Ultrasound Touchscreen Interface Single Control Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound systems require users to manipulate multiple controls to optimize image quality, which can be non-intuitive and requires extensive training, especially in portable devices with limited screen space.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system with a touchscreen display that uses a single user interface control to modify imaging depth, automatically adjusting frequency, beamformer parameters, and Time Gain Compensation (TGC) to optimize image quality without additional user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple controls are provided to optimize image quality, then image optimization capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging parameter controls (depth, focus position, frequency, TGC) into a single integrated control mechanism. When the user adjusts this single control, the system automatically coordinates changes across all these parameters to optimize image quality, thereby reducing the number of physical controls while maintaining comprehensive image optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - adjusting imaging depth, focus position, frequency, and TGC settings. This multi-functional control replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the user interface while preserving full image optimization capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple controls are provided to optimize image quality, then image optimization capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple parameter adjustments into a single control operation, the system eliminates the need for users to understand and coordinate multiple separate controls. The single control provides an intuitive interface where one adjustment automatically optimizes all relevant imaging parameters, significantly reducing the learning curve and training requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic image optimization through the single control mechanism, where the processing system self-adjusts multiple parameters based on the user's single input. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually tune each parameter, making the system easier to operate without requiring extensive knowledge of ultrasound imaging physics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-screen controls are added to touchscreen display, then control functionality is improved, but image viewing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control interface and image display into a unified touchscreen experience where a single control element serves both control and minimal display functions. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate on-screen controls that would clutter the display, maintaining image viewing clarity while providing necessary control functionality through the simplified single control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate generally to ultrasound imaging systems and methods that provide a user interface on the touchscreen display. The user interface includes an ultrasound image feed and a single control for modifying imaging depth of the ultrasound image feed. When input via the single control is received to modify the imaging depth, the system: adjusts frequency of ultrasound signals being used to acquire the ultrasound image feed; adjusts a beamformer parameter of the ultrasound signals being used to acquire the ultrasound image feed; receives first image data of the ultrasound image feed based on the adjusted frequency and the adjusted beamformer parameter; based on the first image data, adjusts Time Gain Compensation (TGC) of the ultrasound image feed; and receives second image data of the ultrasound image feed based on the adjusted frequency, beamformer parameter and TGC. Display of the second image data on the touchscreen display is then optimized without receipt of additional user input.