WO2016089753A1

WO2016089753A1 - Medical treatment system training

Info

Publication number: WO2016089753A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/062954
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark MANYEN; Tom LENDWAY; Andrew Skypeck
Original assignee: Gambro Lundia Ab
Priority date: 2014-12-03
Filing date: 2015-11-30
Publication date: 2016-06-09

Abstract

Treatment systems may be configurable in a training mode. When in the training mode, the system may generate and display on a graphical user interface information related to the configuration and execution of one or more treatments and/or allow a user to provide input to simulate the configuration and execution of one or more treatments.

Description

MEDICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM TRAINING

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/086,996, filed 03 December 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure herein relates to medical treatment systems. More particularly, the disclosure relates to training for medical treatment systems such as extracorporeal blood treatment systems.

Medical treatment systems often include a graphical user interface depicted on display apparatus. A user may use the graphical user interface to, among other things, set up, configure, monitor, and perform a treatment. The graphical user interface may include a plurality of different graphic displays configured for different types of treatment, for different skill levels of users, for different languages, etc.

Users, or operators, may be trained to use medical treatment systems by in- person training or through online training. In-person training may include a person qualified to train users on a medical treatment system physically training the users on an actual functioning medical treatment system. Online training may include graphical user interfaces presented on a personal computer that are similar to the graphical user interfaces of the medical treatment system, which a user can interact with to be trained on a medical treatment system. Extracorporeal blood treatment, e.g., performed using the graphical user interfaces described herein, may refer to taking blood from a patient, treating the blood outside the patient, and returning the treated blood to the patient.

Extracorporeal blood treatment is typically used to extract undesirable matter or molecules from the patient's blood, and/or to add beneficial matter or molecules to the blood. Extracorporeal blood treatment may be used with patients incapable of effectively eliminating matter from their blood, for example, in the case of a patient who is suffering from temporary or permanent kidney failure. These and other patients may, for instance, undergo extracorporeal blood treatment to add to or to eliminate matter from their blood, to maintain an acid-base balance, and/or to eliminate excess body fluids.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes systems and methods that provide training to a user. To provide the training, the systems and methods may provide two modes: an operation mode; and a training mode. When in operation mode, the exemplary system may behave in a normal, operating fashion. For example, the system may be used to perform one or more treatments (e.g., extracorporeal blood treatments, etc.). When in training mode, the exemplary system may allow a user to simulate one or more treatments (e.g., extracorporeal blood treatments, etc.).

Further, when in training mode, one or more features or functions of the exemplary system may be disabled. For example, one or more operation graphic regions or areas of the graphical user interface used by the system when in operation mode may be disabled when in training mode. The training mode may be provided by a training script. For example, a user may provide the training script to the exemplary system, and the system may execute the training script, which places, or configures, the system into training mode. The training script may include instructions that disable one or more functions or features of the operation mode, provide one or more training graphic regions or areas (e.g., to present information to a user regarding training, etc.) of the graphical user interface, block, or disable, selection of one or more operation graphical regions or areas of the graphical user interface, etc. One exemplary treatment system may include a display apparatus, an input apparatus, and a computing apparatus. The display apparatus (e.g., a touchscreen) may include a graphical user interface for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment and the input apparatus (e.g., also the touchscreen) may be configured to allow a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment. The computing apparatus may be operatively coupled to the display apparatus and the input apparatus. The system may be configurable in at least an operation mode and a training mode. When the system is configured in the operation mode, the computing apparatus may be configured to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to configure and execute the at least one treatment. The computing apparatus may be further configured to execute at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode. The at least one training script may be configured to override the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

One exemplary method for a treatment system may include providing a graphical user interface (e.g., on a touchscreen) for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment and providing input apparatus (e.g., also the touchscreen) configured to allow a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment. The exemplary method may further include generating and displaying on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in an operation mode. The exemplary method may further include executing at least one training script to configure the system in a training mode. The at least one training script may be configured to override the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

One exemplary treatment system may include display means, input means, and computing means. The display means (e.g., a touchscreen) may include a graphical user interface for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment, and the input means (e.g., also the touchscreen) may be configured for allowing a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment. The computing means may be operatively coupled to the display means and the input means. The system may be configurable in at least an operation mode and a training mode. When the system is configured in the operation mode, the computing means may be configured to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input means to configure and execute the at least one treatment. Further, the computing means may be further configured to execute at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode, wherein the at least one training script overrides the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input means to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one training script may override the operation mode to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment without executing the at least one treatment. In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode. Further, at least one of the one or more operation graphical regions may be usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment. Still further, the at least one training script may be configured to display one or more of the operation graphical regions to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment for training, and at least one of the one or more of the operation graphical regions displayed when the system is configured in training mode by the at least one training script may be usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment.

In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode, and each of the one or more operation graphical regions may be usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment. Further, the at least one training script may be configured to display a plurality of the operation graphical regions to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment for training, and the at least one training script may configure each of the plurality of operation graphical regions displayed when the system is configured in training mode to be active or inactive. Still further, an operational graphical region may be usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment when active and may not be usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment when inactive.

In one or more embodiments, the system may further include an external media device that includes the at least one training script. The computing apparatus or computing means may be further configured to be operatively coupled to the external media device, and the computing apparatus or computing means may be configured to read the at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode when the external media devices is operatively coupled to the computing apparatus. Further, the system may be configured in the operation mode when the external media device is operatively de-coupled from the computing apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode, and the at least one training script may be configured to overlay one or more training graphical regions over at least one operation graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface displayed when the system is configured in training mode. In at least one embodiment, each training graphical region of the one or more training graphical regions may be opaque or translucent. In at least one embodiment, each training graphical region of the one or more training graphical regions may be configured to block selection of the at least one operation graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface by a user.

In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode. Each of the one or more operation graphical regions may be usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment, and the at least one training script may be configured to disable use of one or more graphical areas of the one or more operation graphical regions when the system is configured in the training mode.

In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode. The at least one training script may be configured to provide at least one graphical indication proximate to at least one graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface to assist in training a user.

In one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface may include one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode, and the at least one training script may be configured to provide at least one auditory or graphical indication configured to provide training information with respect to at least one graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface to assist in training a user.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one training script may be configured to provide a training menu graphical region to be displayed on the graphical user interface. The training menu graphical region may be configured to display a plurality of category areas, each corresponding to a different training category, and allow a user to select a category area of the plurality of category areas to initiate training for the training category corresponding to the selected category area.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one training script may include at least one of the following: displayable text to be displayed on the graphical user interface; reference text referencing data to be displayed on the graphical user interface; configuration text to configure one or more parameters of the system; and conditional text configured to control which displayable text, reference text, and configuration text within the at least one training script is to be utilized depending on one or more variables. In at least one embodiment, the data referenced by the reference text may include at least one of video data, animation data, graphical regions, graphical areas, and audio data.

