Apparatus and method for language translation between patient and caregiver, and for communication with speech deficient patients
First Claim
1. An apparatus for facilitating communication between a patient and a second individual, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a stand;
(b) a general purpose computer mounted on said stand, said general purpose computer further comprising (i) a software program for facilitating communication between said patient and said second individual, and (ii) a first display screen adapted for viewing by said second individual;
(c) an arm, said arm comprising a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end mounted to said stand;
(d) a second display screen, said second display screen adjustably mounted at the distal end of said arm, said second display screen further comprising a tilting adjustment mechanism so that said patient can view said second display screen, and;
(e) a pointing device acceptor adapted for receiving input from said patient, so as to operate said software program; and
(f) interconnecting cable operatively connecting said general purpose computer and said second display screen.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for communication between patients and caregivers who speak different languages, or with speech deficient persons. A touch sensitive screen is provided to allow a patient to select responses to questions posed by care givers. A simple graphical user interface is provided which assists patients on respirators or otherwise unable to speak to communicate with hospital staff and family members. Combining thin profile LCD monitors with touch screen technology provides the user interface. In a preferred embodiment, a battery powered portable general purpose computer features a patient monitor on an adjustable articulated arm, and a second monitor for the care giver to view the patient'"'"'s inputs and responses. Ideally, a roll-around hardware mounting configuration, with battery pack power, allows the system to be quickly moved and used in virtually any location. The software features a large vocabulary of typical words and phrases which are grouped into sets which can be selected for display. Also, an image of the human body can be used to identify the location of pain. Word buttons can be replaced with pictures to assist children who cannot read. Additionally, words and phrases can be selected from by language pairs, such as English-English, English-Spanish, so that the common phrases assist in two way communication between patients and staff of differing languages.
258 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for facilitating communication between a patient and a second individual, said apparatus comprising:
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(a) a stand;
(b) a general purpose computer mounted on said stand, said general purpose computer further comprising (i) a software program for facilitating communication between said patient and said second individual, and (ii) a first display screen adapted for viewing by said second individual;
(c) an arm, said arm comprising a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end mounted to said stand;
(d) a second display screen, said second display screen adjustably mounted at the distal end of said arm, said second display screen further comprising a tilting adjustment mechanism so that said patient can view said second display screen, and;
(e) a pointing device acceptor adapted for receiving input from said patient, so as to operate said software program; and
(f) interconnecting cable operatively connecting said general purpose computer and said second display screen. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of communicating between a patient and a second individual, said method comprising:
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(a) providing a general purpose computer;
(b) providing a first screen for visual display of images to said patient;
(c) providing a second screen for visual display images to said second individual;
(d) generating a primary set of images, said primary set of images corresponding to at least one set of images selected from a number N of sets of questions relating to care of said patient;
(e) displaying said primary set of images on said first screen or on said second screen;
(f) displaying a secondary set of images, said secondary set of images corresponding to at least one set of answers responsive to said primary set of images;
(g) allowing said patient or said second individual to select from said at least one set of answers a single answer by interacting with said secondary set of images with a pointing device;
(h) displaying said single answer on said second screen. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification