Remote Ultrasound Probe Alignment Using Mixed Reality Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote interaction technologies, such as teleultrasound and robotic systems, face inefficiencies in probe positioning and orientation due to reliance on verbal guidance or require on-site human oversight, limiting their effectiveness in remote communities and ambulances.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a local and remote electronic setup with a mixed reality headset and haptic controller, enabling low-latency communication to align a virtual representation with a physical element's position and orientation, facilitating precise remote interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If verbal guidance or augmented reality overlays are used for probe positioning, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but positioning precision and orientation accuracy are insufficient for novice operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the ultrasound probe that mirrors the physical probe's position and orientation in real-time. This virtual representation is displayed through augmented reality overlays, allowing the operator to see exactly where the physical probe is located and how it should be positioned. The virtual probe acts as a digital twin that provides precise positioning guidance without requiring complex robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously tracking the physical probe's position and orientation using sensors and cameras, then immediately updating the virtual representation to reflect current state. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows novice operators to see the direct consequence of their actions and make precise adjustments to achieve correct probe positioning and orientation.
2Speed
If robotic systems are used for teleultrasound, then positioning precision and latency are improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with a software-based virtual representation approach. Instead of using robots to physically move the ultrasound probe, the system uses virtual overlays that guide the operator's manual manipulation of the probe. This substitution of mechanical automation with software guidance achieves similar positioning precision without the complexity and cost of robotic arms and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the probe that responds instantaneously to the physical probe's movements, providing real-time visual feedback without the need for mechanical transmission components. This virtual modeling approach achieves low latency response by using software rendering rather than mechanical actuation.
3Reliability
If robotic systems are deployed in remote communities, then expert guidance capability is improved, but cost effectiveness deteriorates due to high equipment expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive components such as standard cameras, consumer-grade augmented reality headsets, and software-based tracking algorithms instead of expensive robotic systems. The system uses readily available technology that can be deployed in resource-limited settings, making expert teleguidance accessible to remote communities without requiring costly infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing expensive mechanical robotic systems with software-based virtual guidance, the patent dramatically reduces equipment costs while maintaining expert guidance capability. The virtual probe representation and augmented reality interface provide reliable teleultrasound guidance using inexpensive computational resources rather than costly mechanical hardware.
4Reliability
If on-site human monitoring is required for robotic systems, then safety and reliability are improved, but productivity and efficiency deteriorate due to additional personnel needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-guiding capabilities through augmented reality overlays that directly show the correct probe positioning and orientation to the operator. The virtual probe representation automatically adjusts and guides the operator without requiring external monitoring or approval, enabling autonomous operation that maintains reliability while eliminating the need for additional on-site personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback mechanism provides immediate guidance to the operator through visual overlays, allowing self-correction of probe positioning without external intervention. This continuous feedback loop enables the operator to maintain correct technique independently, eliminating the need for on-site human monitoring while preserving system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for remote interaction with a patient includes a local system including a physical element to interact with the patient, and a local electronic device with a camera to capture images of the physical element interacting with the patient, and a local display to display the images with a virtual representation of the physical element relative to the patient. The local electronic device obtains information dependent on position and orientation of the physical element interacting with the patient. A remote system includes a remote electronic device with a display to display the images of the physical element interacting with the patient, and an image based on the information. A remote input device controls position and orientation of the virtual representation displayed on the local display. The remote system communicates with the local system with low latency for alignment of the physical element with the virtual representation.