Devices for enhancing ergonomics at sonography machines, systems and methods related to the same

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for enhancing ergonomics while operating a sonography machine are disclosed. Interconnected configured for relative rotational movement are provided with joints forming the interconnections which are configured to normally maintain the arms in their relative position. An adapter is located at a first one of the arms for attachment to the sonography machine. A probe holder is located at a distal end of a second one of the arms and is configured to hold an ultrasound probe forming part of said sonography machine.

Description

DEVICES FOR ENHANCING ERGONOMICS AT SONOGRAPHY MACHINES,SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO THE SAMEInventor: Dr. Hind MoussaCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 528,204 filed July 21 , 2023, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Exemplary embodiments relate generally to devices which enhance ergonomics at sonography machines as well as systems and methods related to the same.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sonography machines are known. Such machines typically utilize a handheld probe which is operated by a user to image portions of a patient’s body. Such machines often use ultrasonic waves, such as for imaging fetal development during pregnancy, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, and / or heart and blood vessels to name a few examples, though other applications exist. Generally, the user is seated or standing at or near the sonography machine and manipulates the probe at relevant portions of the patient’s body to capture certain imaging data. Sometimes, often due to patient anatomy, the probe must be pressed into the patient’s body to be imaged and / or the patient’s body must be manipulated in ways that places parts of the patient’s body into contact with the user and / or probe during use in order to adequately positionthe probe to obtain acceptable or high-quality data capture. Regardless, even relatively normal operation of sonography machines sometimes necessitates awkward positioning by the user. Especially over time and many procedures, this can place stress and strain on a user’s musculoskeletal system. Indeed, such injuries to sonographers’ musculoskeletal systems are estimated to affect up to 90% of operators. Therefore, what is needed is a device for enhancing ergonomics at a sonography machine.

[0004] Devices for facilitating improved ergonomics at sonography machines are disclosed, along with systems and methods related to the same are provided. The devices may be attachable to, and / or integrally formed with, the ultrasound machines. In this fashion, the devices may be retrofitted to existing machines, provided separate therefrom (e.g., as standalone apparatus), and / or be provided as part of new machines (e.g., as an accessory or integrally formed therewith). The devices may include articulating arms and / or a flexible arm. The arm or arms may be configured to normally hold their position. This may facilitate micro-breaks, which may improve ergonomics, allow posture readjustment, and / or improve concentration among other advantages.

[0005] A probe holder and / or probe may be located at distal end of the arm(s). The probe may be in wired or wireless communication with components of the sonography machine to transfer data for generating imaging. The ability to normally hold a position may allow the probe to dwell at a location, such as to capture multiple images, videos, composite images, enhanced images, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0006] The arm(s) and / or probe may be operated, at least in part, based on controls provided at a control unit, which is preferably located at a proximal end of the arm(s). The arm(s) may comprise springs, motors, actuators, gas struts, combinationsthereof, or the like which may be configured to move the arm(s), though such is not necessarily required. The control unit and / or proximal portion of the arm(s) may be configured for attachment to, or be integrally provided with, a portion so the sonography machine.

[0007] Where the device is a standalone unit, the control unit may be separately provided, for example without limitation. The arm(s) may be configured for selective locking into place, such as by operation of the controls at the control unit and / or buttons at the arm(s). Such locking may be achieved by way of internal locking elements, such as pins, brakes, clamps, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the arm(s) may be configured to normally hold their position, such as by way of frictional forces, spring forces, weights, counterweight forces, gas struts, actuators or other motors, combinations thereof, or the like such that they require external application of force above a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 pounds, without limitation) to cause movement of the same.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, such arms and / or joints may be configured to hold their place with a maximum amount of force. Stated another way, the arms and / or joints may be configured to give way if the patient or other object pushes against them with at least a predetermined amount of force. In this way, only a maximum amount of force may be exerted by the device, such as against the patient.

[0009] Alternatively, or additionally, a patient controller may be provided which, upon actuation by the patient, automatically unlocks and / or moves the arms and / or connections. The patient controller may comprise a button, for example.

[0010] The probe holder may comprise a user engagement interface, which preferably comprises a glove or part of a glove. In this fashion, the user’s hand, or portions thereof, may be received for manually guiding the probe holder and / or probe. A shield may be provided at the probe holder which extends over the user engagement interface and provides protection for the user, such as from portions of the patient’s body that may otherwise contact the user’s hand. The shield may comprise one or more rigid layers, foam, an inflatable cushion, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0011] The device may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may comprise, for example without limitation, accelerometers, location tracking devices, pressure sensors, force sensors, combinations thereof, or the like. At least some of the sensors are preferably located at the probe holder, such as at the shield portion. The sensors may be used to track position and / or movement of the probe holder, probe, arm(s), combinations thereof, or the like such as to track location of components of the device and estimate positioning of the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the sensors may be used to track forces experienced at the probe and / or probe holder. Data from the sensors may be processed into feedback regarding estimated user ergonomics, pressures and / or forces applied to the patient, pressures and / or forces applied to the user, release pressures, combinations thereof, or the like. Feedback may be provided to the user, such as alerts, reports, or the like. The feedback may indicate ergonomic, or lack of ergonomic, positioning or uses by the user by way of non-limiting example. Alternatively, or additionally, the feedback may indicate that appropriate pressures and / or forces were applied during operation.

