Ultrasound Imaging Interface Controller for Single-Operator Robotic Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing complex interventional procedures, such as peripheral vascular interventions and minimally invasive interventions, require multiple clinicians to coordinate imaging and robotic device manipulation, necessitating a need for consolidated control by a single user.
Innovation Solution
A system controller that integrates an imaging interface device, allowing a single user to seamlessly switch between imaging and control modes, using an ultrasound probe or similar device to manipulate both imaging and robotic devices within an anatomical structure, with servo control loops to align the robotic device with the user's intended motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clinicians are used to coordinate imaging and robotic device manipulation, then imaging quality and device control precision are maintained, but procedural complexity and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging device control and robotic device control into a single integrated system. The controller receives imaging data from an imaging device and simultaneously controls the robotic device based on that same imaging data, allowing one operator to perform functions previously requiring multiple clinicians. This merging eliminates the need for separate imaging technicians and device operators while maintaining both imaging quality and control precision through unified real-time processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to perform both imaging data acquisition and robotic device control through a single interface. The system can operate in multiple modes (imaging mode and control mode) and seamlessly switch between them, making the single operator versatile enough to handle both imaging and manipulation tasks that previously required specialized personnel for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple clinicians are involved in the procedure, then specialized imaging and control tasks are performed by experts, but operational efficiency and response time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging imaging and control functions into one integrated system operated by a single clinician, the patent eliminates the coordination delays and communication overhead inherent in multi-person workflows. The single operator can directly translate imaging observations into control actions without intermediate communication steps, significantly improving response time and operational efficiency while maintaining specialized task performance through the system's intelligent processing capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate devices are used for imaging and robotic control, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but system integration and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate imaging and control devices into a single integrated controller that maintains the functional optimization of each component. The system processes imaging data with specialized algorithms while simultaneously generating control commands, all through one unified interface. This integration allows the operator to control both functions seamlessly without switching between multiple devices or interfaces, greatly improving ease of operation while preserving the specialized capabilities of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal platform that can perform both imaging data acquisition and robotic device control. It includes mode-switching capability that allows the same device to be optimized for imaging tasks or control tasks as needed, providing consolidated control without sacrificing the specialized performance of either function when individually activated.
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 a single user to intuitively control both imaging and robotic devices during procedures, reducing the need for additional personnel and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
detect a movement, or receive an information representative of the detected movement of the imaging interface device using a navigation system employing optically or electromagnetically detectable markers
Implementation Method 2
detect a movement, or receive an information representative of the detected movement of the imaging interface device using a navigation system employing optically or electromagnetically detectable markers
Implementation Method 3
employing optically or electromagnetically detectable markers or an RFID technology
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller is provided for controlling a robotic device (125) configured for insertion into an anatomical structure (106) of a subject (105). The controller includes at least one processor (510) and a non-transitory memory for storing machine executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor (510), cause the at least one processor (510) to receive ultrasound image data from an imaging interface device (115), the ultrasound image data corresponding to an ultrasound image showing the anatomical structure (106) and a portion of the robotic device (125) within in the anatomical structure (106), where the imaging interface device (115) is maneuverable for providing the ultrasound image data; detect a movement of the imaging interface device (115); and output at least one command for controlling movement of the robotic device (125) from a first position to a second position in response to the detected movement of the imaging interface device (115).