Fingerprint-Based Function Switching in Ultrasound Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses lack a user-friendly method to efficiently switch between various functions, such as Doppler and TGC adjustments, which can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in high-pressure medical imaging scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize user fingerprints to store and execute specific functions, allowing for quick selection and adjustment of imaging parameters through a fingerprint detection system, including touch screens and other input devices, enabling intuitive operation by associating unique fingerprints with different medical imaging functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual switching methods are used for various imaging functions, then the apparatus can perform multiple functions, but the operation time increases and operator error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction switching speedVSAvoidtime to switch between functions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-assigns specific functions to different fingerprints before the user needs them. When a user touches the screen with a registered fingerprint, the corresponding function is immediately activated without requiring manual navigation through menus or buttons. This preliminary assignment of functions to biometric identifiers eliminates the time-consuming process of manually switching between functions during medical imaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are accessible through manual controls, then the apparatus has high versatility, but the complexity of operation increases and user error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of accessible functionsVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the user through fingerprint recognition and autonomously activates the appropriate function based on the detected fingerprint pattern. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually navigate complex control interfaces, select from multiple functions, or remember which button performs which action. The apparatus serves itself by automatically matching the fingerprint to the pre-assigned function, thereby maintaining high versatility while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If fingerprint recognition is implemented for function selection, then operation speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidinput system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fingerprint sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both a biometric authentication device and a direct function activation trigger. The same sensor that identifies the user also determines which function should be executed based on the specific fingerprint pattern detected. This multi-functional use of a single component achieves rapid workflow efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the fingerprint module handles both identification and control selection tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3114999B1Apparatus and method of processing medical image
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP3114999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3114999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3114999B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An apparatus for processing medical images includes a storage unit storing fingerprints that respectively correspond to a plurality of functions, a user input unit detecting a fingerprint of a user, and a controller performing a function corresponding to the detected fingerprint, from among the functions.