Foot-activated controller for imaging system

摘要

A foot-activated controller that communicates with at least one medical device is disclosed. This controller may incorporate a number of features. Multiple displays may be positioned on the controller for depicting the functionality of its various actuators. “Tapping” or partially depressing an actuator may cause an output that is representative of its functionality to be generated on its corresponding controller display, while fully depressing an actuator may initiate execution of its assigned function. The function assigned to each of the various actuators may be programmed by an external computer that may communicate with the controller over an appropriate communication link and via a communication port on the controller. Different audible feedbacks may be assigned to the various actuators, for instance to provide an audible indication of the function being executed.

主权项

1. A medical imaging system, comprising:
an imaging assembly; a table; a table positioner; and a controller operatively interconnected with at least one of said imaging assembly and said table positioner, wherein said controller is foot-activated and comprises:
a housing;a plurality of actuator groups incorporated by said housing, wherein each actuator group of said plurality of actuator groups provides a different function in relation to every other said actuator group, wherein each said actuator group of said plurality of actuator groups comprises an actuator, wherein activation of each said actuator of each said actuator group initiates a corresponding function, wherein each said actuator incorporated by said housing occupies a different position on said housing, wherein said plurality of actuator groups comprises a first actuator group, and wherein said first actuator group comprises a plurality of said actuators; anda separate controller display for each said actuator group such that each said actuator group communicates with a different said controller display on said housing of said foot-activated controller, wherein as there are a plurality of said actuator groups there are then a plurality of said controller displays, wherein each said actuator of each said actuator group communicates with its corresponding said controller display such that said plurality of said actuators of said first actuator group communicate with a common said controller display and such that at least one other said actuator on said housing communicates with a different said controller display on the same said housing, wherein each said controller display is incorporated by said housing and each said controller display is positioned on a common surface of said housing, wherein a first movement of each said actuator of each said actuator group initiates presentation of an identification of its said corresponding function on its corresponding said controller display without initiating execution of its said corresponding function.