[0012] The sensors may include, in exemplary embodiments without limitation, devices configured to be worn by the user and / or the patient, such as in addition to those at the device itself. Such sensors may be configured for positioning at one or multiple points of the user. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the sensors may be positioned at or within housings comprising clips for clothing, fabric shaped as clothing, straps, rings, combinations thereof, or the like. In this way, the sensor(s) may be worn by the user at their hands, wrists, arms, chest, head, combinations thereof, or the like. The sensors may, alternatively or additionally, be part of other devices, such as augmented reality (“AR”) type device (e.g., headsets, glasses).

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the data may be processed using one or more machine learning techniques, such as one or more neural networks. The neural networks may comprise input data including relative position data points, pressure and / or force readings, medical data including procedure performed, patient body measurements (e.g., height, weight, body type, combinations thereof, or the like), combinations thereof, or the like. The training data may include user injury feedback (e.g., sick days, workers compensation claim data, manual user feedback, injury report, combinations thereof, or the like) correlated with the input data, by way of non-limiting example. In this way, the neural network may be trained to find correlations between the input data with the user injury feedback data to develop the intra-node connections. Where similar or same data is found in new data, such as may be provided on a substantially real-time (e.g., accounting for normal transmission and processing delays, but without any intentional delay of greater than 10 minutes) basis, alerts may be provided to the user and / or a third-party, such as at a display of the ultrasound machine and / orelectronic device (e.g., smartphone) associated with the user or the third party, such as supervisor or hospital administrator by way of non-limiting example. The notifications may comprise, or be provided with, interventions, such as an electronic display of training instructions for ergonomic positioning, temporarily device lock out, automatic electronic scheduling of training session, written report, combinations thereof, or the like. The notifications and / or interventions may be provided at the AR devices, by way of nonlimiting example.

[0014] Further features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

[0016] FIGURE 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary sonography machine with an exemplary ergonomics enhancement device in accordance with the present invention in exemplary use;

[0017] FIGURE 2 is a rear, detailed perspective view of the exemplary machine and ergonomics enhancement device of figure 1 shown in insolation from a user and patient, also indicating Details A, B, and C;

[0018] FIGURE 2A is a detailed view of the ergonomics enhancement device ofDetail A of figure 2;

[0019] FIGURE 2B is a detailed view of the ergonomics enhancement device of Detail B of figure 2;

[0020] FIGURE 2C is a detailed view of the ergonomics enhancement device of Detail C of figure 2;

[0021] FIGURE 3A is a flow chart with exemplary logic for operating the system of figure 1 ;

[0022] FIGURE 3B is a flow chart with other exemplary logic for operating the system of figure 1 ;

[0023] FIGURE 4 is a rear perspective view of another exemplary sonography machine with another exemplary ergonomics enhancement device in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the ergonomics enhancement device of figure 1 in a standalone embodiment;

[0025] FIGURE 6A is a front view of the ergonomics enhancement device of figure 5 in a first position;

[0026] FIGURE 6B is a front view of the ergonomics enhancement device of figure 6A in a second position; and

[0027] FIGURE 6C is a front view of the ergonomics enhancement device of figure 6A in a second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

[0028] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist theoverall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

[0030] FIGURE 1 through FIGURE 2C illustrate an exemplary system 10, which includes a sonography machine 12. The sonography machine 1 may utilize ultrasonics or other acoustic techniques for imaging. While sonography machines 12 are discussed, other machines, particularly which utilize one or more probes 51 , may be utilized. The sonography machine 12 (hereinafter also the “machine”) many include one or more of a user interface portion 18 (e.g., controls) and / or a display 20, communications equipment (e.g., network communication devices), electronic storage devices with various stored programs, processors, housings, wheels, handles, storage compartments (e.g., drawers, cabinets, etc.), combinations thereof, and / or other known components of known sonography machines. The user interface portion 18, for example, may comprise one or more controls for operating various portions of the machine 12, such as but not limited toa probe 51 and / or causing graphical display, analysis, display, manipulation, combinations thereof, or the like data from the probe 51 , such as at the display 20, such as part of various medical imagining applications. The user interface portion 18 may comprise buttons, knobs, levers, displays, touch screens, combinations thereof, or the like. The machine 12 may be any type or kind of conventional sonography machine.

[0031] The system 10, and more specifically the machine 12, may comprise an ergonomics enhancement device 22 (hereinafter also the “device”). The device 22 may be configured for attachment to one or more portions of the machine 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the device 22 may be integrally formed or otherwise provided with the machine 12.

[0032] The device 22 may comprise one or more articulating arms 26. The arm(s) 26 may extend from a control unit 24 to a probe holder 28. The probe holder 28 may be configured to hold the probe 51 and / or may comprise an integrally provided probe 51 . The articulating arms 26 may be configured to accommodate wiring 46 for powering and / or establishing communication with the probe 51 , such as along and / or through the arm(s) 26. For example, without limitation, the arms 26 may comprise a hollow cylinder, cuboid, semi-round shape, combinations thereof, or the like, such as to accommodate such wiring 46. In other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, power and / or communication may be provided wirelessly. The probe holder 28 may be configured to hold any type or kind of probe 51 , such as linear probes, convex probes, endocavitary probes, phased array / cardiac probes, transesophageal probes, 3D probes, combination thereof, or the like. The probes 51 may be configured for use by a left-handed or righthanded user 14.

