Handheld Ultrasound Imaging System with Touchscreen Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical ultrasound imaging equipment is bulky, difficult to clean, and not portable, making it unsuitable for field locations and requiring complex user input, which can be challenging for medical personnel with varying skill levels.

Innovation Solution

A handheld medical ultrasound imaging system with a tablet form factor featuring a multi-touch touchscreen interface, graphical processing unit, and machine learning applications for image processing, allowing for gesture-based control and automated beam direction, enabling portable and user-friendly operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional medical ultrasound imaging equipment uses keyboards and knobs for user input, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky and difficult to clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input interfaceVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keyboards and knobs with a touchscreen display interface. The touchscreen allows medical personnel to control ultrasound imaging functions through touch gestures on a flat surface, eliminating the need for complex mechanical input devices while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a touchscreen display that presents virtual representations of control functions. Instead of physical buttons and knobs, the system creates digital copies of control interfaces on the touchscreen, allowing users to interact with virtual buttons, sliders, and menus that replicate traditional mechanical controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional medical ultrasound imaging equipment uses traditional keyboards and knobs, then full control functionality is provided, but the equipment is bulky and not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidequipment portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical control systems with a lightweight touchscreen interface integrated into a portable housing. This substitution dramatically reduces the weight and size of the equipment while preserving all necessary control functions through software-based interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays ultrasound images, provides control interfaces for imaging parameters, offers navigation capabilities, and presents patient information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical controls for each function, reducing overall equipment complexity and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If conventional medical ultrasound imaging equipment uses keyboards and knobs with uneven surfaces, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the equipment is difficult to keep clean in sterile environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol interfaceVSAvoidcleanability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keyboards and knobs with a flat touchscreen surface. This smooth, non-porous surface can be easily wiped down and disinfected, meeting sterile environment requirements while providing comprehensive control functionality through touch-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The touchscreen interface uses a flat, seamless surface without crevices, buttons, or mechanical components that could harbor contaminants. This film-like interface can be covered with protective medical-grade films or easily disinfected with standard medical cleaning protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The system provides a portable, easy-to-clean, and intuitive interface for medical personnel, enabling efficient ultrasound imaging and monitoring with reduced need for traditional keyboards or knobs, allowing for remote access and improved image quality through automated positioning and processing.

Implementation Method 1

the ultrasound probe/transducer generates ultrasound waves that can penetrate tissue to different depths based on frequency level, and receives ultrasound waves reflected back from the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS20230181160A1Devices and methods for ultrasound monitoring

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 TERA TECH CORP

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for portable medical ultrasound imaging. Preferred embodiments utilize a hand portable, battery powered system having a display and a user interface operative to control imaging and display operations. A keyboard control panel can be used alone or in combination with touchscreen controls to actuate a graphical user interface. The system includes a transducer assembly to image, measure and monitor a condition of a patient