It may be described that the exemplary systems and methods include a "training mode" that allows a wide variety of interactive activities to be performed by the user. The training mode, though integrated for use with a treatment system, can be updated and expanded without making any changes to the treatment system's software. For example, training mode scripts may be contained on and enabled by a USB drive that is inserted into the exemplary system to activate the training mode. In at least one embodiment, training mode may include one or more of the following capabilities: ability to play a video with subtitles; ability to show animations; ability to show device screens in any order; ability to populate values to displayed device screen; and ability to overlay screens. The overlays may include one or more of the following components: transparent sections that show the screen below but do not allow interaction with the transparent sections; opaque sections that include training graphics/text; training mode buttons that react per the training mode script; and empty sections that allow a user to interact directly with the device screen.

One exemplary system may be instrumented in the following manner to allow training mode to perform one or more tasks. When an external device (e.g., a universal serial bus key), which contains a special file indicating that the device is a "training mode" key, is coupled to (e.g., inserted into) the exemplary system, the system (e.g., after a few safety checks) may be configured to automatically run the training script found on the external device. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to have an overlay drawn on top of the graphical user interface of the system. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to request any graphical user interface to be drawn at any time. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to populate displayed data on the graphical user interface. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to request a video or animation located on the external device to be played. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to add buttons, graphics, and text to the graphical user interface (e.g., add buttons, graphics, and text to overlays provide on the graphical user interface), where all such data comes from the external device. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary system may be configured to allow the training script to pass touchscreen events to the graphical user interface of the system if the events occur in an area of the overlay screen, which is defined to be open in that regard (e.g., a "hole").

The exemplary systems and methods may be described as allowing training to be completed, or done, directly on the system for which the user is being training. Further, the training may be described as integrating directly with the graphical user interfaces and functionality of the system and is "programmed" completely separately and independently from the system software. Still further, the training mode may allow customization of each graphical user interface in terms of which areas from a user's perspective may be either covered (e.g., not visible), blocked (e.g., not touchable), or usable. In at least one embodiment, training mode can also be used in a marketing capacity to demonstrate the capabilities of the system via a live demonstration.

The exemplary systems and methods may be further described as allowing training lessons to be updated, expanded, and tailored to fit the needs of a wide range of users without, e.g., changing the system software or programming. In other words, the exemplary systems and methods may provide the ability to

update/expand the training software without modification to the system software. Further, it may be described that the training mode may allow users to interact directly with the system in a controlled and guided manner. Still further, since some training revolves around interactions with disposables attached to the system, training directly on the system may be more effective than online training since the training can be done hands-on with the actual system and disposables.

The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation thereof. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary medical treatment system including input apparatus, display apparatus, and treatment apparatus that may utilize the graphical user interfaces and methods described herein. FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system that may utilize the graphical user interfaces and methods described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for a treatment system that includes an operation mode and a training mode.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict an exemplary graphical user interface for a treatment system depicting operation mode and training mode.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of providing training mode on an extracorporeal blood treatment system, for example, such as shown generally in FIGS. 1-2.

FIGS. 6-8 depict exemplary graphical user interfaces for use in

extracorporeal blood treatment systems, for example, such as shown generally in FIGS. 1-2, when configured in training mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby.

Exemplary systems and methods to provide training for medical treatment systems such as, e.g., extracorporeal blood treatment systems, shall be described with reference to Figures 1-8. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements or processes from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements or processes of the other embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such systems and methods using combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the Figures and/or described herein. Further, it will be recognized that the embodiments described herein may include many elements that are not necessarily shown to scale. Still further, it will be recognized that timing of the processes and the size and shape of various elements herein may be modified but still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, although certain timings, one or more shapes and/or sizes, or types of elements, may be advantageous over others.

The exemplary systems and methods may be used with, or in, an

extracorporeal blood treatment system or any other medical treatment system (e.g., intensive care unit ventilator systems, infusion pump systems, dialysis systems, pulse oximetry systems, patient monitoring systems, blood pressure monitoring systems, peritoneal dialysis systems, etc.) that may benefit therefrom. The exemplary systems and methods may provide two modes, namely, an operation mode and a training mode. The operation mode may be generally described as providing typical, or normal, functional operation of the exemplary treatment system. A user may use the treatment system when configured in the operation mode to perform standard, typical, or normal treatments that the treatment system provides. For example, if the exemplary treatment system is an extracorporeal blood treatment system, when the extracorporeal blood treatment system is configured in the operation mode, the extracorporeal blood treatment system may be used by a user to perform extracorporeal blood treatments.

The training mode may be generally described as providing a guided and/or limited use of the exemplary treatment system that is configured to train a user on the use thereof. For example, the training mode may disable one or more features of the treatment system and/or provide one or more different types of information to provide training to the user. Further, for example, the training mode may use one or more features and/or elements of the exemplary system when configured in the operation mode. It may be described that the training mode is configured to generate and display on a graphical user interface of the exemplary system information related to configuration and execution of one or more treatments and to allow a user to provide input via input apparatus of the exemplary system to simulate the configuration and execution of one or more treatments.

The exemplary treatment systems may include system software (e.g., software that executes, or runs, the system). The training mode may be provided by a training script that is not part of the system software. Instead, the training script may be described as being external from the exemplary treatment system. The training script may be executed by the exemplary treatment system to place, or configure the treatment system into training mode. When the training script is being executed, the training script may be described as using data (e.g., graphical elements, etc.) and functionality of the exemplary treatment system without modifying, or changing, the system software. In other words, the training script may be described as being apart from the system software. The training script may thus be modified, or changed, without modifying, or changing, the system software. As such, updating the training script will not affect the system software, and likewise, updating the system software will not affect the training script. An exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system 10 depicted in FIG. 1 may be used to execute, or perform, the exemplary methods and/or processes described herein. In at least one embodiment, the system 10 may be a machine for the extracorporeal treatment of blood. The system 10 could, for example, alternatively be a blood processing device or a blood component preparation device or other medical apparatus for fluid delivery/collection.