[0033] The articulating arms 26 may extend from the control unit 24, which may be located at a body 15 of the machine 12, such as but not limited to at the user interface portion 18, or more specifically a handle 13 portion thereof. The arm(s) 26 may be sufficiently extendable to reach a patient 16 with a user 14 interposed when the patient 16 is positioned adjacent to the machine 12. For example, without limitation, the articulating arms 26 may be configured to reach to the patient 16 while laying down or reclined adjacent to the machine 12, such as in a hospital bed. The user 14 may be able to reach both the control unit 24 and the patient 16 while seated between and / or in front of the machine 12 and / or the patient 16. The arm(s) 26 may have a maximum lateral reach in a range of 6 feet to 20 feet and / or a minimum lateral reach in a range of 0 feet to 1 foot by way of non-limiting example. The arm(s) 26 may have a maximum vertical reach in a range of 3 feet to 15 feet and / or a minimum vertical reach in a range of 1 foot to 3 feet by way of non-limiting example.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the device 22 comprises three articulating arms 26A, 26B, 26C attached by joints 42A, 42B between the arms 26A, 26B, 26C and / or attached to the control unit 24 and / or the probe holder 28 by joints 36A, 36B. However, any number and type of arms 26 and joints 42, 26 may be utilized. Springs, weights, pulleys, gas struts, actuators, motors, gears, telescoping mechanisms, combinations thereof, or the like may be used to support and / or operate the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36.

[0035] The arms 26 and / or joints 42, 26 may be configured for selective folding / unfolding and / or rotational movement, such as to allow the probe holder 28 restricted three-dimensional movement reach various areas of the patient’s 16 body,preferably while the user 14 remains within reach of the machine 12, such as to operate the user interface 18. Preferably, some or all of the joints 42A, 42B between the arms 26 are configured for two-dimensional movement, such as pin joints and / or hinge joints. However, other types of joints 42 may be utilized, such as those which permit three- dimensional movement, including but not necessarily limited to universal joints. The device 22 may be configured to permit folding and unfolding of the arms 26, such as to provide laterally extension or retraction of the probe holder 28 towards or away from the machine 12 and / or patient 16. Preferably, one or both of the joints 36A, 36B permit rotational movement, such as but not limited to by way of a ball-and-socket type joint, so that the device 22 may be rotated. This may permit rotational movement of the arm(s) 26 and / or the probe holder 28. Regardless, the device 22 may be selectively repositionable so as to allow the user 14 to maintain improved ergonomic positioning. Any type, kind, number, and positioning of the joints 36, 42 may be utilized.

[0036] The arms 26 may be configured to normally hold their position when released, such that the probe holder 28 remains normally stationary when released, at least under normal gravitational force or some predetermined threshold of outside force (e.g., 2 lbs.), though such is not required. For example, without limitation, the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may engage one another with sufficient frictional force to remain normally stationary, such as to cause the probe holder 28 to remain in place when not otherwise manipulated. This may be accomplished by one or more of material selection, internal springs, counterweights, motors, gas struts, internal elastic bands, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, without limitation, each of the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may comprise springs, elastic bands, and / or gas struts extending between the arms26 and / or the arms 26 and joints 42, 36 configured to normally secure a position of the arms 26 in three-dimensional space. As another example, without limitation, counterweights may be selectively provided to secure the arms 26. The ability to normally hold a position facilities micro-breaks by the user 14, which may be beneficial for ergonomics (e.g., rest and / or reposition), concentration, and / or overall well-being. Alternatively, or additionally, this may allow the probe 51 to dwell at a location, such as to capture multiple images, videos, composite images, enhanced images, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0037] Alternatively, or additionally, the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may be motorized. For example, without limitation, linear actuators, servos, or other motors may be located along or within the arms 26 for securing the arms 26 in three-dimensional space.

[0038] The arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may be configured for selective locking into place. Each of the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may comprise locking devices, which are preferably internal, or at least partially internal, to the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36, or housings of the same. Such locking devices may comprise pins, brakes, clamps, combinations thereof, or the like. Such locking devise may be biased into a normally locked position (e.g., pin inserted, brake engaged, clamps clamped, etc.), such as by way of one or more springs. Unlocking may be provided by manual actuation of the locking devices or associated interface objects (e.g., buttons, levers, sliders, combinations thereof, or the like). Such interface objects may be provided for each devices, or preferably, centrally for all such devices, such as a button at the control unit 24 which is mechanically connected to such devices (e.g., by cable, lever, etc.).

[0039] Alternatively, or additionally, such locking and / or unlocking may be controlled electronically by way of one or more motors, preferably each associated with one of the locking devices and controlled by way of an interface object at the control unit 24, which may be in wired and / or wireless connection with the same. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the arms 26 may be relatively secured by deactivation of the motors, not commanding operational movement of the arms 26 (e.g., the arms 26 are normally stationary), actuation of the locking devices, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally still, the motor(s), locking devices, or the like may be configured to normally allow movement and instead lock the joints 42, 36 by compressional movement upon actuation, such as at the devices and / or control unit 24. Regardless, securement of the arms 26 may likewise secure the probe 51 and / or probe holder 28 in three-dimensional space.

[0040] The locking devices may be biased into a position whereby the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 are normally secured. Buttons, levers, sliders, or the like may be provided at the arms 26, joints 42, 36, and / or control unit 24, which when actuated, cause the locking devices to move into a second position whereby some or all of the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 are configured for movement. For example, without limitation, some or all of the joints 42, 36 may be secured by a clamp. A button or other interface object may be provided, preferably at the respective joint 42, 36, which when actuated, unclamps the clamp, thereby allowing the arms 26 of the respective joint 42, 36 to move. As another example, without limitation, the button may be provided, preferably at the control unit 24, which unclamps all the clamps, allowing all the arms 26 to move. A mechanical connection (e.g., wire, rope, chain, etc.) may extend between the lockingdevices to allow such operation. In other exemplary embodiments, the locking devices may be operable by way of one or more motors, such as servos, which may be operable by way of a button or other interface object at the control unit 24. The motors may be operable by way of wired and / or wireless electronic connection from the button or other interface object at the control unit 24 to the motors, thereby essentially selectively unlocking the arms 26 for movement.

