Pressure Sensing Array for Ultrasound Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion-tracking technologies for ultrasound simulators are limited by the inability to accurately and affordably measure position, orientation, and compression, leading to unrealistic simulation and training experiences due to the complexity and cost of 6-DOF tracking systems, as well as susceptibility to interference and usability issues with existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A 5DOF+1 tracking system utilizing a combination of pressure sensors to measure position and compression, coupled with existing 3-DOF orientation sensors, allowing for accurate measurement of 6 degrees of freedom with a simplified setup that includes a handheld device and a touch-sensitive surface, enabling realistic simulation of ultrasound procedures without the need for bulky external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional 6-DOF motion tracking systems are used, then position and orientation measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 6-DOF tracking system into separate functional components: a pressure sensing array for position detection and a handheld device with orientation sensors for rotational measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity compared to integrated 6-DOF solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensing array serves multiple functions: it detects position coordinates, measures applied pressure, and provides tactile feedback to the user. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If commercial 6-DOF tracking systems are deployed, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex setup and calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration through the pressure sensing array, automatically determining position coordinates based on pressure distribution patterns without requiring manual calibration procedures. This eliminates complex setup steps and makes the system easier to operate while maintaining reliable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from traditional electromagnetic or optical fields to pressure distribution patterns. This parameter change simplifies the measurement model and reduces calibration requirements, as pressure sensors naturally adapt to surface variations without complex configuration.
3Ease of operation
If pressure sensing array is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to dedicated motion tracking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring position in traditional 3D space to measuring position on a 2D pressure sensing array surface. This dimensional change allows the use of simpler pressure-based detection while maintaining sufficient precision for the application, and greatly simplifies the user interface by providing direct tactile feedback on the array surface.
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 accurate and robust measurement of position, orientation, and compression, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by being cost-effective, portable, and adaptable to various surfaces, enabling realistic ultrasound simulation and training without the need for direct line of sight or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensing array to measure the contact mechanics of a probe or other relevant apparatus that is placed directly on its surface
Implementation Method 2
electromechanical components that respond to gravity's acceleration (e.g., accelerometers)
Implementation Method 3
The emergence of affordable, easy-to-use ultrasound simulators has spearheaded the development of novel low-cost motion tracking solutions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for training an ultrasound user with a hand-held device having one or more first sensors to detect angular orientation of the device in one or more dimensions, and at least one two-dimensional surface device having one or more second sensors to detect translational position of the hand-held device in one or more directions, which communicates the angular orientation data from the hand-held device and the translational position data from the at least one surface device to a computer to display a virtual environment with a virtual hand-held device that moves in correlation with the hand-held device based on the angular orientation data from the hand-held device and the translational position data from the at least one surface device.