Acuson Corporation

Anastasia M Mikula-Curtis

Richard W Henderson

Robert Mesaros

Joseph J Molinari

David E Burris

Kenneth Douglas Wood

William John Park

Janice L Marshall

Gilbert Y Wong

Glenn L Hansen

Randal J Bertuccelli

Kathleen A Ruvolo

Andrew L Zee

James G O'Young

Brian S MacInnes

Randel J Bertuccelli

Gary A Arndt

Dean F Hoornaert

Randall J Bertuccelli

Jeremy H Galten

John C Foot

Thomas J Markiewicz

Lawrence M Bruno

John R Dovala

An ultrasound imaging system having an integrated touch-pad pointing device is provided. The touch-pad pointing device can be used to perform the functions currently performed by a trackball while overcoming the disadvantages commonly associated with trackballs. In addition to being integrated with the ultrasound imaging system, the touch-pad pointing device can also externally interface with the ultrasound imaging system, allowing the touch-pad pointing device to be easily added to existing ultrasound imaging systems that are not integrated with a touch-pad pointing device. Further, the touch-pad pointing device can be located on a remote user-interface device coupled with the ultrasound system to provide the further advantage of physically positioning the touch-pad pointing device closer to the user and away from the ultrasound machine.

Ultrasound imaging system with touch-pad pointing device

A diagnostic medical imaging ultrasound system comprises a flat panel display device to provide ultrasound images to an operator. The flat panel display device produces an image with sufficient contrast ratio, response time, and angular fidelity to display high-quality ultrasound images. The display device is secured to an ultrasound system cart and can be positioned away from the cart. The display device can also be secured to a structure that is physically independent from an ultrasound image generator and can be ergonomically positioned with respect to a patient and operator for superior ergonomics.

Ultrasound system display device

Needle guide for ultrasound transducer

A keyboard assembly incorporating multiple lighting modalities is disclosed herein. In one lighting mode, discrete indicator lights are embedded in the actuator keys to signify the state of an associated function. In a second mode, a plurality of legends, each sufficiently proximate to an associated function actuator key, are illuminated. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, function indicator lights in the actuator keys provide real-time user feedback such that scrolling through numerous display screen menus to determine availability of a desired function may be eliminated. Further, the backlit actuator legends enhances usability of system in low light clinical environments during ultrasound exams making the function actuator keys easy to locate. In addition, the backlit legends increases the contrast in high ambient light environments for improved readability. The combination of design features disclosed provides a relatively inexpensive, long lasting keyboard assembly that provides improved user feedback for more efficient operation.

Keyboard assembly incorporating multiple lighting modes for improved

Medical ultrasound system

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Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Anastasia M Mikula-Curtis