As shown, the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system 10 includes computing apparatus 12. The computing apparatus 12 may be configured to receive input from input apparatus 20 and transmit output to output apparatus 22 (e.g., display apparatus). Further, the computing apparatus 12 may include data storage 14. Data storage 14 may allow for access to processing programs or routines 16 (e.g., script interpreters, etc.) and one or more other types of data 18 (e.g., extracorporeal blood treatment system graphical elements, graphical animations, variables, images, text strings, macros, etc.) that may be employed to perform, or carry out, exemplary methods and/or processes (e.g., displaying graphical user interfaces, monitoring inputs from various devices of the treatment system, accessing data stored in memory for display in graphical user interfaces, displaying graphical elements, displaying textual elements, displaying status information, issuing alarms, running a treatment, determining problems with a treatment, exchanging/changing reservoirs, notifying operators/users of problems, etc.). For example, the computing apparatus 12 may be configured to monitor one or more devices, or apparatus, of the treatment system 10 so as to, for example, provide information related to the one or more devices of the treatment system 10 during a configuration process on a graphical user interface depicted on display apparatus. The computing apparatus 12 may be operatively coupled to the input apparatus 20 and the output apparatus 22 to, e.g., transmit data to and from each of the input apparatus 20 and the output apparatus 22. For example, the computing apparatus 12 may be electrically coupled to each of the input apparatus 20 and the output apparatus 22 using, e.g., analog electrical connections, digital electrical connections, wireless connections, bus-based connections, etc. As described further herein, an operator may provide input to the input apparatus 20 to manipulate, or modify, one or more graphical depictions displayed on display apparatus of the output apparatus 22 to select and view various information related to any treatments.

Further, various devices and apparatus may be operatively coupled to the computing apparatus 12 to be used with the computing apparatus 12 to perform one or more extracorporeal procedures/treatments as well as the functionality, methods, and/or logic described herein. As shown, the system 10 may include input apparatus 20, output apparatus 22, and treatment apparatus 24 operatively coupled to the computing apparatus 12 (e.g., such that the computing apparatus 12 may be configured to use information, or data, from the apparatus 20, 22, 24 and provide information, or data, to the apparatus 20, 22, 24). The input apparatus 20 may include any apparatus capable of providing input to the computing apparatus 12 to perform the functionality, methods, and/or logic described herein.

For example, the input apparatus 20 may include a touchscreen (e.g., capacitive touchscreen, a resistive touchscreen, a multi-touch touchscreen, etc.), a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, etc. A touchscreen may overlay display apparatus of the output apparatus 22 such that, e.g., an operator may use the touchscreen to interact (e.g., by touch) with a graphical user interface displayed on display apparatus. For example, the input apparatus 20 may allow an operator to interact with a graphical user interface including a configuration region containing, or depicting, information related to one more configuration processes. Further, for example, the input apparatus 20 may allow an operator to interact with a graphical user interface to be trained on the exemplary system 10 (e.g., trained to perform one or more treatments, trained to configure the system, trained to use a graphical user interface of the system, etc.

The display apparatus of the output apparatus 22 may include any apparatus capable of displaying information to an operator, such as a graphical user interface, etc., to perform the functionality, methods, and/or logic described herein. For example, display apparatus may include a liquid crystal display, an organic light- emitting diode screen, a touchscreen, a cathode ray tube display, etc. As described further herein, display apparatus may be configured to display a graphical user interface that includes one or more regions such as a configuration region, an operations region, a status region, treatment configuration regions, configuration regions, alarms regions, etc. For example, the graphical user interface displayed by display apparatus of the output apparatus 22 may include, or display, one or more operation graphical regions/areas and/or one or more training graphical

regions/areas to provide training of a user.

As used herein, a "region" of a graphical user interface may be defined as a portion of the graphical user interface within which information may be displayed or functionality may be performed. Regions may exist within other regions, which may be displayed separately or simultaneously. For example, smaller regions may be located within larger regions, regions may be located side-by- side, etc.

Additionally, as used herein, an "area" of a graphical user interface may be defined as a portion of the graphical user interface located within a region that is smaller than the region within which the area is located.

The output apparatus 22 may include any other apparatus configured to provide output to a user. For example, the output apparatus 22 may include one or more speakers for providing auditory output to a user, one or more indicator lights for alerting the user to one or more portions of the system 10, etc. The speakers, or auditory output apparatus, may be configured to play voices for providing instructions to a user when training. The voices may be pre-generated (e.g., prerecorded) or generated on-the-fly using, e.g., text-to-speech processes. The speakers, or auditory output apparatus, may be configured to function, or work in conjunction, with the display apparatus to provide one or more videos for training.

The processing programs or routines 16 may include programs or routines for performing script processing, script execution, computational mathematics, matrix mathematics, standardization algorithms, comparison algorithms, or any other processing required to implement one or more exemplary methods and/or processes described herein. Data 18 may include, for example, sensor data, setup data, configuration data, instructional text, variables, graphics (e.g., graphical elements, icons, buttons, windows, dialogs, pull-down menus, graphic areas, graphic regions, 3D graphics, images, animations, etc.), graphical user interfaces, fluid data, flow rates, fluid volumes, notifications, pressures, pressure limits, blood flow, blood flow limits, fluid removal rates, fluid removal limits, target blood temperatures, blood temperature limits, heuristics indicative of malfunction, results from one or more processing programs or routines employed according to the disclosure herein, or any other data that may be necessary for carrying out the one and/or more processes or methods described herein. Additionally, the processing programs or routines 16 of the computing apparatus 12 may be described as being the "system software" that is configured to execute, or run, the system 10.

In one or more embodiments, the system 10 may be implemented using one or more computer programs executed on programmable computers, such as computers that include, for example, processing capabilities, data storage (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), input devices, and output devices. Program code and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data to perform functionality described herein and generate desired output information. The output information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and/or methods as described herein or as would be applied in a known fashion.

The program used to implement the methods and/or processes described herein may be provided using any programmable language, or code, e.g., a high level procedural and/or object orientated programming language, or code, that is suitable for communicating with a computer system. Any such programs may, for example, be stored on any suitable device, e.g., a storage media, that is readable by a general or special purpose program running on a computer system (e.g., including processing apparatus) for configuring and operating the computer system when the suitable device is read for performing the procedures described herein. In other words, at least in one embodiment, the system 10 may be implemented using a computer readable storage medium, configured with a computer program, where the storage medium so configured causes the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner to perform functions described herein. Further, in at least one embodiment, the system 10 may be described as being implemented by logic (e.g., object code) encoded in one or more non-transitory media that includes code for execution and, when executed by a processor, is operable to perform operations such as the methods, processes, and/or functionality described herein.

The computing apparatus 12 may be, for example, any fixed or mobile computer system (e.g., a controller, a microcontroller, a personal computer, mini computer, etc.). The exact configuration of the computing apparatus 12 is not limiting, and essentially any device capable of providing suitable computing capabilities and control capabilities (e.g., graphics processing, control of

extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, etc.) may be used.

The system 10 may be configured for use with an external data device 30. The external data device 30 may be data storage (e.g., including volatile or nonvolatile memory and/or storage elements) that is configured to store digital data. The external data device 30 may store digital files, e.g., software, data, etc. that is configured to place the system 10 into training mode as will be described further herein. For example, the system 10 may be configured to interface with the external data device 30 such that the digital files on the external data device 30 may be used (e.g., read, executed, etc.) by the system 10 for training a user to use the system 10. The digital files on the external data device 30 may be described as being independent, or separate, from the system software of the computing apparatus 12. For example, the digital files of the external data device 30 may be modified without modifying the system software of the computing apparatus 12. In at least one embodiment, the external data device 30 may be a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick.

