Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, etc., includes a scale system adapted to automatically detect when an object is added to a support surface of the patient support apparatus. An onboard controller is configured to take one or more actions in response to the detection of the added object. Such actions include, but are not limited to, sending a message wirelessly to the object, capturing an image of the object with a camera, marking a segment of a video that encompasses the addition of the object, and/or determining if a change in a center of gravity caused by the addition of the object can be completely attributed to the object's addition, or if it is due to other factors, such as patient movement. A display may show a bed icon with an object icon positioned at the same location as the object.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support surface adapted to support a person, a display, a plurality of controls, a memory, and a controller. The controller is adapted to collect a batch of data regarding the operation of the patient support apparatus, to store the batch of data in the memory, to update the contents of the batch of data during usage of the patient support apparatus, and to display a coded image on the display in response to activation of a particular control. The coded image, which may be a QR code, encodes the batch of data. The encoded data may include sensor readings, diagnostic data, fault data, a serial number, and/or other data. The controller may also, or alternatively, display (either permanently or semi-permanently) the ward, department, floor, or another identifier (e.g. radiology, maternity, etc.) to which the patient support apparatus is assigned for a particular healthcare facility.