Standalone Computer Touch Input with Virtualization for Medical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standalone computers lack flexible and customizable input devices for user interaction, particularly in medical imaging applications where traditional keyboards and mice are cumbersome and not suitable for low-light conditions, and touch screens are not effective for controlling standalone computers.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a separate touch screen input device with a virtualization program that provides simulated keyboard keys, trackpads, and gestures, allowing users to interact with standalone computers, including medical imaging software, through customizable layouts and operation assignments, and enabling verbal dictation and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional keyboards and mice are used for controlling standalone computers, then universal compatibility is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates in medical imaging applications and low-light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a touch-sensitive display device as an intermediary between the user and the computer system. This intermediary provides a specialized interface with visual feedback mechanisms (backlighting, contrast adjustment) that are optimized for medical imaging workflows and low-light conditions, while the system translates these interactions into standard computer commands that maintain universal compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If touch screens are used for controlling standalone computers, then flexibility and customization are improved, but effectiveness deteriorates due to reaching requirements and display interference

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoideffectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display system into two separate functions: the main display screen for showing medical images and data, and a separate touch-sensitive input area for controlling the computer. This segmentation allows the main display to remain clear and interference-free while providing specialized touch controls with visual feedback for operational effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If standardized input devices are used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to specific software applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic interface that can adapt its configuration based on the active application. The touch-sensitive display can reconfigure its controls, visual feedback characteristics, and interaction modes to match the specific requirements of different medical imaging software, while maintaining a relatively simple underlying hardware architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11372542B2Method and system for providing a specialized computer input device

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 PHILIPS MEDICAL SYST TECH

AI summary

A system and method for controlling a standalone computer through a separate touch screen input device.