Exceptional readability for medical devices
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Jun 07, 2022
You don’t need to be Einstein to appreciate the need for precision, reliability, and accuracy when designing and developing a medical device. However, over the past two-years our world has changed and the environments that we utilise our medical devices within isn’t necessarily the same. The usage and the conditions of use may have altered.
Home care has become the norm and with this, new technology advancements have been made to ensure simplicity of use.
An aging population has led to a commitment from the Original Equipment Maker (OEM) to design devices that are easy and straightforward for their patients to use with confidence and conviction.
The data presented should be able to be interpreted and communicated with ease between both the patient and the practitioner, therefore the visibility of this information is vital.
We also need to feel that the health records collected and transferred between all parties is kept secure, which is why we have placed significant research and development into the IoMD (Internet of Medical Devices) to establish a safe connection from the outset.
Optical Clarity for Fine Imaging Detail
There are a number of processes and solutions available to improve the readability and clarity of a display system including optical bonding, process that dramatically reduces the internal reflections produced between the coverlens providing sunlight readability, improved ruggedness, durability and a higher contrast ratio.
Choosing the right films and filters
Improving readability and clarity as well as adding display protection, options include:
- Anti-reflection
- Anti-glare
- Anti-fingerprint
- Optical films - UV, IR and many more.
Backlight enhancement for optimum clarity
To cover all bases and to help enhance the display brightness customers can consider enhancements such as:
- High powered, high bright or double brightness enhancement film (DBEF)
- Automotive grade and long-life LEDs
- RGB Colour LEDs for Monochrome LCDs
- Heatsinks for thermal management and prolonged life
- Built in LED driver circuits
- PWM dimming functionality/brightness control
All round viewing for any scenario
Your user interface may need to be seen from a wide variety of angles, not least because multiple users may need to read the display or interact with your application at the same time. The adoption of IPS display technology, optical bonding or backlight enhancement are all options to consider.
Picture a hospital environment where the lighting is bright white, through to usage outdoors in a poorly lit situation. With some medical devices the location in which it is situated can be unavoidable. This is why our engineering experts will always ask the ‘fit for function’ question to challenge and ensure that all scenarios have been considered.
Durable Coverlens Solutions
With more medical devices going into home settings, the need for durability and longevity has increased. Having a device that can withstand being dropped or damaged is imperative.
- Chamfered glass gives smooth rounded edges, removes sharp angles, making the display less prone to chipping if dropped
- Strengthened glass options for resistance to damage
Touch Buttons
Most touch screens have a reliance on the user keeping a close eye on the screen as they tap to ensure that they hit the right virtual buttons. In the medical environment, this function is obviously crucial. With ‘touch buttons’, the design retains the dynamic capabilities of a normal touch screen but can also produce tactile dimension for certain functions.
Intuitive Icons
Icons should perform the same task as road signs. You should be able to see them from a distance and know at a glance the operation that you need to perform instinctually.
The need react immediately react, comes from the need for speed, something medical device technology often calls for. Discussing the design and development of medical devices with our customers ensures we take the function that it will need to perform into consideration, making the process even simpler for the user.
- Icons can be permanently visible or:
- Hidden until lit to give uncluttered appearance
- Different coloured LEDS to differentiate features
Let’s not forget that a new level of anxiety now exists within our healthcare environments. This means, we need to take into consideration the increased focus to ensure equipment is always kept clean and sterile. Surfaces must have a clean sweep! This is why we’ve seen an increase in demand to switch out mechanical buttons and knobs for a flat, streamlined display. We’ve also seen an increase in requirement to include Antibacterial protection to keep anyone who comes into contact with the technology protected.
