GB2575472A

GB2575472A - System for first aid training

Info

Publication number: GB2575472A
Application number: GB1811336.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hesketh Mark; Teneketzh Foteini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-07-11
Filing date: 2018-07-11
Publication date: 2020-01-15
Also published as: WO2020012181A1; GB201811336D0

Abstract

A training system 2 for assessing the performance of a first aider is disclosed. The first aid training system includes an input device 4 for receiving physical input from a user performing a medical procedure. Data representative of the physical input may be compared with target data to determine a performance metric of the user during the medical procedure. The input device comprises at least one sensor 8 carried on a manikin. The sensor may be a resistive sensor and may detect deflection in the input device. The device may further comprise an audible or visual means 22 for providing an indication of the performance to the user. The system may further comprise a positioning device 16 for identification of the input device by a virtual reality apparatus and a display for providing a virtual reality environment overlaid on at least a part of the input device. The system provides immediate feedback and guidance as to the effectiveness of a user's actions.

Description

System for First Aid Training

The present invention relates to a first aid training system, that has been developed particularly but not exclusively for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.

Worldwide over 3 million people die every year of sudden cardiac arrest. The sudden cardiac arrest survival rate is dependent on the country where the arrest occurs, however survival rates are only between 5% and 25%. The difference can be attributed to the number of citizens who are ready, have some basic skills and have the confidence to act to assist someone in an emergency. Despite heavy training in the first aid industry, few people know or feel confident in performing CPR. European Resuscitation Council (ERC) studies have found that a person loses the confidence to act in an emergency within three months of training. They also found the quality of CPR given directly affects the survival outcome and was found to be sub-optimal with current training methods.

Current training techniques are time consuming and theory heavy. Unfortunately first aid training is generally seen as a requirement in order to comply with Health and Safety guidelines. Aspects of the present invention aim to address the deficiencies in current first aid training, including but not limited to CPR.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a first aid training system comprising:

an input device configured to receive a physical input from a user representative of the user performing at least a part of a first aid procedure, the input device comprising at least one sensor for sensing a physical input;

a processor configured to receive a data output from the at least one sensor and compare the data output to stored data relating to performance of the first aid procedure, the processor further configured to derive a performance output from the data output from the at least one sensor and the stored data;

an output device for emitting an indication representative of the performance output.

-2The first aspect of the present invention provides feedback on performance of the first aid procedure. The first aid procedure is preferably CPR. The feedback may be one or more of:

pressure in the correct place (aligned to the centre of the chest) depth of compression of the chest number of compressions/speed of repetition of compressions.

The feedback may be immediate or may alternatively be stored for review for example. In a training situation the feedback may be audible. This feedback provision means a user can receive immediate guidance on the effectiveness of their actions. It is difficult for an instructor to monitor depth of compression and location of compression accurately and the present invention removes guesswork in this regard.

In an alternative scenario a user may have undergone training and may be in a test situation where they are examined on their technique. In this situation the performance output may be stored for review by an Examiner.

The input device may comprise a carrier for carrying the at least one sensor. The carrier may comprise a sheet or mat for positioning onto a manikin. The system may further comprise a manikin onto which the carrier is positioned. The input device may comprise a manikin itself, where the at least one sensor is positioned directly onto the manikin. A cover for covering the at least one sensor is preferably provided. The cover may be the material representative of the skin of the manikin. This means the at least one sensor can be hidden from view.

The at least one sensor is preferably arranged to detect deflection of the input device. The at least one sensor is preferably flexible. The at least one sensor preferably comprises at least one resistance sensor. Resistance sensors are beneficial for measuring deflection.

The at least one sensor can be utilised to determine a different effects of the input a user provides through the physical input of a user on the input device. Based on the sensed output, parameters can be determined such as depth of compression, position of the

-3compression and number of compressions. These parameters can be used to determine whether the first aid procedure is being carried out effectively.

The at least one sensor preferably comprises a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors may comprise a sensor array. The plurality of sensors may comprise different sensor types. For example, a resistive and a capacitive sensor may be utilised in the system. For example a capacitive sensor may be used to determine contact.

The or each sensor may comprise a finger. Each of the fingers of a plurality of petals may be independent of one another. Each of the plurality of fingers preferably comprises a longitudinal length extending between a first and a second end, wherein each of the first ends extend toward each other. The opposing second ends preferably diverge. Such a configuration of fingers may resemble a star. A pattern of fingers whereby the first ends extend towards one another provide an optional arrangement for determination of the three important CPR requirements, comprising pressure, depth of compression and frequency of compression. The carrier, if present, preferably has a similar configuration, where the fingers are carried by carrier fingers or petals.

It will be appreciated that the stored data relating to performing the first aid procedure can be a data range comprising acceptable limits. The stored data may be representative of performing the first aid procedure correctly. The stored data may be stored remotely from the input device. Furthermore, the processor configured to receive a data output from the sensor may be located remotely from the input device. The training aid system may therefore comprise a transmitter for transmitting the data output from the sensor(s) to the processor configured to perform the comparison with the stored data.

