DE102015218531A1 - Method for positioning a hand-held device on a body surface, control device, hand-held device and measuring system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for positioning a handset (104) on a body surface (102). In this case, at least one sensor signal (112) representing an actual position (110) of the handheld device (104) on the body surface (102) and / or a change in the actual position (110) is read in. Subsequently, the actual position (110) is compared using the sensor signal (112) with a desired position (114) of the handset (104) to determine a deviation (A) between the actual position (110) and the desired position (114). Finally, an indication signal (116) for displaying the deviation (A) is generated on a display device (118).

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on a device or a method according to the preamble of the independent claims. The subject of the present invention is also a computer program.

The CN 104095653 A describes an ultrasound imaging system with a six-axis accelerometer.

Disclosure of the invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, a method for positioning a handheld device on a body surface, a control unit that uses this method, a handheld device, a measuring system and finally a corresponding computer program according to the main claims are presented. The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous refinements and improvements of the independent claim device are possible.

A method of positioning a handset on a body surface is presented, the method comprising the steps of:
Reading at least one sensor signal representing an actual position of the handset on the body surface and / or a change of the actual position;
Comparing the actual position with a target position of the handset using the sensor signal to determine a deviation between the current position and the target position; and
Generating an indication signal for displaying the deviation on a display device.

A hand-held device can be understood as a manually held measuring device or a probe. In particular, the hand-held device may be a medical device, in particular, for example, an ultrasound probe for Doppler sonography. A body surface may be understood to mean a surface of a human body, in particular a skin surface. An actual position can be understood to mean an actual position of the handheld device on the body surface. A desired position can be understood as meaning a position of the hand-held device in which the hand-held device has an optimum angle or an optimal distance to a measuring location located on or below the body surface. The target position may be a predetermined position or a position determined or determined at the beginning or during a measuring operation performed by the measuring device. The sensor signal may be, for example, coordinates of a contact point of the handset on the body surface. The sensor signal may, for example, be provided by one or more acceleration sensors placed in the hand-held device. Under a display device, a screen can be understood. Depending on the embodiment, the display device can be integrated into the hand-held device or can be realized as a separate unit from the hand-held device and connectable via a suitable interface to the hand-held device.

The approach presented here is based on the finding that a deviation between an actual and a target position of a handset placed on a body surface can be graphically displayed using a suitable sensor for detecting a position of the handset to the positioning of the handset on the body surface facilitate.

In particular, in the field of medical technology, handheld devices such as scanners or probes are used, which must be precisely positioned by hand and kept as motionless as possible at the point in question to perform a measurement or an intervention by the handset at a specific point.

For example, in non-imaging Doppler sonography, it is necessary to manually position an ultrasound probe on the skin such that the pulses emitted along a spatially-focused beam hit a blood vessel at an angle of less than 90 degrees so that the echo pulses pushed back by the blood flow will again hit the probe at this angle. This positioning requires manual skill and experience. In addition, after finding the signal, it is necessary to manually hold the probe stable for a few seconds, especially when the signal is electronically evaluated over several beats.

Finding the right position is usually done purely manually, whereby the user can usually only orient himself to the absolute signal quality. In Doppler sonography this is done acoustically. The user thus notices whether the signal is getting better or worse through his movements. As the user consciously executes the movements, this immediate feedback is well suited to finding a location.

However, if the device is to be kept stable for a while after finding the correct position, it may happen that the device deviates slowly from the optimal position, which is usually not conscious. The user therefore usually does not know intuitively in which direction he should correct. At most he can get through this carefully reorienting the device back and forth, but this ultimately equates to a new search and may eventually worsen the signal in the short term.

Using the approach presented here, it is now possible to give the user a positioning aid by means of optical feedback in order to assist him in finding the optimum position or to correct unconscious posture changes during the measurement process.

For example, this not only changes the absolute signal quality detected, but determined by additional, such as mechanical sensors changes in position of the device as a cause of deterioration. Via a display, a deviation from the ideal position or, for example, also a corresponding correction instruction can be displayed graphically and quantitatively. In particular, the deviation can be displayed with a direction indication in order to enable the user to take targeted countermeasures. With the aid of such a positioning aid and position stabilization, supportive instructions can thus be generated for the user, who can then execute them manually.

According to one embodiment, in the read-in step, the sensor signal may represent a signal provided by an acceleration sensor. An acceleration sensor can be understood to mean an inertial sensor for determining an acceleration of the handheld device. The acceleration sensor can be designed, for example, as a MEMS sensor. With the aid of such a sensor signal, the actual position can be determined very precisely and reliably.

