USB Control Panel for Medical Diagnosis Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical diagnosis systems face challenges with the transition from RS232 interfaces to USB interfaces, as they require multiple interface lines and are limited by the need for universal PC keyboards, which affect design flexibility and compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A control panel for medical diagnosis systems that uses a single USB interface for communication, integrating alphanumeric keys, a trackball, and specific function modules, allowing data transmission via a single endpoint with flag codes for differentiation, and utilizing a soft-core processor for operation, enabling compatibility with standard USB devices and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RS232 interface is used for control panel communication, then compatibility with legacy systems is maintained, but interface complexity increases and USB replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal USB interface that replaces multiple specialized interfaces (RS232, PS/2). The USB interface serves multiple functions including keyboard input, trackball control, and data communication, eliminating the need for separate interface lines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability through USB's widespread compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple interface functions (keyboard, trackball, data communication) into a single USB interface connection. This merging approach reduces the number of separate interface lines from multiple dedicated connections to one unified USB connection, directly addressing the complexity issue while preserving all necessary communication capabilities
2Ease of operation
If universal PC keyboard is used to replace alphanumeric keys, then BIOS setting capability is achieved, but design flexibility is reduced due to fixed keyboard shape and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a custom-designed alphanumeric keyboard that implements USB protocol compliance, providing universal BIOS setting capability without being constrained by standard PC keyboard form factors. This allows the keyboard to be customized in shape, size, and layout to fit specific medical diagnostic equipment designs while maintaining full compatibility with USB-based BIOS systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters (shape, size, layout) of the keyboard from standard PC keyboard dimensions to custom dimensions suitable for medical equipment integration. The keyboard maintains USB protocol compliance and BIOS setting capability while allowing flexible adaptation to different equipment form factors and space constraints
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface lines are provided for control panel, then communication compatibility is ensured, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions (serial communication, parallel communication, keyboard input, trackball control) into a single USB interface connection. This eliminates the need for multiple separate interface lines and their associated connection complexity, while USB's protocol capabilities ensure all communication compatibility requirements are met through a unified connection
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a medical diagnosis system a control panel thereof. According to this invention, a USB technology is utilized to perform input via the human-computer interface of the medical diagnosis system. Except for completely compatible with the standard alphanumeric keys portion, the control panel further comprises specific function modules for the medical diagnosis system and the trackball module. The connection of all function modules of the control panel are implemented by one physical interface. Universal alphanumeric keys and the trackball, as well as the specific function modules for the medical diagnostic equipment, are integrated into a whole body, and communicate with the upper computer (PC) via one physical interface, thereby complexity in connecting the peripheral devices of the human-computer interface is reduced, Plug-and-Play can be supported, and the use of it is easier and more convenient.