The output is preferably transmitted directly to the user. The output device may comprise for example an audible emitter and/or a visual emitter or any other type of sensory emitter. The output may depend on the desire application, for example whether the system is being used in a training mode for advising the user, or whether the system is being used in a test mode where the output is to an examiner. The output may be emitted remotely from the input device as required.

-4The input device may comprise a positioning device for identification of the position of the input device by a virtual reality apparatus. The positioning device preferably identifies location and preferably orientation. The positioning device is preferably secured relative to the input device. This ensures that the position of the input device is known by a virtual reality system. Thus, the input device may be positioned in a room for example and when linked to a virtual reality system the positioning device identifies location and preferably orientation of the input device. Known positioning devices are available such as HTC Vive ™ trackers for use with the HTC Vive ™ virtual reality system. This allows the input device to be used in a mixed reality environment containing virtual and real parts, where the positioning device provides information to virtual reality apparatus meaning that the input device can have a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device. The overall visual effect may be wholly or partially virtual, however the user will act upon a real input device meaning they feel a real effect of applying the necessary first aid procedure. In combination with this the user will be acting upon virtual imagery of a person meaning the scenario in which they are present is realistic. This provides huge advantages in the ability of a user to recall the first aid procedure under a stressed real life situation.

It will be appreciated that the reality viewed by a user may be entirely virtual but where the first aid procedure is carried out upon a real input device overlaid with an image of a person. Alternatively, the reality viewed by a user may be an augmented reality, again where the first aid procedure is carried out upon a real input device overlaid with an image of a person.

The system preferably further comprises an apparatus for providing a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device. The virtual reality apparatus preferably comprises a virtual reality headset.

The virtual reality apparatus is preferably configured to generate a visual scenario for the user. The visual scenario may take various forms. A first example may be in a classroom where a person in the classroom collapses. The user must then perform CPR upon that

-5person, where the imagery of that person is overlaid onto the input device meaning the user performs CPR on the input device whilst visualising a person lying in the position of the input device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a first aid training system comprising an input device configured to receive a physical input from a user representative of the user performing at least a part of a first aid procedure, the first aid training system further comprising a positioning device for identification of the position of the input device by a virtual reality apparatus.

Such a first aid training system provides a significant benefit in that it can be utilised in a scenario that appears to be real life, whereby the reality is a mixed reality such that a user performing a first aid procedure has the physical and visual effect of performing the procedure on a body.

The input device may comprise a carrier for positioning onto a manikin. The carrier preferably comprises a sheet or pad. The input device itself may alternatively comprise a manikin.

The positioning device preferably identifies location and preferably orientation. This allows the input device to be used in a mixed reality environment containing virtual and real parts, where the positioning device provides information to virtual reality apparatus meaning that the input device can have a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device. The positioning device is preferably secured relative to the input device. This means that the positioning device moves with the input device. This ensures that the position of the input device is known by a virtual reality system. Thus, the input device may be positioned in a room for example and when linked to a virtual reality system the positioning device identifies location and preferably orientation of the input device.

-6The virtual reality apparatus is preferably configured to generate a visual scenario for the user.

The training system is preferably a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training system.

Performing a first aid procedure as defined in any aspects of the present invention may comprise a part of a first aid procedure. This may comprise or include for example preparation of the body for performing of a procedure such as positioning a portion of the body into the correct orientation for example. An example could be tilting of the neck to unblock an airway.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying Figures where:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an illustrative embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an illustrative embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an illustrative embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1 there is a schematic representation of a illustrative representation of an aspect of the present invention, providing advantageous features of performance output of the user performing the first aid task (presented in the illustrative embodiment as CPR), and also utilising a mixed reality effect for further improving the learning experience.

Presented is a first aid training system 2 comprising an input device 4 configured to receive a physical input from a user. The physical input by a user represents the real life first aid procedure that should be undertaken to reflect best practice in a real life situation.

-7The input device in the illustrative embodiment may comprise a carrier 6 for carrying the at least one sensor 8. The carrier 6 comprises a sheet or mat for positioning onto a manikin. In this manner a known manikin can be modified to be suitable for use in the present invention. The input device 4 must be flexible and elastically deformable and capable of repeated compressions to best resemble a person. For this reason a suitable material is silicone rubber. The sensors 8 may be embedded or encapsulated within the carrier 6.

The geometry of the carrier 6 is presented as a star shape whereby fingers 10, each incorporating a sensor 8, extend from a central region 12. Each sensor 8 therefore comprises a first end 10a and opposing second end 10b where the first ends 10a converge towards the central region 12. Such a configuration has been determined to minimise the effect of rucking behaviour, meaning the carrier 6 lies in communication with the underlying manikin and false readings by the sensor(s) are minimised. Approximate suitable dimensions of the star shape are 150mm finger length and 6mm thickness. The fingers 10 may alternatively be described as petals.

It is beneficial that the carrier be positioned underneath a cover which may comprise the outer layer of the manikin representative of the skin such that a user will not see or be aware of the existence of the sensors 8. It will also be appreciated that the sensors may be carried directly by the manikin such that the input device is the manikin itself.

