Networked Ultrasound Preference Sharing via Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image capture apparatuses, such as ultrasonic diagnostic devices, face challenges in efficiently sharing and managing preferences across multiple devices, leading to cumbersome manual settings and potential interference with ongoing image capture processes when modifications are made.
Innovation Solution
A system where medical image capture apparatuses are connected via a network, allowing for the sharing of preferences through a storage device and control device that decides and sets shared preferences based on specification information, and includes a notification system for operators to manage modified values during image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual settings are performed for each medical image capture apparatus, then each apparatus can be configured independently, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming when sharing preferences across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of preference settings from one medical image capture apparatus and transmits it to another apparatus. The control device copies preference data from the source apparatus and sends it via the network to the target apparatus, allowing operators to share configurations without manual re-entry. This resolves the contradiction by enabling preference sharing across multiple devices while eliminating the time-consuming manual setting process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If preference values are shared between apparatuses, then consistency across devices is improved, but interference with ongoing image capture processes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by checking whether image capture is currently executing before applying preference changes. The control device determines the execution state of image capture in advance, and only applies shared preference values when the system is in a safe state (not during active capture). This resolves the contradiction by maintaining preference consistency across devices while preventing interference with ongoing image capture processes through proactive state checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously monitors the execution state of image capture and uses this information to determine when preference sharing is safe. The notification device provides feedback to operators about the current state, allowing them to understand when preference changes will be applied. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by ensuring preference consistency is achieved only when it will not interfere with active image capture operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If all preference values are shared between apparatuses, then configuration consistency is maximized, but the complexity of managing shared settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments preference values into different categories and manages them separately. The control device identifies which preference values should be shared and which should remain local to each apparatus. By segmenting preferences into shareable and non-shareable categories, the system achieves configuration consistency for critical settings while avoiding the complexity of managing all preferences uniformly across devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a plurality of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses connected via a network, and comprises: a storage device in which specification information for specifying some of preferences A, B, C to be shared between first and second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses is stored; and at least one control device. The control device executes a deciding function of deciding, once the first ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has accepted an input of a value of at least any one of the plurality of preferences A, B, C, whether or not a preference corresponding to the input value is the preference to be shared based on said specification information, and sets the value of the preference into the second ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.