Processor-Controlled Light Assemblies for Ultrasound Probe Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in low-light environments, making it difficult for clinicians to quickly select and store ultrasound probes due to inadequate illumination of probe holders, which complicates the process of associating probes with their respective holders.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a processor-controlled light assembly system that selectively illuminates probe holders, using LEDs or OLEDs to provide clear visual cues for probe selection and status indication, and to guide the return of probes to their designated holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the room lights are dimmed or turned off to improve image visibility, then the clinician can see ultrasound images more clearly, but the probe holders become difficult to locate and probe selection becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local illumination by equipping each probe holder with individual light assemblies that can be selectively activated. This allows specific probe holders to be illuminated while keeping the overall room environment dim, thus maintaining image visibility while enabling efficient probe location and selection through localized lighting cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light assemblies, each associated with a specific probe holder. This segmentation allows independent control of each probe holder's visibility, enabling the system to highlight only the relevant probe holder(s) while keeping others dark, thus solving the contradiction between overall darkness for imaging and localized visibility for probe selection.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional ultrasound imaging systems are used in low-light environments, then image viewing is improved, but locating the associated probe holder after examination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The light assemblies can emit different colors or patterns of light to convey probe status information. For example, a specific color may indicate that a probe is in use, another color may indicate the probe is ready for use, and a different pattern may indicate the correct holder for return. This visual coding system prevents loss of location information while maintaining the low-light environment needed for image viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback to the clinician about probe holder status and probe location. The light assemblies communicate the state of each probe holder (occupied, available, correct match) through illumination patterns, ensuring that location information is not lost even in the dark environment required for comfortable image viewing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probe holders are present in the ultrasound imaging system, then probe versatility and protocol matching are improved, but the complexity of locating and associating the correct probe holder increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor controls the light assemblies to provide feedback about which probe holder is the correct match for the currently selected protocol or probe. By illuminating only the relevant probe holder(s), the system reduces the complexity of association despite having multiple holders available for different probe types and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the probe holder identification in advance by pre-configuring the association between probes and holders. When a probe is inserted or a protocol is selected, the processor immediately activates the appropriate light assemblies to indicate the correct holder, eliminating the need for the clinician to manually search through multiple holders and reducing association complexity.
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
Enhances the visibility of probe holders and their status, improving the efficiency of probe selection and storage processes, reducing errors in probe association and return, and facilitating a more streamlined ultrasound examination workflow.
Implementation Method 1
The light assembly 140 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 141 arranged in a grid pattern
Implementation Method 2
The illuminated area 165 refers to a region on the probe holder 150 that is illuminated by the light from the light assembly 140
Data Source
AI summary
A method and ultrasound imaging system including a plurality of probe holders and a plurality of light assemblies attached to the plurality of probe holders. The plurality of light assemblies is configured to be controlled by a processor to selectively illuminate one or more of the plurality of probe holders.