Camera-Based Physical Control Detection for Medical Imaging Sterilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical diagnostic imaging systems, such as ultrasound systems, face challenges in cleaning and sterilizing user interfaces without damaging electronic components, and operators struggle to control these systems with one hand while scanning, requiring frequent visual checks at the control panel.
Innovation Solution
A medical diagnostic imaging system with a user interface featuring physical controls viewed by a camera, which detects manipulations and associates them with desired user inputs using a processor, allowing for hands-free operation and sterilization without electronic component damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic controls are used in the user interface, then the system can provide precise control functionality, but the interface becomes difficult to sterilize without damaging electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic components from the user interface control panel, extracting only the necessary control functionality. Physical controls such as buttons, knobs, and switches are used instead of electronic displays and touchscreens, allowing the interface to be sterilized without damaging sensitive electronics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the control panel is designed for easy sterilization without electronic components, then the interface can be cleaned effectively, but the operator must frequently look at the controls instead of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing tactile feedback and visual indicators at specific control locations. Each physical control is designed with distinctive tactile characteristics and/or visual indicators that allow operators to identify and operate controls by touch alone, maintaining focus on the display while enabling easy sterilization of the entire interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If physical controls are used instead of electronic interface, then the interface can be sterilized without damage, but the precision and functionality of control may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing physical controls that can perform multiple functions. For example, a single physical control panel can accommodate various types of controls (buttons, knobs, switches) that can be configured to perform different control functions, maintaining system functionality while enabling sterilization without damage to electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical diagnostic imaging system comprises a user interface comprising at least one physical control. The system also comprises a camera positioned to view the physical control. The system further comprises a processor connected to the camera and configured to detect a manipulation involving the physical control and associate the manipulation with a desired user input for controlling the imaging system.