Ultrasound Probe Remote Control via Optical Fiber Strain Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound systems require clinicians to physically interact with medical computers outside the sterile field, posing risks of contamination during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound probe system with a pointer remote control capability that allows a clinician to control an image processing device from within a sterile field using movement and voice commands, utilizing optical fiber cables and reflective gratings for movement detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clinicians physically interact with medical computers outside the sterile field, then they can control image processing devices, but the risk of contamination and infection transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound probe acts as an intermediary device between the clinician and the medical computer. The probe includes a pointer control mechanism that transmits movement signals wirelessly to control the screen pointer and navigate the interface on the medical computer, allowing the clinician to remain in the sterile field while still controlling the image processing device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction with the medical computer with a wireless control system. The probe's movement detection utilities (such as accelerometers or gyroscopes) detect physical movements of the probe and convert them into digital control signals that wirelessly communicate with the medical computer, eliminating the need for physical contact with the computer
2Productivity
If clinicians move back and forth between the patient and ultrasound computer, then they can work with images, but procedure efficiency decreases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe serves as a remote control intermediary that enables the clinician to operate the medical computer from the patient's side. The pointer control mechanism allows navigation and image manipulation without leaving the sterile field, eliminating time loss from movement and improving procedure efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound probe is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its primary ultrasound imaging function and an additional function as a remote control device for the medical computer. This dual functionality allows the clinician to perform multiple tasks without additional equipment or movements, thereby improving productivity
3Reliability
If wired ultrasound probes are used, then connection to visual displays is established, but mobility and sterile field access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection with a wireless communication system. The probe uses wireless communication protocols to transmit control signals and data to the medical computer, maintaining reliable connection while providing the clinician with freedom of movement and easy access to the sterile field
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
Enables sterile operation of ultrasound systems by allowing clinicians to control image processing devices from within the sterile field, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound imaging device is configured to obtain the ultrasound probe movement-related data through an optical fiber cable integrated into a wired connection between the ultrasound imaging device and the ultrasound probe
Implementation Method 2
the optical fiber cable includes a plurality of reflective gratings disposed along a length of the optical fiber cable, and wherein each of the plurality of reflective gratings are configured to reflect light with different specific spectral widths to provide distributed measurements in accordance with strain applied to the optical fiber cable
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes an ultrasound imaging device including a display screen, a processor and memory having stored thereon logic, and an ultrasound probe. The logic of the ultrasound imaging device, upon execution by the processor, can causes an alteration of content displayed on the display screen in accordance of with ultrasound probe movement-related data. The ultrasound imaging device can include a light source configured to provide incident light to the optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable including a plurality of reflective gratings disposed along a length thereof. Each of the plurality of reflective gratings can be configured to reflect light with different specific spectral widths to provide distributed measurements in accordance with strain applied to the optical fiber cable. The ultrasound imaging device can obtain the ultrasound probe movement-related data through an optical fiber.