Ultrasound Probe Tracking With Intermittent Wireless Wake-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless ultrasound imaging devices are prone to being misplaced due to their portable nature, and existing tracking technologies like GPS and Bluetooth are inadequate for precise location tracking, especially in inactive modes with limited battery power.
Innovation Solution
Configuring ultrasound imaging devices with a short-range wireless connection for both active and inactive modes, using motion sensors to detect movement and intermittently activate Bluetooth or Zigbee connections for location tracking, optimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connection is enabled for portability, then device mobility is improved, but device trackability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring device location and status before misplacement occurs. The processor tracks the wireless ultrasound device's location and detects when it has been misplaced, enabling proactive location tracking before the device is completely lost or battery depletes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a processor and wireless communication module that mediates between the ultrasound device and the user. This intermediary continuously monitors device location, communicates status, and enables tracking even when the device is misplaced or in low-power mode.
2Measurement precision
If Bluetooth tracking is activated continuously, then location tracking precision is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by activating the Bluetooth wireless connection and location tracking only at specific intervals rather than continuously. The processor periodically checks device location and activates tracking based on predefined conditions, reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tracking system adaptive and flexible. The wireless connection is activated or deactivated based on real-time conditions such as device movement detection, battery status, and operational mode, allowing the system to optimize between tracking precision and power consumption dynamically.
3Loss of energy
If device is left in inactive mode to save power, then power management is improved, but location tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring actions even in inactive mode by maintaining basic location tracking and movement detection capabilities. The processor continues to monitor device status and location at reduced power levels, ensuring tracking capability is preserved before complete power depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the device communicates its status, location, and battery level information back to the user or monitoring system. This feedback enables the system to maintain tracking capability in inactive mode by periodically updating status while consuming minimal power.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring an ultrasound imaging device to be trackable with short-range wireless connection during an active mode and an inactive mode comprises during the active mode, applying one or more data signals being communicated by the short-range wireless connection for location tracking, and while in the inactive mode, intermittently engaging the short-range wireless connection for initiating location tracking of the ultrasound imaging device.