Ultrasound Probe Sensor Unit for Dynamic Image Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound systems face challenges in intuitively indicating the type and direction of probing within ultrasound images, as existing image indicators require manual input for text representation and lack directional information when using icons.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound system comprising an ultrasound probe, sensor unit, and processor unit that automatically displays an image indicator, including a target organ marker, body axis marker, and ultrasound beam direction marker, which are dynamically updated based on the probe's posture and position, allowing for intuitive recognition of probing directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If image indicator is displayed as texts requiring manual input, then operator can associate target object with image indicator, but operation complexity increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and updates image indicators based on probe position and posture data without requiring manual operator input. The indicator system serves itself by automatically tracking and displaying the current probe state, eliminating the need for operators to manually input or update indicator information during examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the image indicator display system with automatic updating capabilities. By setting up the automatic tracking and display mechanism in advance, the system eliminates the need for manual intervention during actual examination operations, allowing indicators to be automatically maintained throughout the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If image indicator is displayed as icon showing target object type, then visual recognition is simplified, but directional information of probing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image indicator is segmented into multiple functional components: a target organ marker indicating the type of organ being examined, a body axis marker showing anatomical orientation, and an ultrasound beam direction marker indicating the probing direction. This segmentation allows each component to convey specific information while maintaining overall visual simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional information to the icon by incorporating directional markers that indicate both the body axis orientation and the ultrasound beam direction. This transforms a simple 2D icon into a multi-dimensional visual indicator that conveys target type, anatomical position, and probing direction simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual input is required for image indicator, then operator can customize indicator content, but productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains and updates image indicators based on real-time probe position and posture detection, eliminating the need for operators to manually update indicator information during examinations. This automatic self-maintenance significantly reduces the time operators would otherwise spend on indicator management while maintaining adaptability through configurable indicator types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes indicator parameters such as position, orientation, and visibility based on real-time probe state data. By automatically adjusting these parameters according to the current examination state, the system maintains customized, relevant information without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby preserving both adaptability and productivity.
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
Enhances operator understanding by providing automatic and dynamic image indicators that align with the ultrasound image, improving the recognition of target object types and probing directions during examinations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit is disposed in the ultrasound probe and configured to detect a posture and/or a position of the ultrasound probe to form posture information and/or position information of the ultrasound probe
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasound probe is configured to transmit and receive an ultrasound beam to and from the examination portion of the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an ultrasound system for outputting an ultrasound image through an ultrasound examination are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound probe, a sensor unit, a processor unit and an input unit. The ultrasound probe transmits and receives an ultrasound beam to and from the examination portion of a target object. The sensor unit is disposed in the ultrasound probe and detects a posture and/or a position of the ultrasound probe to form posture information and/or position information of the ultrasound probe. The processor unit moves an image indicator corresponding to the posture information and/or the position information. The image indicator includes an ultrasound beam direction marker that is indicative of a transmission direction of the ultrasound beam transmitted from the ultrasound probe to the target object. The input unit is configured to control the processor unit.