Signos portable ultrasound device
Object No. 2011/63/1
This Signos hand-held ultrasound device consists of a probe connected by cable to a data processing and display unit. While similar devices have many piezoelectric crystals that emit and detect ultrasound waves, the Signos probe contains only one crystal. Accelerometers signal changes in the position of the probe as it's moved across a patient to create a high definition image on the screen. Engineers Stewart Bartlett and Roger Costello patented this Australian innovation which is a low-cost, low-power, easy-to-use 'visual stethoscope' in 2007, and it was made in Adelaide in 2011. Debbie Rudder In 2010 the Signos was the world's smallest ultrasound machine weighing only 300 grams. The unit is portable, allowing doctors to examine patients quickly and easily. The high resolution screen shows images instantly, and the inbuilt microphone allows doctors to take and record notes. A fraction of the cost of larger ultrasound machines, the Signos makes ultrasound technology more affordable. Of particular benefit in emergency medicine, it can be worn around the neck like a stethoscope and provides quick scanning and triaging of patients. It can detect internal fluids or trauma or the presence of a heartbeat. The device also has potential for use in rural and remote areas where larger, more expensive machines are not available. It is also being used in veterinary applications. The Signos is an example of ongoing Australian innovation in ultrasound technology and medical devices. The Signos pocket-sized ultrasound device represents excellence in Australian design - it received an Australian International Design Award and Powerhouse Museum Design Award at the 2010 Australian International Design Awards ceremony. Developed by Adelaide-based Signostics and Sydney-based Design+Industry, the device has been approved for use in the USA, Australia and Europe. Signostics has its global sales and marketing in Silicon Valley, California. Angelique Hutchison Curator 2011
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Summary
Object Statement
Ultrasound device, 'Signos Personal Ultrasound', plastic / electrical, designed by Design + Industry / Signostics Pty Ltd, 2009-2010, made by Signostics Pty Ltd, South Australia, 2011
Physical Description
Hand-held device consisting of an ultrasound probe joined by a data cable to a data processing unit with screen. The device is one piece, with dark blue and white plastic casing and a white cord.
DIMENSIONS
Width
68 mm
Depth
30 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed by Design + Industry and Signostics Pty Ltd in 2009-2010, and made by Signostics Pty Ltd in Australia in 2011. The Signos system comprises an ultrasound probe connected via a power/data cable to a Data Processing Unit (DPU) for controlling and instantly displaying the high resolution captured images. The probe features a rapid interchangeable transducer system enabling different types of scans to be conducted via connection of specific transducer heads. The system is wearable using the data cable to hang over the neck, replicating the benefits of portability and convenience of the traditional stethoscope. The Signos' unique single transducer integrates position sensing technology to produce high resolution images without the need for an array transducer or a motor. The user generates these images by manually "painting a picture" of the underlying anatomy. Images are stored automatically to the supplied microSD card. Images can be downloaded through a USB connection using SigViewer software and displayed on a computer and exported to be included with a patient record software package. The device features a microphone for recording supplementary notes and an inbuilt speaker for playback. The device is designed to be completely serviceable with highest wear parts such as transducer cap and connector door replaceable extending the products life. Software upgrades can extend usable life by adding functionality (product grows in capability). No hazardous materials are used in its construction. Designed to be as easily disassembled as practical. Australian International Design Awards 2010 entry information http://www.designawards.com.au/application_detail.jsp?status=8&applicationID=7621 Signostics Ltd http://www.signosticsmedical.com/home.php The inventors were Stewart Bartlett and Roger Costello. The original patent can be seen at http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/ols/auspat/pdfSource.do?fileQuery=g%80%84xrzLu%7E%875ux%7Bt%7Dp%7CtLPdA%3F%3FEB%3FGFAHP%40A%3F%3FG%3FE%3FD%3D%7Fsu5%83wtL%7E%85t%81
HISTORY
Notes
This device is a complete refurbished working device and was donated to the Museum at the conclusion of the 2010 Australian International Design Awards exhibition. The external shell of a Signos Pocket Sized Ultrasound device was displayed in Australian International Design Awards exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum from July 2010 - July 2011. The Signos pocket-sized ultrasound device received an Australian International Design Award and Powerhouse Museum Design Award at the 2010 Australian International Design Awards ceremony. Since 1992 the Powerhouse Museum has recognised excellence in Australian product design with its own award as part of the annual Australian International Design Awards (AIDA). The Museum displays the winning products in the Success and Innovation gallery for one year. Some of these products and relevant design models and documents are added to the Museum's permanent collection of Australian industrial design. The Museum's selection is made from the AIDA finalists and the selection criteria include good design, innovation, and the significance of a product to Australia's material culture. In 2010 the AIDA received 202 entries. The judging panel recommended 111 of these products as finalists. The products receiving the Australian International Design Award were announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on 4th June 2010 in Sydney. At this ceremony the Powerhouse Museum Design Award for 2010 was presented to Design+Industry and Signostics by the Museum's Director. The products receiving the Powerhouse Museum selection for display in the Australian International Design Awards exhibition was also revealed at the ceremony. The recipient of the Powerhouse Museum Design Award was chosen from the Powerhouse Museum selection products displayed in the Australian International Design Awards exhibition in the Success and Innovation gallery from July 2010 - June 2011. The Powerhouse Museum Design Award is presented to an Australian-designed product that has potential to make a significant improvement to the quality of the environment, health or wellbeing. Signostics was established in Adelaide, Australia in 2005 and expanded into the U.S. in 2008. The company launched its first product into the veterinarian market in January 2009 and gained regulatory approvals to enter the human medical device market for the United States, Europe, and Australia in May 2009. Signostics has offices in Palo Alto, California and Adelaide, South Australia.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Signostics Ltd, 2011
Acquisition Date
10 August 2011
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