Ultrasound Probe Pointer Control for Sterile Image Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound systems require clinicians to physically interact with the ultrasound computer system, which complicates sterile procedures and compromises infection control.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound probe system with a pointer remote control capability that allows a clinician to control an image processing device from within a sterile field using movement detection technologies, including accelerometers, optical fiber cables with reflective gratings, cameras, and infrared tracking, to manipulate screen content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clinician physically interacts with the ultrasound computer system to control images and annotations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of infection transmission increases due to loss of sterile field integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound probe serves as an intermediary device between the clinician and the computer system. The probe includes a pointer that projects onto the display screen, allowing the clinician to control images, annotations, and other functions remotely without physically touching the computer system, thereby maintaining sterile field integrity while enabling ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct mechanical interaction with the computer system (buttons, touchscreen, mouse) with an optical-mechanical system. The probe's pointer mechanically moves in correspondence with screen content, and the system detects pointer position and movements to translate them into control commands, substituting physical contact with an optical field-based control mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clinician moves back and forth between the patient and the ultrasound computer, then the control functionality is improved, but the procedure efficiency decreases and sterile field integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound probe is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the ultrasound imaging transducer and as a remote control device for the computer system. The single probe integrates ultrasound imaging capabilities with pointer control functionality, allowing the clinician to perform both imaging and control operations without leaving the patient side, thereby improving procedure efficiency while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the ultrasound probe with remote control capabilities into a single integrated device. The probe combines the ultrasound transducer elements with pointer projection and movement detection utilities, consolidating imaging and control functions into one device that remains at the patient side throughout the procedure
3Measurement precision
If wired ultrasound probes are used to connect to the display, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The probe acts as an intermediary that transmits both ultrasound signals and control commands without requiring the clinician to physically contact the computer system. The wired connection provides precise signal transmission for imaging while the pointer mechanism provides sterile control interface
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
Enables sterile operation of ultrasound systems by allowing a single user to control image processing devices without physical contact, reducing the risk of infection transmission during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber cable includes a plurality of reflective gratings disposed along a length of the optical fiber cable, and wherein each of the plurality of reflective gratings are configured to reflect light with different specific spectral widths to provide distributed measurements in accordance with strain applied to the optical fiber cable
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasound imaging device is configured to acquire the ultrasound probe movement-related data from at least one accelerometer integrated into the ultrasound probe
Implementation Method 3
the ultrasound imaging device is configured to acquire the ultrasound probe movement-related data by video tracking performed by a camera integrated into or coupled with the ultrasound imaging device
Implementation Method 4
the ultrasound imaging device is configured to acquire the ultrasound probe movement-related data through infrared tracking of movements of the ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes an ultrasound imaging device including a display screen, a processor and memory having stored thereon logic, and an ultrasound probe. The logic of the ultrasound imaging device, upon execution by the processor, can causes an alteration of content displayed on the display screen in accordance of with ultrasound probe movement-related data. The ultrasound imaging device can include a light source configured to provide incident light to the optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable including a plurality of reflective gratings disposed along a length thereof. Each of the plurality of reflective gratings can be configured to reflect light with different specific spectral widths to provide distributed measurements in accordance with strain applied to the optical fiber cable. The ultrasound imaging device can obtain the ultrasound probe movement-related data through an optical fiber.