Ultrasound Control Input with Flip-Selectable Trackball and Touchpad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound imaging systems typically equip only one input apparatus, either a trackball or a touchpad, limiting operators' ability to choose based on personal preference, which can lead to dissatisfaction among users.
Innovation Solution
An operating apparatus with integrated trackball and touchpad assemblies on different surfaces, allowing flipping to select the preferred input method, and a processor to manage the connection and functionality based on the selected assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one input apparatus (trackball or touchpad) is equipped in the ultrasound imaging system, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different operator preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both trackball and touchpad assemblies into a single operating apparatus. The operating apparatus includes a first operating surface with a trackball assembly and a second operating surface with a touchpad assembly, merging two separate input devices into one unified structure that can be flipped to switch between input methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both trackball and touchpad input methods. The processor is configured to enable or disable different assemblies based on selection, allowing the same hardware to serve different operational modes and accommodate various operator preferences.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both trackball and touchpad assemblies are integrated in the same operating apparatus, then the adaptability to different operator preferences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating apparatus incorporates a flipping mechanism that allows dynamic switching between the first operating surface (trackball) and the second operating surface (touchpad). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt its configuration based on user preference without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a processor-based control system that creates a virtual representation of the selected input apparatus. When one assembly is selected, the processor enables that assembly and disables the other, effectively copying the functionality of a dedicated single-input-device system while maintaining the physical presence of both assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If the operating apparatus can be flipped to select different assemblies, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability may deteriorate due to potential misoperation
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is configured to detect which assembly is selected through the flipping action and provide feedback by enabling or disabling the corresponding assembly. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the selected assembly is operational, preventing misoperation and maintaining system reliability while allowing easy switching between input methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating apparatus and an input apparatus for an ultrasound imaging system, and an ultrasound imaging system. The operating apparatus includes a plurality of operating surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of operating surfaces is mounted with a trackball assembly and at least one other of the plurality of operating surfaces is mounted with a touchpad assembly, and the operating apparatus can be flipped so that one of the trackball assembly and the touchpad assembly can be selected for controlling the ultrasound imaging system.