[0041] While articulating, jointed arms 26 capable of folding and / or unfolding are shown and / or described, those or ordinary skill will recognize that other embodiments of the arms 26 may be utilized, such as but not limited to, telescoping.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may be configured to hold their place with a maximum amount of force. Stated another way, the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 may be configured to give way if the patient 16, for example, pushes against the probe 51 , probe holder 28, arms 26, or the like with a predetermined amount of force. In this way, only a maximum amount of force may be exerted by the device 22, and particularly the probe 51 , against the patient 16. Alternatively, or additionally, a patient controller 47 may be provided which automatically unlocks and / or moves the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36 upon actuation. The patient controller 47 may comprise one or more user interface components 49 (e.g., buttons, switches, or the like). When actuated, the patient controller 47 may be configured to electronically communicate a signal to the control unit 24 to release the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36, retract the arms 26 and / or joints 42, 36, raise the probe 51 , combinations thereof, or the like. This may allow the patient 16 to control against any perceived discomfort. The patient controller 47 may require manual actuation, or may be configuredto be normally activated such that the patient 47 must manually actuate the user interface component 49 for the device 22 to continue normal operations.

[0043] The machine 12 may comprise one or more fans, such as for cooling the user 14 and / or the patient 16. The fans may be electronically controllable by one or more buttons or other human-machine-interface (“HMI”) objects at the probe holder 28 or the machine 12, by way of non-limiting example. Various number and locations of fans may be provided. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, at least one of the fans is located at the probe holder 28 and directed to blow air upward, towards the user 14, when activated.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, each of the arms 26 may comprise, or extend along, hydraulic cylinders, gas springs, linear actuators, combinations thereof, or the like. Such device(s) may assist with moving and holding a relative position of the probe holder 28 in three-dimensional space. For example, without limitation, such device(s) may be configured to hold the position of the arms 26 and probe holder 28 in three-dimensional space under normal gravitational forces and / or at least some predetermined threshold of outside force (e.g., 2 lbs.), which may be exerted by the operator to guide movement or the patient to resist placement. Alternatively, or additionally, the threshold may be higher and the arms 26 and / or probe holder 28 may be configured for movement by actuator of a button or other interface object, such as at the control unit 24 and / or patient controller 47, to release the arms 26 and / or probe holder 28.

[0045] As illustrated with particular detail in FIGURE 2A, some or all of the joints 42 may comprise one or more pins 45, such as to facilitate relative movement. Some orall of the joints 42 may be at least partially encased in flexible sleeves 43, such as to guard potential pinch points. The wiring 46, such as for the probe 51 , may extend internal to the arms 42, such as about the pins 45 to prevent pinching of the wiring 46, though such is not required.

[0046] As illustrated with particular detail in FIGURE 2B, the control unit 24 may comprise one or more controls 38, 42. The controls 38, 42 may be configured to, when actuated, cause various movements of the device 22 and / or probe holder 28, operations of the machine 12 and / or the probe 51 , combinations thereof, or the like. Any number and type of controls 38, 42, such as buttons, switches, levers, touch screens, sliders, combinations thereof, or the like, may be provided. For example, without limitation, certain of the controls 38, 42 may be configured to cause movement of the arms 26, joints 42, 36, combinations thereof, or the like, such as to move the probe holder 28 in two- or three-dimensional space. Alternatively, or additionally, certain of the controls 38, 42 may be configured to cause the probe 51 to be turned on or off, certain signaling information to be changed (data transmitted and / or received at the probe 51 ), data to be manipulated or displayed in various ways at the device 12, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0047] The control unit 24 may comprise an attachment device 34. The attachment device 34 may define a sleeve or channel for receiving a portion of the machine 12, such as but not limited to a handle 13 thereof. The attachment device 34 may be configured to receive the portion of the machine 12 in a friction fit, snap fit, or the like. The attachment device 34 may comprise one or more screws, frictional elements, fasteners, clips, combinations thereof, or the like for securing the attachment device 34 to the machine 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the control unit 24 may not be required and theattachment device 34 may instead be provided. In still other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the attachment device 34 may be integrally formed with the machine 12. The attachment device 34 may facilitate connection to existing machines 12 for retrofitting, for example, part of and / or as an accessory to new machines 12, and / or provided as a standalone unit (e.g., with ground-based stand, attachment to bed, chair, or the like, combinations thereof, or the like), by way of non-limiting example.

[0048] In other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the control unit 24 may not require buttons 38, 42 or other operator interfaces and instead may comprise and / or serve as the attachment device 34 to the machine 12. In such embodiments, for example without limitation, the device 22 may be controlled by the user interface 18 of the machine 12, be manually operable without a separate control unit 24, and / or be remotely operable. In yet other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, a separate attachment device 34 and / or control unit 24 may not be required as the device 22 may be integrally formed with the machine 12.