As described herein, a digital file may be any medium (e.g., volatile or nonvolatile memory, a CD-ROM, a punch card, magnetic recordable tape, etc.) containing digital bits (e.g., encoded in binary, trinary, etc.) that may be readable and/or writeable by computing apparatus 12 described herein. Also, as described herein, a file in user-readable format may be any representation of data (e.g., ASCII text, binary numbers, hexadecimal numbers, decimal numbers, graphically, etc.) presentable on any medium (e.g., paper, a display, etc.) readable and/or

understandable by an operator.

In view of the above, it will be readily apparent that the functionality as described in one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure may be implemented in any manner as would be known to one skilled in the art. As such, the computer language, the computer system, or any other software/hardware which is to be used to implement the processes described herein shall not be limiting on the scope of the systems, processes or programs (e.g., the functionality provided by such systems, processes or programs) described herein.

The methods and/or logic described in this disclosure, including those attributed to the systems, or various constituent components, may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the techniques may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components, or other devices. The term "processor" or "processing circuitry" may generally refer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combination with other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry.

Such hardware, software, and/or firmware may be implemented within the same device or within separate devices to support the various operations and functions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of the described components may be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. Depiction of different features, e.g., using block diagrams, etc., is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such features must be realized by separate hardware or software components. Rather, functionality may be performed by separate hardware or software components, or integrated within common or separate hardware or software components.

When implemented in software, the functionality ascribed to the systems, devices and methods described in this disclosure may be embodied as instructions and/or logic on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, magnetic data storage media, optical data storage media, or the like. The instructions and/or logic may be executed by one or more processors to support one or more aspects of the functionality described in this disclosure. The treatment apparatus 24 may include any apparatus used by an exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system capable of performing extracorporeal blood treatments, such as, e.g., pumps, reservoirs, scales, treatment sets, filters, pressure sensors, etc. For example, the treatment apparatus 24 may include one or more elements, or components, of the extracorporeal blood treatment system 100 described herein with reference to FIG. 2.

The exemplary systems, and exemplary methods performed, or used, by such exemplary systems, described herein may include systems such as, e.g., dialysis systems. The general term "dialysis" as used herein includes hemodialysis, hemo filtration, hemodiafiltration, hemoperfusion, liver dialysis, and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), among other similar treatment procedures. In dialysis generally, blood is taken out of the body and exposed to a treatment device to separate substances therefrom and/or to add substances thereto, and is then returned to the body. Although extracorporeal blood treatment systems capable of performing general dialysis (as defined above, including TPE) shall be described herein with reference to the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system of FIG. 2, other systems such as those for infusion of drugs, performance of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

(ECMO), hemoperfusion, liver dialysis, apheresis, TPE, etc. may benefit from the systems, methods, and apparatus described herein and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular treatment system.

Referring to FIG. 2, one illustrative embodiment of an extracorporeal blood treatment system, or apparatus, 100 is depicted. The system 100 includes a housing 110 having a front face 112. The system 100 further includes one or more pumps 120 used to move liquids through the system as part of a treatment process.

Although the pumps 120 are depicted in the form of peristaltic pumps, the pumps used in the extracorporeal blood treatment system described herein may be provided in a variety of alternative forms, e.g., piston pumps, pumps for use with syringes, diaphragm pumps, etc. The extracorporeal blood treatment system 100 also includes, in one or more embodiments, a display 160 used to convey information to an operator or user. The display 160 may also serve as an input device if, e.g., the display 160 is in the form of a touchscreen. Also, although the display 160 is depicted as being located in the housing 110, in one or more alternate embodiments, the display 160 may be separate from the housing 110 of the extracorporeal blood treatment system 100. For example, the display 160 may be movably (e.g., swivel, tilt, etc.) attached, or coupled, to the housing 110 (e.g., a top end of the housing 110).

The extracorporeal blood treatment system 100 also includes reservoir scales 130, each of which is configured to hold and weigh a reservoir 132. The reservoir scales 130 are positioned below a bottom end 114 of the housing 110, at least in part because the reservoirs 132 are typically attached to and hang from the reservoir scales 130. Although the depicted embodiment of the extracorporeal blood treatment system 100 includes four reservoir scales 130 and associated reservoirs 132, alternative embodiments of extracorporeal blood treatment systems as described herein may include one or more reservoir scales 130 and associated reservoirs 132 such as, e.g., as few as two reservoirs scales 130 and associated reservoirs 132, four or more reservoirs scales 130 and associated reservoirs 132, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1 and as related to FIG. 2, the treatment apparatus 24 may be operatively coupled, or connected, to the computing apparatus 12. Among the treatment apparatus 24 operably coupled to the computing apparatus 12 are the pumps 120 and reservoir scales 130 as shown in FIG. 2.

Exemplary graphical user interfaces, or portions thereof, for use in displaying information related to extracorporeal blood treatments, providing functionality to an operator for use in performing extracorporeal blood treatments, and/or for use in providing training to a user are depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6-8. Such exemplary graphical user interfaces may be depicted by display apparatus of the output apparatus 22 of the system 10 described herein with reference to FIG. 1 and/or the display 160 of the system 100 of FIG. 2. Additionally, the graphical user interfaces described herein may be depicted on a touchscreen, and in such configuration, the input apparatus would also be the touchscreen (e.g., alone or in combination with other input apparatus).

Each exemplary graphical user interface of the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment systems described herein may include one or more graphical regions used to display information to a user. An operator may use input apparatus 20 of the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system 10 described herein with reference to FIG. 1 to select graphical regions or areas of exemplary graphical user interfaces described herein. For example, the input apparatus 20 may be a touch screen that corresponds to a graphical user interface. As used herein, when an operator "selects" a graphical region or area of the graphical user interface, it is to be understood that selecting the graphical region or area may be conducted in many different ways using many different types of input apparatus. For example, when the input apparatus includes a touch screen, an operator may select a graphical region or area by "touching" the graphical region or area with their finger or using a pointing device such as a stylus. Further, for example, when the input apparatus includes a mouse or similar pointing device, an operator may select a graphical region or area by locating an arrow or cursor over the desired graphical region "clicking" the graphical region or area. Still further, for example, when the input apparatus includes a series of buttons and/or knobs, an operator may select a graphical region or area by using the buttons and/or knobs to navigate to the graphical region or area and to select it (e.g., by depressing the button and/or knob).

