Ultrasound Scanner LED Interface for Clear System-State Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handheld, wireless ultrasound scanners have complex and ambiguous LED indicators that increase cognitive load on users, leading to potential errors and delays in procedures due to the lack of a clear and intuitive display interface.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound scanner with a display interface featuring a light source, such as an LED array, that emits encoded light to communicate system states and streamline workflow, paired with a display device using a communication link for intuitive interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional LED indicators are used to communicate system states, then the scanner can indicate various states (booting up, battery level, system update), but the interface becomes complex and ambiguous, increasing cognitive load on users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a visible light source (LED array) that emits different colors or patterns to represent different system states. This allows multiple pieces of information (battery level, connection status, scanning state) to be communicated through simple, intuitive visual cues rather than complex text or multiple indicators, reducing cognitive load while maintaining comprehensive system state communication.
2Loss of information
If a small display screen is included in the handheld transducer, then additional data can be displayed, but the display is limited to small amounts of data and does not facilitate additional use beyond conventional ultrasound systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making the visible light display interface multi-functional. The same LED array that displays system states also serves as a communication interface for pairing with display devices, provides visual feedback during scanning, and can display additional information beyond what a conventional small screen offers. This single component performs multiple functions, enhancing versatility without adding separate display hardware.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is implemented between scanner and display device, then pairing can be initiated, but the process requires reading visual representations and establishing communication links which adds interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the scanner automatically generate and display a visual representation (QR code or similar pattern) that contains pairing information. The display device's reader automatically detects this visual representation and initiates the pairing process without requiring manual input from the user. This preliminary preparation of pairing data in visual form streamlines the connection process between scanner and display device.
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
Reduces cognitive load by providing a clear and descriptive visual representation of system states, enabling faster and more accurate ultrasound procedures through simplified user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are visibly hidden from an environment outside the ultrasound scanner when the LEDs are inactive
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner with a display interface are described. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having an interface configured to display a visual representation, and a first transceiver configured to communicate over a communication link. The ultrasound system includes a display device having a reader configured to read the visual representation displayed by the ultrasound scanner, and a second transceiver configured to, responsive to the reader reading the visual representation, initiate communication with the first transceiver of the ultrasound scanner over the communication link to pair the ultrasound scanner and the display device.