[0049] As illustrated with particular detail in FIGURE 2C, the probe holder 28 may comprise a body 50. The body 50 may be configured to wrap around some or all of the probe 51 . One or more attachment devices 53, such as but not limited to one or more buttons, straps, combinations thereof, or the like, may join the body 50 about the probe 51 , such as to secure the probe 51. An electronic connection element 48 may be provided, such as in the form of a channel for accommodating the wiring 46 to the probe 51. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the body 50 is generally conical in shape when joined so as to fictionally engage a probe 51 when properly inserted andoriented. The joint 36B may be connected to the probe 51 (such as but not limited to with integrally provided probes 51 ), and / or the body 50.

[0050] The probe 51 may be readily separable from the probe holder 28, though in other exemplary embodiments the probe 51 may be integrally formed with or otherwise provided with the probe holder 28. For example, without limitation, the probe 51 may be configured to manually slide into and / or out of the body 50, or the body 50 may be integrally formed with the probe 51 .

[0051] The probe holder 28 may comprise a user engagement interface 54. The user engagement interface 54 may comprise one or more finger and / or hand shaped portions configured to accommodate part of all of the user’s 14 hand. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the user engagement interface 54 may comprise part or all of a glove or glove shape that extends about part or all of the body 50, so that the user’s 14 hand may be secured in an ergonomic holding position at the body 50. Alternatively, or additionally, the user engagement interface 54 may comprise recessed portions into the body 50, raised portions at the body 50, finger loops, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0052] The probe holder 28 may comprise a shield portion 56. The shield 56 may extend overtop some or all of the user engagement interface 54 and / or a rear portion of the body 50. The shield 56 may be configured to support portions of the patient’s 16 body that may be encountered during sonography or other procedures. For example, without limitation, sometimes the probe 51 may be pressed into the patient’s 16 body and / or placed at or under portion of the patient’s 16 body. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, sometimes skin or fat layers must be lifted and placed overtop the probe 51and / or the user’s 14 hand to bring the probe 51 in sufficient proximity to the portion of the patient’s 16 body to be imaged. Alternatively, or additionally, a distal end 52 of the probe 51 must sometimes be pressed into the patient’s 16 body for adequate imaging. Either or both may cause musculoskeletal strain on the user 14 and / or put pressure on the user 14 by way of the patient’s 16 body.

[0053] The shield 56 may be spaced apart from a rear portion of the body 50 to provide space to accommodate the user’s 14 hand in exemplary embodiments, without limitation. The user engagement interface 54 may be provided between the shield 56 and the body 50, though such is not necessarily required. The shield 56 may be, alternatively or additionally, supported at or by the joint 36B, though such is not necessarily required.

[0054] The shield 56 may comprise one or more rigid surfaces and / or cushions. The shield 56 may comprise one or more polymers, silicone, foams, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the shield 56 may comprise one or more bladders for selective inflation / deflation to provide various spacing and / or levels of cushion and / or protection. The shield 56 may extend laterally along and beyond some or all of the body 50.

[0055] While sometimes shown and / or described as a shield 56, various shapes and / or sizes may be employed, such as a bar, curved member, or the like. The shield 56 may serve to support the gravid abdomen / pannus, such as when performing a scan of an obese patient. The portion of the patient’s body may be extended over the shield 56 to support the same and prevent pressure against the operator’s hand. Feedback from the sensors 62 may provide the operator with insight as to pressures or other forces likelyexperienced by the patient, such as to avoid too much pressure being experienced. Alternatively, or additionally, such feedback may be ascertained by patient actuator of the patient controller 47, which may cause release of the arms 26 and thereby repositioning the probe holder 28 and / or shield 56. Optionally, the shield 56 may be configured for release from the probe holder 28 upon actuation of the patient controller 47, such as by one or more servo motors, pins, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0056] The device 22 may permit the user 14 to remain in an ergonomic position while operating both the machine 12 and the probe 51 , such as by way of the probe holder 28 and / or operation at the control unit 24. This may allow the user 14 to position themselves, such as but not limited to in a standing or sitting position, with a relatively straight spinal column with an aligned center of gravity or mass 30.

[0057] With particular regard to at least FIGURE 3, the control unit 24 may be in wired or wireless communication with the machine 12 and / or components thereof, such as to control information provided at the display 12. In other exemplary embodiments, the user interface 18 may control the device 22. In yet other exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the device 22 may be manually controlled, such as without the need for the control unit 24 and / or electronic interface with the machine 12 or a remainder of the machine 12.

[0058] The device 22 may be in wired or wireless electronic communication with one or more servers 60. The servers 60 may be remote or local, such as at the machine 12, separate therefrom, combinations thereof, or the like. The servers 60 may be dedicated, cloud based, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, without limitation, the electronic communication may be made by way of one or more networks 61 (e.g.,internet, intranets, world wide web). The device 22, servers 60, networks 61 , combinations thereof, or the like may be configured to operate using encrypted and / or secured connections, such as in compliance with various laws and / or regulations (e.g., HI PAA).

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the control unit 24 or the device may comprise one or more wireless transmitters and / or receivers to facilitate wireless electronic communication with the servers 60, which may be provided at one or more cloud-based servers for example, without limitation. The control unit 24 may be configured to transmit certain operational and / or ergonomic information regarding use of the device 22 to the servers 60. Such information may comprise, for example without limitation, probe 51 and / or probe holder 28 location, pressures or other forces experienced at the probe 51 and / or probe holder 28, combinations thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, such wireless communication may flow through network connectivity equipment of the machine 12.