As described herein, the exemplary treatment systems may be configured in at least an operation mode and a training mode. An exemplary method 200 for a treatment system being configured in operation mode and training mode is depicted in FIG. 3. As shown, the treatment system may start, or begin, in operation mode 202. For example, the treatment system may be located in a hospital or clinic such that it can be used to provide treatments to one or more patients, and thus, the treatment system may be configured in operation mode to provide such treatments. It may be described that the operation mode 202 is the default, or natural, state of an exemplary treatment system. For instance, the exemplary treatment system may remain in the operation mode 202 unless a user configures the treatment system into training mode.

A user may configure the treatment system into training mode using various techniques. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a user may couple an external device 204 to the exemplary treatment system. The external device may include digital files that may include one or more training scripts and data related to training. In at least one embodiment, the external device may be a USB memory key that may be coupled to a USB port of the exemplary system. In other embodiments, the external device may be any device capable of configuring the exemplary system into training mode. In some embodiments, the external device may not include digital files (e.g., including one or more training scripts or data related to training), and instead, may merely indicate to, or instruct, the exemplary system to be configured into training mode (in these embodiments, the training mode data may still be kept separate from the system software of the exemplary system such that, e.g., modification of the training mode data does not modify the system software). Further, the external device may be coupled to the exemplary system in multiple ways so as to provide data transfer therebetween. In the example of a USB memory key, the external device may be physically coupled to the exemplary system. In other examples, the external device may be wirelessly coupled to the exemplary system.

After the external device is coupled 204 to the exemplary treatment system, the system may read one or more training scripts 206 from the external device. The training scripts may be defined as any digital data file configured to provide instructions to an exemplary treatment system to place, or configure, the treatment system into training mode. The training script may be a human-readable text file. Further, the training script may be written using particular syntax to provide programming language-like features such as, e.g., variables, functions, conditional statements, etc. In at least one embodiment, the training script may be written in the LUA scripting language. A computing apparatus of the exemplary treatment system may read and execute the one or more training scripts 206 from the external device to configure the treatment system into training mode 208 based on the one or more training scripts as will be described further herein. Once a user has finished training, the user may de-couple, or remove, the external data device 210 from the exemplary system, which will, in turn, configure the system back into operation mode 202. In at least one embodiment, the user may simply remove the external data device 210 from the exemplary system without performing any other task and the exemplary system may be automatically configured into operation mode. In other

embodiments, the user may need to indicate to the exemplary system that the external data device is to be removed 210 from system and may need to perform one or more additional tasks to place the system back into operation mode (e.g., reboot of the system, power off and on the system, etc.).

Exemplary graphical user interfaces 300 are depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6-8 that may be generally used on an exemplary treatment system. More specifically, the exemplary graphical user interfaces 300 may be used to train a user to use an extracorporeal blood treatment system to, e.g., set up, perform, finish, maintain, etc., one or more extracorporeal blood treatments.

The exemplary graphical user interface 300 is depicted in each of in FIGS. 4A-4B. The graphical user interface 300 configured in operation mode is shown in the first instance 302 in FIG. 4 A and the graphical user interface 300 configured in training mode is shown in the second instance 304 in FIG. 4B.

Generally, the graphical user interface 300 may include one or more operation graphical regions and areas that are used to perform a plurality of functions of the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system when configured in the operation mode. For example, the operation graphical regions and areas of the graphical user interface 300 may display information related to configuration and execution of one or more treatments and to allow a user to provide input to configure and execute the one or more treatments. Further, the graphical user interface 300 may include one or more operation regions and areas that are configured to allow a user to traverse multiple graphical regions and/or areas to change one or more settings, review different information and/or settings, etc. For example, the graphical user interface 300 may include a status region 310, a toolbar region 312, a list region 341, and a configuration region 316.

The status region 310 may be configured to display therapy information such as, e.g., machine status, therapy type, and therapy status. As shown, the status region 310 is located in the upper left corner of the graphical user interface 300. The tool bar region 312 may be configured to provide one or more selectable graphical areas for accessing various settings and/or information of the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system. As shown, the tool bar region 312 includes a "History" area, "Tools" area, "System" area, "Profiles" area, "Lock" area, and "Help" area, each of which may be selectable by an user (e.g., by touching, clicking with a mouse, etc.) to access various other graphical regions and/or areas of the graphical user interface 300. The list region 341 may include, or depict, a plurality of step areas. Each step area may represent one step of a procedure (e.g., treatment setup) arranged in chronological order (e.g., steps descending from the top of the interface 300 to the bottom of the interface 300). As shown, the step areas may include step "1. Patient Info," "2. Therapy Options," and "3. Prescription." Generally, the configuration region 316 may be configured, e.g., to provide assistance to a user in the configuration of a treatment (e.g., an extracorporeal blood treatment). For example, the configuration region 316 may include at least one region or area that is configured to change at least one parameter (e.g., a flow rate, etc.) used in the execution of a treatment. It is to be understood that the

configuration region 316 may be used to configure a treatment system before a treatment, during a treatment, and/or after a treatment. In other words, the configuration region 316 is not only for use in the setup of a treatment prior to beginning the treatment (e.g., pre-treatment configuration procedures) but may also be for used for maintaining an ongoing treatment (e.g., mid-treatment configuration procedures such as a reservoir change, etc.), and for finishing an already completed treatment (e.g., post-treatment configuration procedures such as cleaning the treatment system, etc.).

When an exemplary treatment system is configured into training mode from operation mode, the training script may be described as overriding operation mode. Further, it may be described that the training script (or training mode) overrides the operation mode because one or more features, or functions, of the operation mode may be disabled, or at least controlled, by the training script. For example, with respect to the graphical user interface 300, the training script may be configured (e.g., when executed by computing apparatus of the exemplary system) to generate and display on the graphical user interface 300 information related to configuration and execution of one or more treatments and to allow a user to provide input (e.g., via input apparatus) to simulate the configuration and execution of one or more treatments. In one or more embodiments, a training script may disable use of, or interaction with, one or more operation graphical regions and areas. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the exemplary graphical user interface 300 has transitioned 306 from the operation mode as shown in the first instance 302 to the training mode in the second instance. In this example, the training mode has provided a plurality of training graphical regions and areas 320 that have overlaid, or replaced, the operation graphical regions shown when the system is configured in operation mode. Generally, when the exemplary system is configured in training mode, the graphical user interface 300 may include one or more training graphical regions and areas 320 that are configured to train a user to use a plurality of functions of the exemplary extracorporeal blood treatment system.

