Foot-Operated Multifunctional Interface for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging interfaces, such as those used in X-ray imaging systems, can be cumbersome for physicians due to the need for manual button pressing, which may be inconvenient given the limited range of arm movement during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A lower limb operable multifunctional interface that includes an activation element, a timing unit, and a control unit, allowing for the generation of different control signals based on the duration of activation, enabling functions like X-ray image acquisition and display mode activation/deactivation, operable by foot or knee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual button pressing on a touchscreen interface is used, then precise control of medical imaging functions is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited arm reach during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
A foot-operated pedal serves as an intermediary device between the physician and the medical imaging system controls. The pedal is positioned within easy reach of the physician's foot, eliminating the need to stretch the arm to reach touchscreen buttons. When the pedal is pressed, it sends signals through the system to activate various imaging functions, effectively mediating the control interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical interaction of pressing touchscreen buttons with foot-operated mechanical pressure on a pedal. This substitution allows control of complex imaging functions through simple foot movements, improving ease of operation during procedures where the physician's hands and arms are occupied.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate activation elements are provided for different functions, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot-operated pedal is designed as a universal control element that can trigger multiple different functions of the medical imaging system. By pressing the pedal in combination with different system states or sequences, various imaging modes, acquisitions, and display functions can be activated through this single multi-functional interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single foot-operated pedal interface. Instead of requiring separate buttons or controls for different imaging functions, the pedal consolidates these controls, allowing the physician to access multiple functions through one unified interface element, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If foot-operated activation with timing-based control signals is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates timing units that provide feedback signals based on the duration and pattern of pedal activation. The control unit analyzes these timing signals to determine which function should be activated, creating a feedback loop that translates simple foot pressure into precise control commands without requiring complex manual input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the timing parameter of the activation signal to differentiate between various control functions. By monitoring the duration, frequency, or pattern of pedal presses rather than requiring different physical buttons, the system translates temporal parameter variations into distinct control commands, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise function selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to multifunctional interfaces for medical imaging. In order to provide a facilitated and thus easier to operate interface for a medical X-ray imaging system, a lower limb operable multifunctional interface (10) is provided, comprising at least one activation element (12), for example a foot switch pedal, a timing unit (16), and a control unit (18). The activation element is configured to provide an activation signal (20) to the control unit when being pressed. The timing unit is configured to provide a timing signal (22) to the control unit upon being provided with the activation signal from the pressed activation element. The control unit is configured to provide at least two different control signals (24) for triggering at least two different predetermined actions. Further, the control signal is dependent on the duration of the timing signal.