[0060] Alternatively, or additionally, the control unit 24 may facilitate remote operations of the device 22, such as by way of one or more remote devices 63 and the network(s) 61 . The remote devices 63 may comprise one or more computers, tablets, smartphones, laptops, virtual reality devices, augmented reality devices, combinations thereof, or the like. Remote operations may include passive viewing (e.g., by a physician or other provider, for academic and / or training purposes, for supervision, combinations thereof, or the like) and / or affirmative control. This may facilitate supervision, review by a physician or other provider, academic applications, training applications, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0061] The probe 51 and / or probe holder 28, arms 26, joints 42, 36, combinations thereof, or the like may comprise one or more sensors 62, such as but not limited to accelerometers, gyroscopes, location tracking devices, pressure and / or force sensors, combinations thereof, or the like configured to track and provide data for the same. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, one or more of the sensors 62 are embedded at the probe holder 28 such as at body 50, and / or probe 51 , such as to track location and / or movement. One or more pressure sensors and / or force sensors may be embedded at the shield 56 and / or user engagement interfaces 54 to measure certain ergonomic factors, such as forces experienced by the user 14 from the patient 16 and / or the user’s 14 grip. Alternatively, or additionally, accelerometers, potentiometers, gyroscopes, inclinometer, location tracking devices, combinations thereof, or the like may be embedded or provided at the arms 26 and / or joints 42, such as to track and / or infer position or movement of the probe holder 28.

[0062] Other sensors 80, 82 may be provided. The other sensors 80, 82 may include, in exemplary embodiments without limitation, sensor(s) 80 configured to be worn by the user and / or sensor(s) 82 configured to be worn by the patient. Such sensors 80, 82 may be configured for positioning at one or multiple points of the user 14 and / or patient 16. For example, without limitation, the sensors 80, 82 may be positioned at or within housings comprising clips for clothing, fabric shaped as clothing, straps, rings, combinations thereof, or the like. In this way, the sensor(s) 80, 82 may be worn by the user at their hands, wrists, arms, chest, head, combinations thereof, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, without limitation, the sensor(s) 80 worn by the user may be included with and / or form part of, one or more augmented reality (“AR”) devices, such asbut not limited to, the HoloLens™ available from Microsoft™ or Glass™ available from Google™ The data from the sensors 80, 82 may be provided, by wired and / or wireless connection, to the server(s) 60, such as by way of the network(s) 61 . The data from the sensors 80, 82, particularly in combination with data from the sensor(s) 62, may be used to determine relative positioning of the user 14, patient 16, and / or device 22 and / or components or portions thereof.

[0063] The data at the server(s) 60 may be retrieved by one or more remote devices, such as but not limited to, computers, servers, smartphones, tablet, combinations thereof, or the like to view and / or analyze the data. The remote devices may be configured to generate feedback, such as but not limited to alerts, reports, combinations thereof, or the like regarding the data. The remote devices may be associated with the user and / or third parties (e.g., supervisor, administrator, coordinator, combinations thereof, or the like). The feedback may indicate ergonomic or lack of ergonomic positioning or uses by the user. Such positioning may be determined and / or inferred by movement, force, and / or location data received and / or inferred from sensor 62, 80, 82 data by way of non-limiting example. Where the data meets, fails to meet, exceeds, falls below, combinations thereof, or the like, certain predetermined standards, alerts may be preferably generated. For example, without limitation, where too large a force is experienced at the shield 56, where too large a force is provided at the user engagement interface 54, where location and / or movements of the device 22 are outside certain parameters, combination thereof, or the like, the same may be reflected in the feedback data, such as in a report, and / or electronic notifications regarding the same may be generated. Such reports, data, notifications, combinations thereof, or the like may beprovided at the display 20, at one or more remote devices, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0064] Alternatively, or additionally, the sensor(s) 62 may be used to track forces experienced at the probe 51 and / or probe holder 28. The feedback may indicate that appropriate pressures and / or forces were applied during operation. Where pressures and / or forces exceed certain predetermined thresholds, the arms 26 and / or joints 36, 42 may be automatically unlocked, moved, or the like and / or electronic notifications may be generated.

[0065] As illustrated with particular regard to FIGURE 3B, the system 10 may, in exemplary embodiments, comprise one or more artificial intelligence (“Al”) models. The models may be stored at the device 22 (e.g., local controller) and / or the server(s) 60 (e.g., remote server) by way of non-limiting example.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the Al models may comprise one or more neural networks trained on some or all of the data at the server(s) 60 and may be configured to process incoming data from the system 10 and / or components thereof in substantially real time. The neural networks may comprise input data including relative position data points, pressure and / or force readings, medical data including procedure performed, patient body measurements (e.g., height, weight, body type, combinations thereof, or the like), combinations thereof, or the like, such as provided by the sensors 62, 80, 82. Further training data may include user injury feedback (e.g., sick days, workers compensation claim data, manual user feedback, injury report, combinations thereof, or the like) correlated with the input data, by way of non-limiting example. In this way, the neural network may be trained to find correlations between theinput data with the user injury feedback data to develop the intra-node connections of the neural network. Where similar or same data is found in new data, such as may be provided on a substantially real-time (e.g., accounting for normal transmission and processing delays, but without any intentional delay of greater than 10 minutes) basis from the system 10 and / or device 22, alerts may be provided to the user 14 and / or a third- party, such as at a display of the ultrasound machine 20, AR device, and / or electronic device 63 (e.g., smartphone) associated with the user 14 or the third party, such as supervisor or hospital administrator by way of non-limiting example. The electronic notification may comprise or accompany interventions, which may include an electronic display of training instructions for ergonomic positioning, temporarily device lock out, automatic electronic scheduling of training session, written report, videoconferencing and / or teleconferencing with a third party, visual and / or audio provided instructions and / or coaching, combinations thereof, or the like. Such interventions may be provided at the display of the ultrasound machine 20, AR device, and / or electronic device 63, by way of non-limiting example.