It may be described that the training graphical regions 320 of the training mode may overlay one or more operation graphical regions of the operation mode. In other words, one or more operation graphical regions of the operation mode may be "covered up" by one or more training graphical regions 320 of the training mode or one or more training graphical regions 320 of the training mode may be "drawn or depicted over" one or more operation graphical regions of the operation mode. When one or more training graphical regions 320 of the training mode overlay one or more operation graphical regions, the one or more operation graphical regions may not be viewable by a user on the graphical user interface 300. Further, such overlaid operation graphical regions may also not be selectable, or interactable, by the user to, e.g., use the one or more features or functions of the overlaid operation graphical regions. For example, if an operation graphical region or area, such as a portion of the configuration region 316 used to change, or adjust, a parameter of a treatment (e.g., a flow rate, etc.), were overlaid, or "covered up," by a training graphical region 320, the training graphical region 320 may block the operation graphical region or area from being used to change, or adjust, a parameter of a treatment. Further, a training graphical region may be described as being opaque when covering an operation graphical region such that it is not viewable or interactable by a user. In at least one embodiment, training graphical regions may be translucent such that, e.g., a user may see, or view, operation graphical regions behind the training graphical regions but may not interact with the operation graphical regions.

It may be further described that the training graphical regions 320 of the training mode may provide "openings," or "holes," therethrough such that one or more operation graphical regions may be viewable to and/or interactable by a user. In at least one embodiment, the training graphical regions 320 may be described as covering the entire graphical user interface 300 and that some of the training graphical regions 320 may be transparent so as to act as "openings," or "holes," to allow one or more overlaid operation graphical regions to be displayed to and/or interacted with by a user. In at least one embodiment, the training graphical regions 320 may be described as not covering the entire graphical user interface 300 and only covering some of the operation graphical regions. In these ways, the underlying operation graphical regions and areas of the graphical user interface 300, and thus the system software driving the graphical user interface 300 of the operation mode, may not be modified, or changed, by the training script. The training graphical regions 320 shown in the second instance 304 of the exemplary graphical user interface 300 shown in FIG. 4B may be generally described as providing a training menu, or home, screen, which will be described further herein with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B. A diagram depicting the functionality of the exemplary systems and methods for providing training on an extracorporeal blood treatment system, for example, such as shown generally in FIGS. 1-2, is shown in FIG. 5. As shown, the external device 30 may include at least one training mode script 32 and training data 34. As described herein, the training script 32 may be defined as any digital data file configured to provide instructions to an exemplary treatment system for training mode. The training script may be human-readable text including syntax for different types of text to perform various functionality. For example, the training script may include displayable text to be displayed on the graphical user interface, reference text referencing data to be displayed on the graphical user interface, configuration text to configure one or more parameters of the system, and conditional text configured to control which displayable text, reference text, and configuration text within the training script is to be utilized depending on one or more variables.

The training data 34 may include any data that may be used in training a user to use the exemplary treatment system. The training data 34 may include training graphical regions or areas, functions, macros, audio files, video files, indicator graphics, animation graphics, graphics of one or more physical portions of the treatment system, etc. The training data 34 may be referenced by the training script 32. For example, the training script 32 may instruct the system to display one or more graphic regions or areas of the training data on display apparatus, or play one or more audio on auditory output apparatus. Further, for example, the training script 32 may instruct the system to display one or more video files on the graphical user interface while playing the audio of the one or more video files using the auditory output apparatus. The training script 32 may be read from the external device 30 by, e.g., an interpreter 19. The interpreter 19 may be defined as a program executable by the computing apparatus 12 that is configured to read one or more training scripts 32 and execute the training scripts 32 to provide training using the exemplary system. If the training script 32 references training data 34, the interpreter 19 may read, or pull, the data from the training data 34 of the external device. The training script 32 may also reference system data 18. In this case, the interpreter 19 may read, or pull, the data from the system data 18.

Among other things, the interpreter 19 may generate the graphical user interface 300 including one or more training graphical regions and areas based at least in part on the training script 32. Further, although not shown, the interpreter 19 may also disable, or block, one or more functions, or features, of the exemplary treatment system (e.g., to ensure that the system cannot be used on a patient for safety) that are performable when the treatment system is configured in the operation mode according the training script 32. For example, the interpreter 19 may block the selection of one or more operation graphical regions and/or areas of the graphical user interface 300 when the exemplary treatment system is configured in treatment mode according the training script. Further, for example, the interpreter 19 may block a user from interacting with one or more hardware features of the exemplary treatment system (e.g., reservoir scales, pumps, tube sets, etc.) when the treatment system is configured in treatment mode according the training script. The training script 19 may be described as being able to selectively block, or disable, or allow, or enable, one or more functions, or features, of the exemplary treatment system that are performable when the treatment system is configured in the operation mode according the training script 32. For example, some functions, or features, may be blocked, or disabled, while others may not be blocked, or disabled.

When a training script is initially run, or executed, by an interpreter 19 of the computing apparatus 12, a training menu graphical region 330 may be displayed on the graphical user interface 300 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. The training menu graphical region 330 may be configured to introduce a user to the training (e.g., a training session) provided by the training mode. As shown, all of the operation graphical regions and areas of the graphical user interface 300 have been overlaid by the training menu graphical region 330. In other embodiments, the training menu graphical region 330 may not overlay all of the operation graphical regions and areas.

The training menu graphical region 330 may include a training status area 332 located in the upper left corner of the graphical user interface 300. The training status area 332 may overlay, or replace, the status region 310 as shown in FIG. 4A. Further, the training menu graphical region 330 may include a category region 334. The category region 334 may include plurality of category areas. Each category area may correspond to a different training category. A user may select a category area of the category region 334 to initiate training for the training category corresponding to the selected category area. The category region 334 may overlay, or replace, the list region 314 as shown in FIG. 4A.

The training menu graphical region 330 may further include a description area 336. The description area 336 may provide a description of the training that may be performed on the exemplary treatment system. After a user selects a category area from the category region 334, the selected category area 399 may be indicated as being selected by, e.g., highlighting, as shown in FIG. 6B. Further, a start area 338 may be provided on the graphical user interface 300 that is configured to be selectable by a user to start the selected category of training (e.g., as indicated by the selected category area 339). As shown, the start area 338 is located in a lower region of the description area 336. Upon selection of the start area 338, a category introduction and topic selection region 340 may be displayed, or depicted, on the graphical user interface 300 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. The category introduction and topic selection region 340 may include a description area 349 containing at least a description of the category and a topic selection area 344. The topic selection area 344 may include a plurality of selectable topics from the category. As shown, the category selected in FIG. 6B was "Treatments," and as such, the topics shown are various treatments. The treatments are grouped into two categories of treatments: continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The CRRT category includes "CVVHDF Syringe," "CVVHDF FLEXITRATE," "CVVH

Syringe," and "CVVH FLEXITRATE/ Syringe . ' ' The TPE category includes "TPE FLEXITRATE." More topics, or treatments in this example, may be shown by selecting the scroll area 345.