Suitable sensors 8 measure resistance and may be termed flexible sensors. Such sensors may typically read a nominal resistance in a non-compressed configuration. As the resistor bends the resistance value increases. By providing the flexible sensor with a fixed resistor a voltage divided arrangement is provided. This can in turn be connected to an Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) and a voltage can be read. The output voltage changes depending on bend resistance meaning determination of whether a compression is taking place.

-8A processor 14 is provided for receipt of the sensor outputs and comprises the ADC. The processor is configured to process each of the sensor outputs separately and provide ‘map data’ representing the compressions position and depth. This is important as in order to determine the correct compression each sensor will result in a different maximum voltage from the ADC. The frequency of compression is recorded in addition to position and depth of compression based upon the recorded values from the sensors. The processor 14 runs algorithms to determine ‘map data’ which is then transferred to the location device 16 and transferred to the virtual reality system comprising computing device 18 and linked headset

20. In this embodiment the processing of the map data from the processor 14 is carried out at the computing device 18 where a comparison is made to a database of stored data indicative of correct operation and depending upon the performance of the user an indication may be made to the user of their performance.

The user’s performance may require adjustment, and an output is given to the user. This may be made through the headset of the virtual reality system. Indications to the user may be to speed up the compression rate, adjust hand position, and/or increase or reduce compression depth.

The provision of the virtual reality headset and the associated location device providing orientation and location means that a person in virtual reality may be overlaid over the input device 2 and a user will experience an almost real life effect of perform a first aid procedure on a person. At the same time they may also receive feedback regarding their performance.

The provision of the virtual reality environment overlaid over the input device 4 means that various scenarios may be played out for the user. For example, the user may experience a classroom scenario where school children are walking around a classroom. A child may collapse which the user sees in the virtual, and the image of the child in the collapsed position is then overlaid over the input device. The user then must perform a CPR procedure upon the virtual collapsed child, but experiences a real effect of performing the procedure on the input device which represents a child. Numerous other scenarios are envisaged depending upon the target user. For example first aid training for airport staff

-9may occur within a virtual airport, training for factory staff may occur within a virtual factory.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment present with respect to Figure 1 provides both performance information and a virtual reality environment for a user. The present invention encompasses other less complex embodiments.

Referring to Figure 2, the input device 4 does not comprise any sensors. In this embodiment a location device 16 is provided which is suitable for identification of the position of the input device 4 with a virtual reality apparatus. Thus the same advantage of the ability to utilise a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device 4 is achieved. Whilst such an embodiment does not necessarily derive performance information, the advantages to first aid training are significant.

In a further embodiment of Figure 3, it is not essential to utilise a virtual reality environment overlaid over at least some of the input device 4. Instead in this embodiment sensors are utilised for the same purpose as per the embodiment of Figure 1. These sensors provide a data output which can then be used to determine performance of the user. In such a configuration, the sensors 8 provide an output to the processor, and an output device 22 is provided to emit an audible and/or visual output providing indication to the user/trainer of their performance. Such an arrangement may be a self-contained system where all data processing can be carried out at the input device 4. The processor 14 and output device 22 may be secured relative to the input device 4 such that the unit is selfcontained.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated to the skilled addressee that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first aid training system comprising:

2. A first aid training system according to claim 1 wherein the input device comprises a carrier for carrying the at least one sensor.

3. A first aid training system according to claim 2 wherein the carrier comprises a sheet for positioning onto a manikin.

4. A first aid training system according to claim 1 wherein the input device comprises a manikin.

5. A first aid training system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one sensor is arranged to detect deflection of the input device.

6. A first aid training system according to claims 1-5 wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one resistance sensor.

7. A first aid training system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors, and preferably wherein the plurality of sensors comprise a sensor array.

8. A first aid training system according to any preceding claim wherein the or each sensor may comprise a finger.

9. A first aid training system according to claim 8 comprising a plurality of fingers and each of the plurality of fingers comprises a longitudinal length extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of fingers extend toward each other.

10. A first aid training system according to any preceding claim wherein the output device comprises an audible emitter and/or a visual emitter.

11. A first aid training system according to any preceding claim wherein the system further comprises a positioning device for identification of the position of the input device by a virtual reality apparatus.

12. A first aid training system according to claim 11 wherein the system further comprises an apparatus for providing a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device.

13. A first aid training system according to claim 12 wherein the virtual reality apparatus is configured to generate a visual scenario for the user.

14. A first aid training system comprising an input device configured to receive a physical input from a user representative of the user performing at least a part of a first aid procedure, the first aid training system further comprising a positioning device for identification of the position of the input device by a virtual reality apparatus.

15. A first aid training system according to claim 14 wherein the input device comprises a carrier for positioning onto a manikin.

16. A first aid training system according to claim 15 wherein the input device comprises a manikin.

17. A first aid training system according to claim 14-16 wherein the positioning device is secured relative to the input device.

18. A first aid training system according to claims 14-17 wherein the system further comprises an apparatus for providing a virtual reality environment overlaid over some or all of the input device.

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19. A first aid training system according to claim 18 wherein the virtual reality apparatus is configured to generate a visual scenario for the user.