[0067] FIGURE 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment. The same or similar numbers may be used to indicate a same or similar component, but increased by 100 (e.g., 24 to 124, 41 to 141 , etc.). The device 122 may be configured for attachment to a same or different machine 12. A probe holder 128 may be located at a distal end of an articulating arm 141 of the device 122. A proximal end of the arm 141 may extend from a control unit 124, which may comprise one or more buttons for operating the device 122 and / or machine 12. The arm 141 may compose multiple segments configured to provide jointed movement. The arm 141 may be configured to normally hold its position whenreleased, such that the probe holder 128 remains normally stationary when released, at least under normal gravitational force or some predetermined threshold of outside force (e.g., 2 lbs.), though such is not required. In exemplary embodiments, without limitation, the individual segments, preferably ring shaped, of the arm 141 may be configured to frictionally engage one another so as to normally hold their respective position, thereby also normally securing the position of the probe holder 128 in three-dimensional space. Alternatively, or additionally, a wire, cord, or the like may extend within the arm 141 which is selectively tightened, such as by way of one or more clamps, motors, or the like at an end thereof (e.g., within the control unit 124) to secure the segments of the arms 141. Relaxing of the wire, cord, or the like (e.g., by partial unwinding, unclamping, or the like) may permit movement of the segments of the arm 141 .

[0068] The probe holder 128 may comprise a user engagement interface 154 which may comprise part or all of a glove. A shield portion 156 may extend from the user engagement interface 154, such as to support part of the patient’s 16 body and / or protect the user’s 14 hand.

[0069] The probe 51 and / or probe holder 128 may be configured for various types of applications, including vascular probes, abdominal probes, linear, convex, endocavity, phased array, transesophageal, 3D / 4D, combinations thereof, or the like, such as for use with a right handed user and / or left handed user.

[0070] As shown with particular regard to FIGURE 5, the device 22 may be provided as a standalone unit. For example, without limitation, the device 22 may comprise a stand 70. The stand 70 may be telescoping or otherwise height adjustable. The stand 70 may comprise one or more wheels, such as arranged in a tripod or otherarrangement for stability. The device 22 in such embodiments may be independent of the machine 12, such as except for one or more wired and / or wireless electronic connections. As also shown with particular regard to FIGURE 6A, the arms 26 may be oriented to extend the probe holder 28 (and thus the probe 51 ) over an area where the patient 16 may be located (e.g., bed, chair, etc.). The arms 26 may provide flexibility for positioning the probe 51 are various locations and orientations at this area, such as also shown with particular regard to FIGURE 6B. As also shown with particular regard to FIGURE 6C, the arms 22 may be collapsed and / or folded for compact storage.

[0071] While applications for sonography are, in many instances, shown and / or described herein, the device 22 may be utilized in other applications to hold devices other types and / or kinds of probes 51 or equipment (e.g., writing or marking instruments, lights, tools, combinations thereof, or the like).

[0072] Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention.

[0073] Certain operations described herein may be performed by one or more electronic devices. Each electronic device may comprise one or more processors,electronic storage devices, executable software instructions, combinations thereof, and the like configured to perform the operations described herein. The electronic devices may be general purpose computers or specialized computing devices. The electronic devices may comprise personal computers, smartphone, tablets, databases, servers, or the like. The electronic connections and transmissions described herein may be accomplished by wired or wireless means. The computerized hardware, software, components, systems, steps, methods, and / or processes described herein may serve to improve the speed of the computerized hardware, software, systems, steps, methods, and / or processes described herein. The electronic devices, including but not necessarily limited to the electronic storage devices, databases, controllers, or the like, may comprise and / or be configured to hold, solely non-transitory signals.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A device for enhancing ergonomics while operating a sonography machine, said device comprising: a plurality of arms, wherein said arms comprise: a first arm; a second arm having a proximal end connected to a distal end of the first arm at a first joint; and a third arm having a proximal end connected to a distal end of the second arm at a second joint; wherein said first joint and said second joint allow relative rotational movement of said arms; and wherein said first joint and said second joint are configured to normally maintain the arms in their relative position; an adapter located at proximal end of the first arm, wherein said adapter is configured for removable attachment to said sonography machine; and a probe holder located at a distal end the third arm and configured to hold an ultrasound probe forming part of said sonography machine, wherein a position of said ultrasound probe in three-dimensional space is directed by operator grasping and movement of said probe holder and said plurality of arms are configured to normally maintain the position of said ultrasound probe in three-dimensional space.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising:a plurality of hydraulic device, each extending within or along one of the plurality of arms, for normally securing the position of the plurality of arms, and thereby said ultrasound probe, in three-dimensional space.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising: locking devices, wherein said locking devices comprise: a first locking device provided at the first joint; and a second locking device provided at the second joint; wherein each of said locking devices comprise any one of a pin, a brake, and a clamp; one or more motors, wherein said locking devices is operable by way of said one or more motors; a control unit comprising one or more buttons for controlling operation of said one or more motors located at, or adjacent to, the adapter to move said locking devices between a locked position and an unlocked position; a pressure sensor located at said probe holder for measuring a pressure experienced at said ultrasound probe; and one or more servers, remote from said sonography machine, and comprising software instructions stored at one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices of the one or more servers, which when executed, configure one or more processors of the one or more servers to: receive data from said pressure sensor; andwhere said data exceeds a predetermined threshold, cause said at least some of said one or more motors maintain the locking devices in the locked position for a predetermined period of time.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein: said probe holder comprises a glove.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein: said probe holder comprises a shield extending over at least part of the glove.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein: said probe holder comprises a body comprising a jacket configured to wrap about the probe; said glove comprises multiple finger apertures located at the jacket; and the shield extends over the multiple finger apertures and at least a portion of the jacket.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein: said probe holder comprises: an attachment device comprising one or more buttons, wherein the jacket is configured to attach to itself by way of the attachment device; andan electronic connection element comprising a channel for wiring between the probe and the sonography machine, said channel extending along an outer surface of the jacket.