A user may select a topic from the topic selection area 344, which in this case, is a therapy type, and then select the start area 346 to begin training as shown in FIG. 7B. If a user does not want to perform training on any of the topics of the topic selection area 344, a user may select the close area 348 to return to the training menu graphical region 330. As shown in FIG 7B, a user has selected the CVVHDF FLEXITRATE treatment topic 347 (e.g., as indicated by the highlighting). CVVHDF FLEXITRATE treatment training is depicted in the graphical user interface 300 of FIGS. 8A-8D. The CVVHDF FLEXITRATE treatment training mode may be described as overriding the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface 300 information related to configuration and execution of CVVHDF FLEXITRATE treatments and to allow a user to provide input via input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of CVVHDF

FLEXITRATE treatments. When an exemplary system is configured in training mode, the system may be configured to simulate the treatment without actually performing the treatment.

"Actual" performance of the treatment may include the physical act of performing a treatment such as, e.g., a dialysis treatment, as opposed to simulating the performance of the treatment. Further, a user may want to actually perform treatment while in training mode, and in at least one embodiment, the system may be used to actually perform a treatment when configured in training mode. As shown, the graphical user interface 300 includes operation graphical regions (e.g., operation graphical regions typically displayed when the exemplary system is configured in operation mode, operation graphical regions stored within the computing apparatus of the exemplary system, etc.) and training graphical regions (e.g., training graphical regions stored on an external device, etc.). As described herein, the training graphical regions may overlay one or more operation graphical regions to, e.g., block selection of the operation graphical regions, disable functionality or block selection of the operation graphical regions, block a user from viewing of the operation graphical regions, etc. For example as shown in FIG. 8A, a training status area 332 may be located in the upper left corner of the graphical user interface 300 that is overlaying, or replacing, the status region 310 of the operation mode of FIG. 4A. Further, a training toolbar region 333 is depicted that is overlaying, or replacing, the toolbar region 312 of the operation mode of FIG. 4A. The training toolbar region 333 includes the text "Treatment Scenario" to indicate to a user that the system and graphical user interface is configured in training mode.

Portions of the training toolbar region 333 may depict data 18 from the exemplary system 10 such as, e.g., the date and time 335 and power indicator 337 (e.g., which indicates whether the system is presently "plugged in" to an electrical outlet). Further, the training toolbar region 333 depicts a help area 399, which may be the same help graphical area of the toolbar region 312 displayed on the graphical use interface 300 during operation mode. To provide such system data and operation graphical regions, the training script may reference the system data and operation graphical regions stored in the data storage 14 of the computing apparatus 12.

In another embodiment, the training toolbar region 333 may only overlay a portion of the toolbar region 312 of the operation mode such that the date and time 335, power indicator 337, and help area 399 of the toolbar region 312 of the operation mode remain exposed, or shown, in the training mode. Further, in this embodiment, the training mode may either block or allow selection of each of the date and time 335, power indicator 337, and help area 399 of the toolbar region 312.

A list region 341 including step areas for preparing a CVVHDF

FLEXITRATE treatment are further depicted on the graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8A. The training script may provide a list region 341 in many different ways. The list region 341 may be generated using graphical elements from the system data 18 and/or graphical elements from the external device 30. Further, the list region 341 may be generated by allowing the list region 314 depicted during operation mode as shown in FIG. 4A to be displayed (e.g., not blocking the list region 314 from view using training graphical regions). Further, transparent training regions may overlay, or be located over, the list region 314 of FIG. 4A that may be configured to selectively block selection of one or more areas of the list region 314 from selection by a user to provide list region 341.

A configuration region 342 is further depicted in FIG. 8A. Similar to the list region 341, the configuration region 342 may be generated by the training script in many different ways. The configuration region 342 may be generated using graphical elements from the system data 18 and/or graphical elements from the external device 30. Further, the configuration region 342 may be generated by allowing the configuration region 310 of the operation mode to be displayed (e.g., not blocking the configuration region from view using training graphical regions).

As shown, the configuration region 342 includes the text "Enter Patient information - Scenario - Treatment CVVHDF FLEXITRATE" 350. The text 350 may be generated from the system data 18 and/or data on the external device 30. The text 350 may further indicate to a user that the system is configured for training the user on CVVHDF FLEXITRATE treatments.

The configuration region 342 includes a patient ID area 352 for entering a patient ID, a patient weight area 354 for entering a patient weight, a hematocrit percentage area 356 for entering a hematocrit percentage, and a gain/loss area 358 for entering a gain/loss limit. During operation mode, each of the areas 352, 354, 356, 358 may be selectable at any given time by a user to change the parameter or value that is set using the respective area. During training mode, the training script may limit a user to entering one value at a time in the areas 352, 354, 356, 358. For example, the training script may block the functionality of all but one area of areas 352, 354, 356, 358 until a user has entered an acceptable value in the unblocked area. Further, the graphic areas and regions may be described as being either active or inactive. When a graphic area or region is active, a user may be allowed to interact (e.g., select, change a value, entered a value, etc.) with the area or region. When a graphic area or region is inactive, a user may not be allowed to interact (e.g., select, change a value, entered a value, etc.) with the area or region.

As shown, the configuration area 342 further comprises an indicator 362 (e.g., as shown, an arrow) that is configured to indicate to a user the active, or unblocked, area (e.g., the graphical area that a user may interact with). For example, the indicator 362 points to the patient ID area 352, and as such, a user may enter the patient ID using the patient ID area 352 because the area is active. The other areas 354, 356, 358 may be configured to be inactive, or blocked, by the training script (e.g., using transparent overlays, etc.) from user intersection (e.g., user selection may not do anything). After a user has entered an acceptable patient ID value using the patient ID area 352, the training script may move, or re-draw, the indicator 362 to point to the next area, such as, e.g., the weight area 354, may allow access to the weight area 354, and may block the other areas 352, 356, 358 from user interaction.

The configuration area 342 may further include a skip area 360 configured to allow a user to skip this portion of the training. If a user selects the skip area 360, the training may proceed to the next step area "Treatment" of list region 341 as shown in FIG. 8B.

The graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8B may be similar to the graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8A. For example, the graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8B may include a training status region 332, training toolbar region 333, list region 341 similar the training status region 332, training toolbar region 333, list region 341 of the graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8A.

As shown, the configuration region 342 may include one or more configuration areas for configuring a treatment in the treatment step. Since the exemplary system and graphical user interface are still configured in training mode, the training script may control what regions/areas are displayed and/or interactable by users. As shown, the configuration region 342 for the treatment step may include a profile area 370, a therapy type area 372, a therapy set area 374, an

anticoagulation area 376, and a plurality of fluid areas 378. As described herein, for example, each of areas 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 may be generated by the training script requesting data from an external device 30 and/or the system data 18. Or, for example, each of the areas 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 may be provided as part of the configuration region 316 of the operation mode and the training script may either provide "holes" or transparent training graphic regions over the configuration region 316.

