Person support apparatuses with virtual control panels
US10410500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H50/70
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A virtual control panel for a person support apparatus includes at least one image sensor that monitors a movement of a user's finger(s) relative to a control surface. The control surface includes one or more control images thereon. When the user's finger(s) move within a threshold distance of the control image, a controller reacts as if the user had pushed an actual control button for the function that corresponds to the control image. The control image may be projected by a projector, and may have static or dynamic content. Alternatively, the control image may be printed on the surface, adhered thereto, or otherwise physically present. In some embodiments, ancillary devices may connect to the person support apparatus and forward images for projection on the control surface, thereby allowing the control surface of the person support apparatus to be used to control the ancillary devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.