It is also advantageous if, in the step of reading in, a signal portion of a measurement signal provided by the handheld device, which is reflected by the body surface or a tissue located beneath the body surface, is also read in. Accordingly, in the step of comparing, the deviation may be further determined by using the signal component. For example, the signal component may be reflected by a blood vessel. The measurement signal may be, for example, an acoustic signal, in particular an ultrasound signal. The signal component may be, for example, a Doppler component of the measurement signal. By this embodiment, the deviation can be determined depending on a signal quality of the measurement signal. As a result, the accuracy in determining the deviation can be increased.

According to a further embodiment, in the step of generating, the indication signal may be generated to indicate at least one movement direction for moving the handset from the actual position to the target position. For example, the direction of movement can be displayed on the display device by means of the display signal in the form of corresponding arrows or other suitable graphical elements. By this embodiment, the operation of the handset can be simplified.

It is advantageous if, in the step of generating, the display signal is generated in order to change at least one display parameter of a directional arrow representing the direction of movement as a function of the deviation. By a display parameter, for example, a size, a brightness, a contrast or a color of the directional arrow can be understood. For example, the greater the deviation of the actual position from the target position, the darker or larger the directional arrow can be displayed. As a result, the user-friendliness of the handheld device can be further improved.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit.

The approach presented here also creates a control unit which is designed to execute, to control or to implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. Also by this embodiment of the invention in the form of a control device, the object underlying the invention can be achieved quickly and efficiently.

In the present case, a control device can be understood as meaning an electrical device which processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals in dependence thereon. The control unit may have an interface, which may be formed in hardware and / or software. In the case of a hardware-based embodiment, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains various functions of the control unit. However, it is also possible that the interfaces are their own integrated circuits or at least partially consist of discrete components. In a software training, the interfaces may be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller in addition to other software modules.

Furthermore, the approach presented here creates a handheld device with the following features:
at least one sensor; and
a controller coupled to the sensor according to a preceding embodiment.

A sensor may in particular be understood as an acceleration sensor. Depending on the embodiment, the handset may have only one such sensor or a plurality of such sensors for determining the actual position. The control unit can be integrated into the handheld device or can also be designed as an external unit and be coupled to the sensor via a corresponding interface, for example a wireless radio link.

According to one embodiment, the handset may comprise a transmitting unit for transmitting a measuring signal and a receiving unit for receiving a signal portion of the measuring signal reflected from the body surface or a tissue located below the body surface. As a result, the hand-held device can be used for carrying out measurements, in particular in the context of a diagnostic procedure.

It is advantageous if the transmitting unit is designed to transmit an ultrasonic signal as a measuring signal. An ultrasound signal can be understood as meaning a signal in a frequency range between 20 kHz and 1.6 GHz, in particular approximately between 2 MHz and 10 MHz. As a result, the handheld device can be used as a sonography device, in particular as a Doppler ultrasound device.

In addition, the approach described here creates a measuring system with the following features:
a handset according to one of the preceding embodiments; and
a display device coupled to the controller of the handset.

Depending on the embodiment, the display device may be implemented as part of the handset or as an external unit coupled via a corresponding interface to the handset.

Also of advantage is a computer program product or computer program with program code which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and for carrying out, implementing and / or controlling the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above is used, especially when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a measuring system according to an embodiment;

2 a schematic representation of a measuring system according to an embodiment;

3 a schematic representation of a display device according to an embodiment;

4 a schematic representation of a display device according to an embodiment; and

5 a flowchart of a method for positioning a handset according to an embodiment.

In the following description of favorable embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring system 100 according to an embodiment. The measuring system 100 includes one on a body surface 102 placed handset 104 that is a control unit 106 and a sensor 108 having. The sensor 108 is designed to be an actual position 110 of the handset 104 , in 1 marked with a vertical arrow, or a change of the actual position 110 to capture, and a corresponding sensor signal 112 to the control unit 106 to send. This is the sensor 108 realized for example as an acceleration sensor. The control unit 106 is configured to be detected using the sensor signal 112 the actual position 110 with an in 1 with a vertical dashed arrow marked target position 114 of the handset 104 compare to a deviation A between the actual position 110 and the target position 114 to investigate. An exemplary location of the handset 104 in the desired position 114 is in 1 drawn with dashed lines. The control unit 106 is further configured to be an indication signal based on the deviation A. 116 for displaying the deviation A on a display device realized here as an external unit 118 to create. According to this embodiment, the handset 104 an interface 120 for transmitting the indication signal 116 to the display device 118 on. the interface 120 is designed, for example, to the display signal 116 wirelessly to the display device 118 transferred to. Using the display signal 116 can the deviation A on the display device 118 graphically displayed. The thus visualized deviation A can thus be used as a positioning aid for moving the handset 104 from the actual position 110 in the target position 114 serve.