8. The device of claim 5 further comprising: a first pressure sensor located at said probe holder for measuring a pressure experienced at said ultrasound probe; a second pressure sensor located at said shield for measuring a pressure experienced at said shield.

9. The device of claim 8 further comprising: one or more servers, remote from said sonography machine, and comprising software instructions stored at one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices of the one or more servers, which when executed, configure one or more processors of the one or more servers to: receive data from said first pressure sensor and said second pressure sensor; and where said data exceeds a predetermined threshold, cause an electronic notification to be electronically displayed at one or more electronic devices indicating the same.10.The device of claim 9 wherein:the one or more electronic devices comprises an electronic display of the sonography machine and at least one personal electronic device.1 1 .The device of claim 1 further comprising: one or more movement devices located at the arms for controlling relative movement of the arms; and a control unit comprising one or more interface objects for controlling operation of said one or more movement devices located at, or adjacent to, the adapter.

12. The device of claim 1 1 wherein: said one or more movement imparting devices comprise hydraulic cylinders; and said one or more interface objects comprise buttons.

13. The device of any one of claims 1 -1 1 further comprising: a first position sensor located at said probe holder for measuring a position of said ultrasound probe in three-dimensional space; a second position sensor located at one of said arms for measuring a position of said second position sensor in three-dimensional space; and a third position sensor configured to be worn by a user of the sonography machine for measuring a position of said third position sensor in three-dimensional space.

14. The device of claim 13 further comprising:one or more servers, remote from said sonography machine, and comprising software instructions stored at one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices of the one or more servers, which when executed, configure one or more processors of the one or more servers to: receive data from said first position sensor, said second position sensor, and said third position sensor in substantially real time; apply a neural network model to said data, where said neural network model is trained on example position data from the first position sensor, the second position sensor, and the third position sensor, and injury data; and where said neural network model indicates that said data indicates relative positioning likely to cause injury, cause an electronic notification to be generated at one or more electronic devices indicating the same in substantially real time.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein: the one or more electronic devices comprises an augmented reality device configured to be worn by the user.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein: said electronic notification comprises training materials.

17. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a fan located at the probe holder for directing air towards the user when activated.

18. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a patient controller in wired or wireless communication with the plurality of arms and comprising a button, which when actuated, causes said plurality of arms to release from their position.

19. A sonography machine with enhanced ergonomics, said sonography machine comprising: a plurality of arms, wherein said arms comprise: a first arm; a second arm having a proximal end connected to a distal end of the first arm at a first joint; and a third arm having a proximal end connected to a distal end of the second arm at a second joint; wherein said first joint and said second joint allow relative rotational movement of said arms; and wherein said first joint and said second joint are configured to normally maintain the arms in their relative position; motors comprising a first motor provided at said first joint and a second motor provided at said second joint, where said motors are configured to, when operated, control relative positioning of the arms; a control unit located at a proximal end of said first arm, said control unit comprising controls for operation of said motors, and thereby said arms, wherein said control unit is attachable to a portion of said sonography machine;a probe holder located at a distal end of the third arm and comprising a body configured to hold an ultrasound probe forming part of said sonography machine, a glove wrapping about at least part of the body, and a shield extending over part of the glove; and wiring extending from the sonography machine, along or through said arms and said body of said probe holder, to said probe.

20. A system for enhancing ergonomics while operating a sonography machine, said system comprising: a sonography machine comprising: a plurality of arms, wherein said arms are interconnected at joints for relative rotational movement, are configured to normally maintain their relative position, and a first one of said arms is attached to a body of said sonography machine; a probe holder located at a distal end of a second one of said plurality of arms and comprising a body configured to hold an ultrasound probe forming part of said sonography machine, a glove wrapping about at least part of the body, and a shield extending over part of the glove; a first pressure sensor located at said probe holder for measuring a pressure experienced at said ultrasound probe; a second pressure sensor located at said shield for measuring a pressure experienced at said shield; and a first position sensor located at said probe holder for measuring a position of said ultrasound probe in three-dimensional space; anda second position sensor located at one of said arms for measuring a position of said second position sensor in three-dimensional space; an augmented reality device configured to be worn by a user of the sonography machine and comprising a third position sensor measuring a position of said third position sensor in three-dimensional space; one or more servers, remote from said sonography machine, and comprising software instructions stored at one or more non-transitory electronic storage devices of the one or more servers, which when executed, configure one or more processors of the one or more servers to: receive data from said first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first position sensor, said second position sensor, and said third position sensor; apply a neural network to said data, where said neural network is trained on example position data from the first position sensor, the second position sensor, and the third position sensor, example pressure data from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor, and injury data; and where said neural network indicates that said data indicates relative positioning likely to cause injury, cause an electronic notification to be generated at the augmented reality device indicating the same and including training materials indicating proper ergonomic positioning when operating the sonography machine.

Images