Medical Imaging Event Communication via Dynamic Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of medical imaging systems face challenges in recognizing and reacting to events such as automatic table movements or active voice outputs, which are often masked by hectic clinical environments, lacking effective communication methods to alert them to critical events.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes a data interface, control unit, and illumination unit with multiple light sources to provide changing light patterns based on event data, allowing for visual feedback on events like automatic movements, physiological signals, and alarms, complemented by an acoustic output module for sound patterns, enhancing operator awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text messages or display outputs are used to indicate events, then information communication is improved, but operator attention is divided and events may still be missed in hectic clinical environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using different colored lights (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate different event types and states. The illumination unit emits light in various colors to communicate system events, patient status, and operational phases visually, making event recognition immediate and intuitive without requiring operator attention to be diverted to displays or text messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display screens to three-dimensional spatial light signals. By positioning illumination units at strategic locations around the imaging system and using directional light emission, the system adds a spatial dimension to event communication, allowing operators to perceive system status from multiple angles and distances simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If multiple event types are communicated through traditional displays, then information completeness is improved, but recognition speed decreases due to the need to read and process text
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments event communication by assigning specific light colors, patterns, and positions to different event types. Instead of presenting all information in unified text displays, the system divides event notification into distinct visual channels (color-coded light sources), allowing operators to rapidly identify and respond to specific events without processing comprehensive text information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic light patterns including blinking, pulsing, and rhythmic illumination to convey event urgency and type. Different event categories are communicated through distinct temporal light patterns, enabling operators to recognize event nature and priority at a glance through rhythmic visual cues rather than reading static text descriptions.
3Ease of operation
If visual light patterns are used to indicate events, then operator awareness is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple light sources and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the illumination unit to serve multiple communication purposes simultaneously. The same light sources communicate different types of information through variations in color, intensity, pattern, and timing, eliminating the need for separate notification devices for different event types and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced communication capability.
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 improves communication of critical events in medical imaging systems by providing visual and auditory cues, reducing operator stress and improving patient monitoring through clear and timely feedback, enhancing the workflow and safety during examinations.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit (22) comprising a linear arrangement of multiple light sources (23)
Data Source
AI summary
At least one example embodiment provides a communication system for a medical imaging system. The system includes a data interface configured to receive event-data from the medical imaging system; a control unit configured to provide a light pattern from a number of light patterns based on the event-data, wherein for different types of event-data different types of light patterns are provided; and an illumination unit comprising a linear arrangement of multiple light sources, the control unit being configured to control the multiple light sources to emit a changing light pattern from the number of light patterns.