Force-Sensitive Touch Interface for Blind Patient Couch Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging devices, such as magnetic resonance and x-ray devices, require safe and efficient operation of movable components like patient couches, which is challenging with conventional touchscreens due to the need to maintain focus on the patient, and existing solutions complicate layout and distinguishability of functionalities.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive and force-sensitive operating device with a combination of touch and force sensors allows for 'blind' operation of medical imaging device components by measuring touch position and force, enhancing safety and flexibility, and eliminating the need for additional haptic elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional touchscreen is used for operating medical imaging device components, then the operating device can be simple in structure, but the operator cannot operate it safely without looking at the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblind operation capabilityVSAvoidoperating device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines touch sensors and force sensors into a single integrated operating device. The touch sensor detects touch position while the force sensor detects touch force, and both are merged in one device to enable blind operation without requiring separate haptic feedback elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback elements (such as buttons with tactile feedback or rotary wheels with return springs) with a force sensor that detects touch force electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures while enabling blind operation through force-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If additional haptic elements are added to enable blind operation, then the operator can operate without looking, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblind operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of touch detection and force detection into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate haptic feedback elements. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining blind operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical haptic elements with electronic force sensors, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs associated with mechanical components, assembly, and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If structured glass surface with hollows and raised areas is used for touch operation, then specific functions can be located by touch, but the layout becomes complex and distinguishability between functionalities decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch location capabilityVSAvoidlayout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the structured glass surface with physical hollows and raised areas with a force sensor-based system. The force sensor detects the magnitude of touch force to distinguish between different functionalities, eliminating the need for complex physical structures and improving layout simplicity and distinguishability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables safe, efficient operation of medical imaging device components without looking at the operating device, improving patient safety and reducing operational complexity, while allowing for cost-effective implementation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one touch sensor, in particular a capacitive touch sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

at least one force sensor, in particular a piezoresistive force sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11627927B2Medical imaging device having a movable patient couch and a touch-sensitive and force-sensitive interface for controlling the movable patient couch, and method for operating a medical imaging device

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A medical imaging device, such as a computed tomography device and/or a magnetic resonance device, includes at least one movable component. The at least one movable component can include a patient couch, and the medical image device can further include an operating device for controlling the operation of the at least one component. The operating device can include a touch-sensitive and force-sensitive interface (e.g. touchscreen display) having at least one touch sensor and at least one force sensor that measure the strength of a touch.