According to this embodiment, the handset is 104 with an optional transmitter unit 120 and an optional receiving unit 122 fitted. The transmitting unit 120 is configured to be responsive to receiving one from the controller 106 provided control signal 124 a measuring signal 126 , such as an ultrasonic signal, to be emitted in 1 exemplified by the body surface 102 up to a blood vessel 128 forced out. The blood vessel 128 reflects a certain signal component 130 of the measuring signal 126 back to the receiving unit 122 that the signal component 130 or, depending on the embodiment, a signal component 130 representing received signal to the control unit 106 forwards. In one embodiment, the controller is 106 formed to the deviation A further using the signal component 130 or the received signal to determine. Thus, it is possible to vary the deviation A as a function of the signal component 130 to determine the quality of measurement represented.

2 shows a schematic representation of a measuring system 100 according to an embodiment. In the measuring system 100 For example, it is my measuring system, as described above on the basis of 1 is described. In 2 is schematically a meter as a handheld device 104 shown on the surface 102 an object is set up manually. The object is, for example, the body of a patient. The exact measuring position is through a contact point 200 between the handset 104 and the body surface 102 and by the orientation of the handset 104 to a reference axis 202 , here to the surface normal of the body surface 102 , characterized. At a given point 200 is the actual position of the handset 104 clearly specifiable by three angles. It is useful if the sensor 108 two angles 204 . 206 detected by the orientation of a device axis 208 of the handset 104 , here for example a longitudinal axis of the hand-held device 104 , is determined in the room. Optional is the sensor 108 designed to additionally an angle of rotation 210 a rotation of the handset 104 to capture its own axis. The detection of the rotation angle 210 plays a role, for example, when the effects are not rotationally symmetric or have a certain sensitivity to this degree of freedom. Nevertheless, an involuntary twist of the handset 104 generally less likely to be on its own axis.

At the sensor 108 it is according to this embodiment, an acceleration sensor, such as a micromechanical sensor, also called MEMS sensor. Such sensors are reasonably priced, precise and now standard in smartphones or in the automotive sector. Depending on the embodiment, the handset 104 also with a plurality of such sensors 108 be equipped. As a reference vector, for example, the gravitational acceleration g is used, wherein the sensor 108 is designed to determine a direction of gravitational acceleration g.

According to one embodiment, the handset is 104 designed to be one from the sensor 108 detected change in position with changes in the signal quality of the handset 104 To correlate emitted measuring signal to a user the optimal position of the handset 104 pretend. This is done by means of the display device 118 , here one in the handset 104 integrated displays. On the display device 118 The combined information is presented graphically in a helpful way, as described below 3 and 4 described in more detail.

For example only is in 2 a compact, only one single assembly handset shown, which is completely held in the hand. Alternatively, the handset may also be implemented as a probe connected to a larger unit with a cable. Here is the indicator 118 either integrated directly into the probe or into the larger unit or into another unit that serves only to indicate the deviation. As already on the basis of 1 described, it is also conceivable that the handset 104 instead of the display device 118 has an interface over which the deviation or a corresponding positioning aid can be output on a monitor, a smartphone, a tablet PC, data glasses or any other suitable as a graphical user interface device.

3 shows a schematic representation of a display device 118 according to an embodiment, such as a display device, as described above with reference to 1 and 2 is described. On the display device 118 the actual position of the handset is exemplified in the form of a heart symbol 300 shown. According to this embodiment, a movement direction for moving the handset to the target position by means of two directional arrows 302 indicated here, for example, perpendicular to each other.

The display device 118 For example, it serves as a positioning aid in Doppler sonography. According to the in the 3 and 4 shown embodiments, this is the display device 118 comprehensive measuring system with a search and a measurement mode. Depending on the embodiment, only one of the two modes can be implemented.

3 shows the indicator 118 with search mode activated. In Doppler sonography, the acoustic feedback for the user is usually in the pulse of the patient. By suitable signal processing, the pulse rate is identified and in the form of the corresponding pulsating heart symbol 300 in the middle of the display 118 visualized. For example, the animation of the heart symbol takes place 300 synchronous with the acoustic signal. As a result, the user becomes intuitively aware of the relationship between heartbeat and heart symbol. According to one embodiment, the handset is adapted to the user by fading different sized or different bright directional arrows 302 on the display device 118 indicate in which direction and how far the handset must be rotated to perform a measurement with optimum signal quality. According to 3 The handheld should be moved so far up and a little to the right. The search mode may be implemented in the form of a search algorithm that is designed to determine the optimum position of the handset as the target position based on arbitrary or involuntary changes in position and thus a change in the signal quality. As a search algorithm is about the gradient or simplex method.

