Many of today’s modern medical devices include a screen that displays relevant information related to the device. Yet, because doctors are rapidly adopting tablet computers for clinical use, all those screens on various devices are becoming redundant, and may be adding complications like confusing interfaces and additional weight and size on top of the core function of each device.
According to Technology Review, which spotted a new patent application, it looks like Sonosite, maker of compact ultrasound systems, is working on integrating their ultrasound technology with existing tablets. The company proposes a housing for tablet computers that comes with an attached ultrasound probe. The case also includes additional components that will probably be used for pre-processing the signal coming from the probe and a battery to power the system.
Such an approach to product development may allow companies to focus on what they know best, while leaving software interface design and similar issues to specialists in those fields.
Link to patent application: Housing for an electronic device
