Imaging system protocol handling method and apparatus

Abstract

A technique is disclosed for providing programs, such as operational protocols, to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The protocols are created and stored on machine readable media. A description of the protocols is displayed at the diagnostic institution or system. A user may select a desired protocol or program from a user interface, such as a listing of protocols. The protocol listing may include textual and exemplary image descriptions of the protocols. Selected protocols are transferred from the machine readable media to the diagnostic institution or system. The transfer may take place over a network link, and may be subject to fee arrangements, subscription status verifications, and so forth. Protocols may be loaded for execution on system scanners by selection from the same or a similar protocol listing screen.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to medical diagnostic and imaging systems which are configured to execute protocols for examinations, image acquisition, and so forth. More particularly, the invention relates to a technique for making such protocols available to a system user, for easily selecting such protocols and installing them for use, and for transmitting protocols to diagnostic systems where they can be executed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Medical diagnostic and imaging systems are ubiquitous in modern health care facilities. Such systems provide invaluable tools for identifying, diagnosing and treating physical conditions and greatly reduce the need for surgical diagnostic intervention. In many instances, final diagnosis and treatment proceed only after an attending physician or radiologist has complemented conventional examinations with detailed images of relevant areas and tissues via one or more imaging modalities. [0003] Curre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In a preferred arrangement, new or improved protocols may be made available through an interactive communications system which links the scanners to a centralized service facility. The service facility may transmit messages to the scanner to inform the operations personnel of the existence and availability of the new protocol. The protocol may then be downloaded or transmitted automatically or upon request by the institution. The technique allows protocols for a large variety of scanners, scanner types, modalities, and manufacturers to be easily distributed through the service center. The service center may also provide a library of available protocols which may be installed on memory media or transmitted via a network. Accounting for distribution of the protocols may also be performed by the system, such as for transmitting protocols in accordance with subscriptions and so forth.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, attempts have been made to provide a limited degree of remote upgrading of certain modality scanners through network connections.

While the current protocol distribution and upgrade systems are generally satisfactory in many respects, they are not within drawbacks.

For example, the mere fact that a protocol is available on a scanner may not provide operations personnel with sufficient information on how to execute or implement the protocol, configuration parameters most useful in executing the protocol, and so forth.

Moreover, where protocols are distributed by supports such as computer discs or other memory devices, the memory devices must be transported and the protocols installed by operations personnel or a field service engineer in a rather time consuming and somewhat inefficient manner.

Even where software upgrades to some scanners have been made available via networks, the user is not generally provided with sufficient information for installation and use of the new protocol.

Similarly, the user may not be aware of the existence of the new protocol or its availability or utility.

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