Image-Based UI for Medical Imaging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging user interfaces are complex and non-intuitive, leading to frustration and poor image quality due to the large number of controls and their interdependencies, making it difficult for users to achieve desired image settings.
Innovation Solution
A user interface that displays multiple ultrasound images with different settings simultaneously, allowing users to select the desired image, which configures the medical imager to generate images with the corresponding settings for imaging a patient, thereby simplifying the adjustment of parameters like detail resolution, contrast resolution, temporal resolution, and penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls with selection ranges are provided on a control panel, then users have flexibility to adjust image parameters, but the interface becomes complex and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays multiple example images that represent different sets of image generation parameters. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust numerous controls, the system creates visual copies (thumbnails) of images with pre-configured parameter sets, allowing users to select from these visual representations directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the complex parameter controls. Example images serve as intermediaries that visually represent parameter settings, and the system automatically maps selected image characteristics to the corresponding parameter values, shielding users from direct interaction with complex controls.
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually adjust multiple dependent controls, then comprehensive image settings can be achieved, but exam time increases and user frustration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple sets of image generation parameters and displays corresponding example images before the user makes a selection. This preliminary preparation of parameter sets and visual representations eliminates the need for users to perform iterative manual adjustments during the examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically configures image generation parameters based on the example image the user selects. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust each parameter, the system self-services by automatically applying the parameter set corresponding to the selected example image, significantly reducing adjustment time.
3Loss of time
If automation controls some parameters, then adjustment time is reduced, but comprehensive settings and user-desired configurations are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the example images themselves the primary interface for controlling multiple parameters simultaneously. Each example image represents a comprehensive parameter set that can be selected to adjust multiple image generation parameters at once, making the selection mechanism universal for controlling diverse imaging settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An image-based user interface is used for controlling medical imaging. A variety of images of a same region but associated with different settings are displayed to the user. The user selects the desired image. The medical imager is then configured with the settings from the selected image for imaging a patient.