Ultrasonograph Angular Position Display for Carotid Artery Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonographs require trained experts to accurately position the probe on the center line of a carotid artery for measurements due to varying individual anatomical differences, making it difficult for non-experts to obtain accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonograph system that includes a controller connected to a probe and display, which shows a detected image of the carotid artery and an angular position relationship image, allowing non-experts to align the probe correctly with the target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe is manually positioned on the center line of the carotid artery without visual guidance, then the operation is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to anatomical variations and lack of expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays real-time angular position information showing the relative angle between the probe and the carotid artery center line. This visual feedback enables operators to adjust probe positioning to achieve accurate alignment, resolving the contradiction by providing measurement guidance without requiring complex manual expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an angular position calculation unit and display interface as intermediaries between the probe and the operator. These components mediate the positioning process by computing and presenting angular relationship information, allowing non-experts to achieve precise positioning through visual guidance rather than relying on expert knowledge
2Ease of operation
If expert training is required to position the probe accurately, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to high skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The angular position display provides continuous visual feedback about probe alignment with the carotid artery center line. This feedback mechanism enables non-expert operators to achieve accurate positioning by simply following the visual guidance, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic angular position calculation and provides self-guiding visual cues that enable the operator to self-correct probe positioning. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expert training while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the system guides the operator to the correct position through displayed angular information
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonograph of the present invention comprises a probe (1), a controller (3) connected to the probe (1), and a display (4) connected to the controller (3). The controller (4) causes the display (4) to display a detected image of a target object detected by the probe (1) and an angular position relationship image showing a relative angular position of the probe to the detected image of the target object. This enables even a non-expert to take accurate measurements.