TGC Control Visibility via LED Color Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical diagnostic ultrasound systems, the time gain compensation (TGC) controls are difficult to discern in a darkened room, making it challenging for sonographers to determine if the switches are set in their nominal center positions or adjusted, leading to potential misinterpretation of image brightness and depth.
Innovation Solution
The TGC controls are illuminated using LEDs that modulate color or brightness based on their position, allowing sonographers to easily identify nominal center positions and adjusted settings, even in low light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If TGC controls are illuminated in a darkened room, then visibility of controls is improved, but ability to distinguish switch positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded indicators to TGC switches where each switch has a unique color or pattern when in the nominal center position versus when adjusted. This allows sonographers to easily distinguish switch positions even in darkened rooms with back-lighting, as the color differences remain visually detectable under illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local illumination specifically targeted at the TGC control area with enhanced contrast for the switch indicators. The back-lighting is localized to the control panel region rather than the entire room, providing sufficient illumination for the controls while maintaining the ability to see color and position differences clearly.
2Illumination intensity
If back-lighting is provided for control visibility, then control visibility is improved, but distinction of switch positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded indicators that maintain their distinguishing characteristics under back-lighting conditions. Each TGC switch has a specific color or visual pattern that differs between the nominal center position and adjusted positions, ensuring that position information is not lost even when the controls are illuminated for visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators as an intermediary element between the switch mechanism and the sonographer's perception. These indicators (such as colored markers or illuminated displays) mediate the transmission of position information, ensuring that the back-lighting does not interfere with the ability to discern switch positions.
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
This solution enhances visibility of TGC settings, ensuring accurate gain adjustments and uniform image brightness, facilitating better ultrasound imaging by clearly indicating nominal and adjusted gain settings.
Implementation Method 1
The TGC controls are illuminated using LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
The TGC slide switches which provide the TGC control of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system have LEDs mounted on the sliders of the slide switches so that the switches can be easily visualized in a darkened room. The light emitted by the LED of a switch is changed to an indicative color or brightness when the slider of the switch is set in its default position for the application of a nominal gain to echo signals received from a given depth.