softkey display positions on said display; and menu display means for displaying said menu sets in said softkey display positions, said menu display means displaying said menu sets so that a primary function in a menu set is displayed in said primary position and so that if a user repeatedly selects the function corresponding to said primary display position there is a progression through said menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions, one of said positions being designated as a primary position, said functions including:
i) primary functions including operational functions and linking functions, said primary functions corresponding to the primary steps and operations of the test sequence, said operational functions for activating, controlling or responsive to said test equipment and for performing other functions related to the operation of the device, and said linking functions for linking one part of the test procedure to another;
ii) secondary functions, including secondary test procedure functions for performing functions related to said primary functions, but not in the sequence of primary functions;
said descriptions organized into a plurality of menu sets, each set including one or more descriptions for said user-selected functions, a plurality of said sets including one of said primary functions, said sets organized into a display sequence so that the selection of primary functions by a user advances the user through the primary steps of the test procedure;
means for selecting one of said softkey display positions on said display; and menu display means for displaying said menu sets in said softkey display positions, said menu display means displaying said menu sets so that a primary function in a menu set is displayed in said primary position and so that if a user repeatedly selects the function corresponding to said primary display position there is a progression through said menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
2. A user-interface system for controlling the operation of a device for performing a medical test, said tests being part of a test procedure, comprising:
a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions, one of said positions being designated as a primary position, said functions including:
i) primary functions corresponding to the primary steps and operations of the test sequence, said functions for activating, controlling or responsive to said test device;
ii) secondary functions, for performing functions related to said primary functions, but not in the sequence of primary functions;
said descriptions organized into a plurality of menu sets, each set including one or more descriptions for said user-selected functions, a plurality of said sets including one of said primary functions, said sets organized into a display sequence so that the selection of primary functions by a user advances the user through the primary steps of the test procedure;
means for selecting one of said softkey display positions on said display; and menu display means for displaying said menu sets in said softkey display positions, said menu display means displaying said menu sets so that a primary function in a menu set is displayed in said primary position and so that if a user repeatedly selects the function corresponding to said primary display position there is a progression through said menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
a display including a plurality of softkey display positions for displaying descriptions of user-selected functions, one of said positions being designated as a primary position, said functions including:
i) primary functions corresponding to the primary steps and operations of the test sequence, said functions for activating, controlling or responsive to said test device;
ii) secondary functions, for performing functions related to said primary functions, but not in the sequence of primary functions;
said descriptions organized into a plurality of menu sets, each set including one or more descriptions for said user-selected functions, a plurality of said sets including one of said primary functions, said sets organized into a display sequence so that the selection of primary functions by a user advances the user through the primary steps of the test procedure;
means for selecting one of said softkey display positions on said display; and menu display means for displaying said menu sets in said softkey display positions, said menu display means displaying said menu sets so that a primary function in a menu set is displayed in said primary position and so that if a user repeatedly selects the function corresponding to said primary display position there is a progression through said menu sequence and the corresponding primary steps of the test procedure.
3. A user-interface system according to claim 2 further wherein one of said primary functions is a linking function which allows for an operator of the device to perform a step in the procedure before continuing.
4. The system according to claim 3 further wherein the menu set containing said linking function includes a function which, if selected, provides help to the operator.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein a menu set containing a linking function includes a function which, if selected, provides help to the operator.
6. The system of claim 4 wherein the help is information on the test procedure.
7. The system of claim 5 wherein the help is information on the test procedure.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US66324991A | 1991-03-01 | 1991-03-01 | |
| US663,249 | 1991-03-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2061027A1 true CA2061027A1 (en) | 1992-09-02 |
Family
ID=24661029
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002061027A Abandoned CA2061027A1 (en) | 1991-03-01 | 1992-02-11 | User interface for medical test device |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05181917A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1083292A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2061027A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6418394B1 (en) | 1997-05-21 | 2002-07-09 | Polar Electro Oy | Measuring device and method of controlling same |
-
1992
- 1992-02-10 AU AU10832/92A patent/AU1083292A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-02-11 CA CA002061027A patent/CA2061027A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-02-14 JP JP2812792A patent/JPH05181917A/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6418394B1 (en) | 1997-05-21 | 2002-07-09 | Polar Electro Oy | Measuring device and method of controlling same |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH05181917A (en) | 1993-07-23 |
| AU1083292A (en) | 1992-09-03 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |