Wireless Ultrasound Scanner Gesture Control Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ultrasound imaging systems require operators to use separate touchscreens or keyboards, which can be cumbersome and impractical in mobile or emergency situations, especially when space is limited or hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A wireless ultrasound scanner system that establishes a communication link with an interface to control a screen, allowing for touchless navigation and control through gestures and predefined settings, enabling ultrasound data conversion and display without the need for direct screen interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate add-on device is used for display and control, then the ultrasound system can provide real-time imaging and control functions, but the operator cannot hold the add-on device when hands are occupied, and there is insufficient space to place the device in mobile situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and control function into the ultrasound scanner itself. The scanner includes both a display device and input mechanisms (such as touch-sensitive surfaces or gesture recognition sensors) integrated directly into the housing, eliminating the need for separate add-on devices and enabling hands-free operation in mobile situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound scanner is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the imaging device and the control interface. The display device can show imaging data, and the same device or integrated sensors can detect gestures and commands, making the system adaptable to various operational contexts including mobile and hands-occupied scenarios.
2Reliability
If a separate add-on device is used for display, then the ultrasound system can provide imaging functionality, but the add-on device must be placed on the bed or patient, creating space constraints and potential contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the display device directly into the ultrasound scanner housing, the system eliminates the need to place separate devices on the bed or patient. This reduces contamination risk and frees up space in the examination area while maintaining reliable imaging functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional cart-based or laptop-based ultrasound systems are used, then the system can provide comprehensive imaging capabilities, but the operator must use separate keyboards or touchscreens, which is cumbersome and impractical when hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display and control functions into the ultrasound scanner itself. The display device is integrated into the scanner housing, and control inputs can be provided through touch-sensitive surfaces or gesture recognition, eliminating the need for separate keyboards or external touchscreens and enabling operation when hands are occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (keyboards, external touchscreens) with gesture recognition technology. Sensors detect hand or body gestures and translate them into control commands, allowing operators to control the system without physical contact with separate control devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile ultrasound scanners require a screen that acts as a display and user interface, yet there is often no convenient location for the screen. A mobile ultrasound scanner is therefore set up as a user interface to control a screen that is already in-situ. The ultrasound scanner wirelessly communicates with a separate interface module that controls a previously paired screen. When the scanner is in range of the interface module, the screen switches on. The interface module operates in an ultrasound scanning mode and optionally a user navigation mode, to which the screen display corresponds. The scanner operator can perform an ultrasound scan and provide user inputs without having to touch the screen. The scanner may have at least one physical button for operator input and/or a multi-axis accelerometer/gyroscope that detects gestures made using the scanner.