Ultrasonic Diagnostic System with Centralized Server

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic systems require the main body to be installed at each examination location, making them uneconomical for low-patient volumes and inconvenient for use in inpatient wards or operating rooms, as they need to be frequently moved.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic diagnostic system with a network of wireless-connected probes and a central ultrasonic server, where probes are associated with operation/display panels based on measured physical quantities, allowing for flexible probe placement and centralized data processing and image generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the main body is installed at each examination location, then the system can be readily used without moving equipment, but the cost increases significantly especially when patient volume is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidnumber of main bodies required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two functional parts: the ultrasonic probe (lightweight, portable) and the main body (stationary, powerful). The probe can be moved to different examination locations while the main body remains in one central location, eliminating the need to install multiple main bodies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the mobile probe and the stationary main body. This allows data and control signals to be transmitted without physical cables, enabling the probe to be used at various locations while connected to a single main body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the main body is moved to each examination room, then the cost is reduced by using a single main body, but the operational convenience decreases due to frequent moving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of main bodies requiredVSAvoidtime for moving main body

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the main body from the probe, the heavy main body remains stationary while the lightweight probe is moved to examination locations. This eliminates the need to move the main body and reduces the time and effort required for setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection (cable) between probe and main body is replaced with wireless communication. This allows the probe to be positioned freely without being constrained by cable length or physical connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the main body is moved to inpatient wards or operating rooms, then ultrasonic examination can be performed at patient locations, but the complexity of logistics and setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to examine at patient locationVSAvoidlogistics of moving main body

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the main body from the probe, allowing the probe to be easily transported to inpatient wards or operating rooms while the main body remains in a fixed location. This simplifies logistics as only the lightweight probe needs to be moved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single main body can serve multiple examination locations including outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and operating rooms. The wireless-connected probe provides universal access to ultrasonic imaging capabilities across different facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and flexible ultrasonic imaging without the need for constant repositioning of the main body, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs by allowing probes to be used across multiple locations with minimal setup changes.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement circuit configured to measure physical quantity related to the plurality of probes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical quantity measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS12115025B2Ultrasonic diagnostic system

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic system includes: a plurality of probes; at least one operation/display panel configured to be disposed at a same examination location as at least one of the plurality of probes; communication equipment configured to communicate with the plurality of probes and the operation/display panel; a measurement circuit configured to measure physical quantity related to the plurality of probes; processing circuitry configured to associate a specific probe of the plurality of probes with the operation/display panel based on the measured physical quantity; and an ultrasonic server configured to be disposed at a location different from the examination location, receive first data acquired by the specific probe via the communication equipment, generate second data based on the first data, and transmit the second data to the operation/display panel via the communication equipment.