Similar to the configuration region 342 of FIG. 8 A, the training script may control each of the areas 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 such that only one of the areas may be adjusted, or modified, at a time by a user. In other embodiments, all of areas 370, 372, 374, 376, 378 may be adjusted, or modified, at the same time or simultaneously.

The graphical user interface 300 of FIG. 8B further includes, or depicts, a tip region 380. The tip region 380 may overlay (e.g., be located, or depicted, over) one or more regions and/or areas of the graphical user interface 300 and may be configured to include a description of a pending task on the graphical user interface 300 and a Home Menu area 382. As shown in FIG. 8B, the pending task for a user is to select a profile using the profile area 370. A graphical indication 390 (e.g., an outline, a highlight, a flashing icon, etc.) may be depicted proximate the graphical region or area used to perform the pending task. As shown, the graphical indication 390 is an outline around the profile area 370 to indicate that the profile area 370 may be used to complete the pending task.

The description of the pending task in the tip region 380 describes the profile area 370 and the use of (e.g., actions associated therewith) of the profile area 370. More specifically, the description of the pending task of the tip region 380 describes that the profile area 370 "Predefines therapy set, anticoagulation and flow rates" and that an action to perform the pending task is to "Press the Magnifying Glass." A graphical indicator 392 (e.g., an arrow, a highlight, etc.) may be provided proximate the action to be executed to perform the pending task. As shown, the graphical indicator 392 is an arrow pointing at the magnifying glass of the profile area 370 to, e.g., indicate to a user to select the magnifying glass to perform the pending task.

As described, the tip region 380 further includes a Home Menu area 382. The Home Menu area 382 may be selectable by a user to display the training menu graphical region 330 of FIG. 6A. For example, after a user has completed training on a particular graphical user interface such as, e.g., shown in FIG. 8B, a user may select the Home Menu area 382 to return to the training menu graphical region 330 to continue training. Further, the tip region 380 may displayed in one or more, or all, of the graphical user interfaces depicted in when configured in training mode, and thus, anytime a user wishes to return to the training menu graphical region 330, a user may select the Home Menu area 382.

All patents, patent documents, and references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This disclosure has been provided with reference to illustrative embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. As described previously, one skilled in the art will recognize that other various illustrative applications may use the techniques as described herein to take advantage of the beneficial characteristics of the systems and methods described herein. Various modifications of the illustrative

embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent upon reference to this description.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A treatment system comprising:

a display apparatus comprising a graphical user interface for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment;

an input apparatus configured to allow a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment; and

a computing apparatus operatively coupled to the display apparatus and the input apparatus, wherein the system is configurable in at least an operation mode and a training mode,

wherein, when configured in the operation mode, the computing apparatus is configured to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to configure and execute the at least one treatment,

wherein the computing apparatus is further configured to execute at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode, wherein the at least one training script overrides the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

2. A method for a treatment system comprising:

providing a graphical user interface for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment;

providing input apparatus configured to allow a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment;

generating and displaying on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in an operation mode; and

executing at least one training script to configure the system in a training mode, wherein the at least one training script is configured to override the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

3. A treatment system comprising:

display means comprising a graphical user interface for use in displaying information related to at least one treatment;

input means for allowing a user to interact with the graphical user interface to configure and execute the at least one treatment; and

computing means operatively coupled to the display means and the input means, wherein the system is configurable in at least an operation mode and a training mode,

wherein, when configured in the operation mode, the computing means is configured to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input means to configure and execute the at least one treatment,

wherein the computing means is further configured to execute at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode, wherein the at least one training script overrides the operation mode to generate and display on the graphical user interface information related to configuration and execution of the at least one treatment and to allow a user to provide input via the input means to simulate the configuration and execution of at least a portion of the at least one treatment.

4. The systems or method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one training script overrides the operation mode to allow a user to provide input via the input apparatus to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment without executing the at least one treatment.

5. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode, wherein at least one of the one or more operation graphical regions is usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment,

wherein the at least one training script is configured to display one or more of the operation graphical regions to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment for training, wherein at least one of the one or more of the operation graphical regions displayed when the system is configured in training mode by the at least one training script is usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment.

6. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode, wherein each of the one or more operation graphical regions is usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment,

wherein the at least one training script is configured to display a plurality of the operation graphical regions to simulate the configuration and execution of the at least one treatment for training, wherein the at least one training script configures each of the plurality of operation graphical regions displayed when the system is configured in training mode to be active or inactive, wherein an operational graphical region is usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment when active and is not usable by a user to simulate a change of at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment when inactive.

7. The systems of any one of claims 1 and 3-6, wherein the system further comprises an external media device comprising the at least one training script, wherein the computing apparatus or computing means is further configured to be operatively coupled to the external media device, wherein the computing apparatus or computing means is configured to read the at least one training script to configure the system in the training mode when the external media devices is operatively coupled to the computing apparatus, and wherein the system is configured in the operation mode when the external media device is operatively de-coupled from the computing apparatus.

8. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode, wherein the at least one training script is configured to overlay one or more training graphical regions over at least one operation graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface displayed when the system is configured in training mode.

9. The systems or methods of claim 8, wherein each training graphical region of the one or more training graphical regions is opaque or translucent.

10. The systems or methods of claim 8, wherein each training graphical region of the one or more training graphical regions is configured to block selection of the at least one operation graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface by a user.

11. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in the operation mode, wherein each of the one or more operation graphical regions is usable by a user to change at least one parameter used in the execution of the at least one treatment,

wherein the at least one training script is configured to disable use of one or more graphical areas of the one or more operation graphical regions when the system is configured in the training mode.

12. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode, wherein the at least one training script is configured to provide at least one graphical indication proximate to at least one graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface to assist in training a user.

13. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the graphical user interface comprises one or more operation graphical regions configured to be used by a user to configure and execute the at least one treatment when the system is configured in operation mode, wherein the at least one training script is configured to provide at least one auditory indication configured to provide training

information with respect to at least one graphical region of the one or more operation graphical regions of the graphical user interface to assist in training a user.

14. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the at least one training script is configured to provide a training menu graphical region to be displayed on the graphical user interface, wherein the training menu graphical region is configured to:

display a plurality of category areas, each corresponding to a different training category; and

allow a user to select a category area of the plurality of category areas to initiate training for the training category corresponding to the selected category area.

15. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the at least one training script comprises at least one of:

displayable text to be displayed on the graphical user interface, reference text referencing data to be displayed on the graphical user interface,

configuration text to configure one or more parameters of the system, and

conditional text configured to control which displayable text, reference text, and configuration text within the at least one training script is to be utilized depending on one or more variables.

16. The systems or methods of claim 15, wherein the data referenced by the reference text comprises at least one of video data, animation data, graphical regions, graphical areas, and audio data.

17. The systems or methods of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the input apparatus comprises a touchscreen.