Ultrasound Probe Feedback for Synchronized Remote Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasound diagnosis, capturing ultrasound images at remote locations, such as home care settings, often results in low-quality images due to the operator's lack of skill, making it difficult for observers to accurately determine the captured images' appropriateness and leading to inaccurate diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound system comprising an ultrasound probe, a mobile information terminal, and an external apparatus, with wireless communication units and image synchronization, allowing for synchronized display of ultrasound and view images on external monitors, enabling accurate image capture and diagnosis even at remote locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an operator with low skill operates the ultrasound probe at remote locations, then the ultrasound image can be captured, but the image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to the operator by displaying the ultrasound image on a monitor while simultaneously capturing the operator's hand movements and probe position. This feedback loop allows the operator to adjust their technique based on real-time visual information, improving image quality even when operated by less skilled personnel at remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary monitoring mechanism that captures the operator's hand movements and probe position, then transmits this information to a remote location where it can be reviewed. This intermediary system allows for remote monitoring and evaluation of the ultrasound capture process, enabling quality control without requiring the operator to be highly skilled.
2Ease of operation
If the operator operates the ultrasound probe without real-time visual confirmation, then the operation process is simplified, but the accuracy of capturing the intended part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays the ultrasound image in real-time on a monitor while capturing the operator's hand movements and probe position. This real-time visual feedback allows the operator to see exactly what is being captured and adjust their probe positioning accordingly, maintaining high accuracy in identifying target parts while keeping the operation simple through intuitive real-time visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a visual dimension to the ultrasound operation by simultaneously displaying the ultrasound image and capturing the operator's hand movements. This multi-dimensional information (ultrasound image + hand position + probe position) provides comprehensive feedback that enhances target identification accuracy without complicating the operation, as all information is presented in an integrated visual interface.
3Device complexity
If the observer cannot see the operator's hand movements and probe position, then the observation process remains simple, but the diagnostic accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary recording mechanism that captures the operator's hand movements and probe position, then transmits this information to the remote location where the observer can review it. This intermediary system allows the observer to accurately assess the diagnostic quality without adding significant complexity to the observation process, as the captured information is automatically transmitted and displayed for review.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the observer by displaying the captured hand movements and probe position information at the remote location. This feedback mechanism enables the observer to accurately evaluate whether the intended part was properly captured, improving diagnostic accuracy while keeping the observation process simple through automated information transmission and display.
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
The system ensures the acquisition of appropriate ultrasound images and improves diagnostic accuracy by synchronizing ultrasound and view images, facilitating effective remote diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound probe transmits ultrasonic waves toward a subject and receives ultrasound echoes from the subject
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound probe that incorporates a transducer array... a transmission and reception circuit that transmits an ultrasonic wave from the transducer array
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound system (1) includes an ultrasound probe (2), a mobile information terminal (3), and an external apparatus (4). The ultrasound probe (2) includes a reception data generation unit that generates reception data before imaging based on a sound ray signal, and a probe-side wireless communication unit (24) that wirelessly transmits the reception data. The mobile information terminal (3) includes a camera unit (33) that acquires a view image, and a terminal-side wireless communication unit (31) that wirelessly transmits the view image. The external apparatus (4) includes an external wireless communication unit (41) that is wirelessly connected to at least the terminal-side wireless communication unit (31), an external monitor (45), and a display controller (44) that displays an ultrasound image generated based on the reception data and the view image on the external monitor (45).