Ultrasound Probe Cover Detection Using Aerial Radiation Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound systems face the challenge of nurses forgetting to attach protective equipment to the ultrasound probe, leading to potential infectious diseases and increased cleaning time, and require dedicated probes with high manufacturing costs and failure risks.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound system that includes an image generation unit, aerial radiation image acquisition, protective equipment attachment determination, and a warning unit to analyze aerial radiation images to detect the presence or absence of protective equipment, using machine learning models to determine attachment status and issue warnings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a physical sensor is used to detect protective equipment, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective equipment detection accuracyVSAvoidultrasound probe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical sensors with an imaging-based detection system. The ultrasound system captures images of the ultrasound probe surface and uses image processing algorithms to detect the presence of protective equipment, eliminating the need for dedicated sensor-integrated probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy (image) of the probe surface and analyzes this copy to detect protective equipment. By processing the captured image data rather than relying on physical sensors embedded in the probe, the system achieves detection functionality without increasing probe hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a dedicated ultrasound probe with sensor is used, then the protective equipment detection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and failure risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective equipment detection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ultrasound system universal by enabling it to detect protective equipment using its existing imaging capabilities. The same ultrasound system that performs medical diagnostics also detects protective equipment presence, eliminating the need for specialized dedicated probes and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasound system performs self-monitoring by using its own imaging system to detect whether protective equipment is properly attached to the probe. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection systems or dedicated sensor-equipped probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If protective equipment attachment is not monitored, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of infectious diseases and cleaning time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidinfectious disease risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the protective equipment status through image capture and analysis. The system provides real-time feedback to the user about whether protective equipment is properly attached, enabling timely correction and preventing infectious disease transmission without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of protective equipment attachment before the ultrasound examination begins. By checking the protective equipment status in advance and providing warnings if not properly attached, the system prevents potential contamination and reduces cleaning requirements without adding complex monitoring throughout the entire procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12508001B2Ultrasound system and control method of ultrasound system which have function of preventing forgetting to attach protective equipment that protects ultrasound probe

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

In an ultrasound system and a control method of the ultrasound system, an ultrasound image generated from a reception signal obtained by performing transmission and reception of an ultrasound beam with respect to a subject using an ultrasound probe in a state where the ultrasound probe is separated from a body surface of the subject is acquired as an aerial radiation image; whether or not protective equipment is attached to the ultrasound probe is determined by analyzing the aerial radiation image; and a warning is issued to a user in a case where it is determined that the protective equipment is not attached to the ultrasound probe.