Multi-function Ultrasound Control with Rotational and Translational Movements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound system user interfaces are not configured to perform intuitive actions and contextually based intuitive actions while minimizing physical space, leading to difficulties in matching user physical actions with desired system responses, especially in context-sensitive controls and in compact ultrasound machines.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with multiple-function controls that allow rotational and translational movements, each associated with different system actions, and context-sensitive labels to indicate the system parameters, enabling intuitive control of ultrasound systems within limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate physical controls are provided for different system actions, then the intuitiveness of control is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single physical control device is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting different physical actions (rotational movement for first system action, translational movement for second system action). This multi-functional control replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, reducing device complexity while maintaining intuitive operation through context-sensitive labeling that adapts to the current machine state
2Area of stationary object
If multiple physical controls are positioned close together to minimize space, then the space requirements are reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in using smaller controls
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple control functions into a single multi-functional control device, the patent eliminates the need to pack multiple separate controls into a compact arrangement. This single control can be optimally sized for ease of use while performing multiple functions through different physical actions, thus maintaining ease of operation while minimizing the space required on the user interface
3Adaptability or versatility
If context-sensitive controls are used to adapt to different machine states, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mapping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements dynamic adaptation where the mapping of physical actions to system actions changes based on the current machine state. The system dynamically adjusts which system action is performed based on detected physical actions and current context, allowing the same physical control to serve different functions appropriately for the current operating state without requiring complex static mapping for every possible state combination
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for controlling an ultrasound system comprises a display for displaying ultrasound data and a plurality of physical controls. At least one of the physical controls is configured to control multiple functions of the ultrasound system and has a user operable member providing physical actions that are associated with system parameters. The physical actions comprise rotational and translational movements, and each of the system parameters is associated with an ultrasound system action.