According to one embodiment, the search mode continues after finding the target position for the duration of the measurement, so that the user is still guided, involuntary movements according to those on the display device 118 indicated directional arrows 302 to correct.

Optionally, after finding the desired position, the measuring system switches to a measuring mode, as described below with reference to FIG 4 is described in more detail.

4 shows a schematic representation of a display device 118 out 3 , 4 shows the indicator 118 with the measuring mode activated. Here, instead of the direction arrows, a crosshair 400 on the display device 118 displayed. The pulsating heart symbol 300 moves depending on the deviation from the previously identified target position from the center of the crosshairs 400 out. As a result, the user is intuitively guided to a position correction. In measuring mode, therefore, the principle of a circular level, ie a two-dimensional spirit level, on the display device 118 simulated.

According to an optional embodiment, in addition, the rotation of the handset about its own axis on the display device 118 represented, for example in the form of a compass needle, by the user on an axis of the reticule 300 can be aligned, or any other based on a mechanical model positioning help.

5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for positioning a handset according to an embodiment. The procedure 500 For example, in connection with a preceding on the basis of 1 to 4 described handheld device are performed. This is done in one step 510 read in at least one sensor signal representing an actual position of the handset on the body surface or a change of the actual position. For example, the sensor signal may be angle values of angles that define a position of a longitudinal axis of the handset relative to the body surface. In a further step 520 the actual position is compared using the sensor signal with a target position of the handset to determine a deviation between the actual and the target position. On the basis of the step 520 determined deviation is finally in one step 530 generates a display signal which serves to visualize the deviation on a suitable display device accordingly.

The steps 510 . 520 . 530 may be performed continuously during operation of the handset, for example, to provide the user of the handset with continuous positioning assistance.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CN 104095653 [0002]

Claims (12)

Procedure ( 500 ) for positioning a handset ( 104 ) on a body surface ( 102 ), the process ( 500 ) includes the following steps: reading in ( 510 ) at least one of an actual position ( 110 ) of the handheld device ( 104 ) on the body surface ( 102 ) and / or a change in the actual position ( 110 ) representative sensor signal ( 112 ); To compare ( 520 ) the actual position ( 110 ) with a desired position ( 114 ) of the handheld device ( 104 ) using the sensor signal ( 112 ) to determine a deviation (A) between the actual position ( 110 ) and the target position ( 114 ) to investigate; and generating ( 530 ) of an indication signal ( 116 ) for displaying the deviation (A) on a display device ( 118 ). Procedure ( 500 ) according to claim 1, wherein in the step of reading ( 510 ) the sensor signal ( 112 ) represents a signal provided by an acceleration sensor. Procedure ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the reading-in step ( 510 ) further from the body surface ( 102 ) and / or below the body surface ( 102 ) ( 128 ) reflected signal component ( 130 ) one of the handset ( 104 ) provided measuring signal ( 126 ) is read in, wherein in the step of comparing ( 520 ) the deviation (A) further using the signal component (A) 130 ) is determined. Procedure ( 500 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of generating ( 530 ) the indication signal ( 116 ) is generated to at least one direction of movement for moving the handset ( 104 ) from the actual position ( 110 ) into the desired position ( 114 ). Procedure ( 500 ) according to claim 4, wherein in the step of generating ( 530 ) the indication signal ( 116 ) is generated to at least one display parameter of a direction of arrow representing the direction of movement ( 302 ) depending on the deviation (A). Control unit ( 106 ), which is designed to perform the method ( 500 ) according to any one of the preceding claims and / or to control. Handset ( 104 ) having the following features: at least one sensor ( 108 ); and one with the sensor ( 108 ) coupled control unit ( 106 ) according to claim 6. Handset ( 104 ) according to claim 7, with a transmitting unit ( 120 ) for sending a measuring signal ( 126 ) and a receiving unit ( 122 ) for receiving one from the body surface ( 102 ) and / or below the body surface ( 102 ) ( 128 ) reflected signal component ( 130 ) of the measuring signal ( 126 ). Handset ( 104 ) according to claim 8, wherein the transmitting unit ( 120 ) is configured to generate an ultrasonic signal as a measurement signal ( 126 ) to send. Measuring system ( 100 ) having the following features: a hand-held device ( 104 ) according to any one of claims 7 to 9; and one with the control unit ( 106 ) of the handheld device ( 104 ) coupled display device ( 118 ). Computer program that is adapted to the procedure ( 500 ) according to any one of the preceding claims and / or to control. A machine readable storage medium storing the computer program of claim 11.

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