Clinical Protocol Transfer via Network Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic imaging systems face delays and compatibility issues due to physical delivery of imaging protocols, which may contain errors and lack validation, requiring significant time and resources for configuration.
Innovation Solution
A network-accessible database and Web-based system for clinicians to electronically share, develop, and integrate clinical protocols, ensuring accuracy and compatibility through approval and validation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If physical delivery (mail) is used to transfer imaging protocols, then the protocol can be transferred between systems, but the diagnostic procedure is unacceptably delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical delivery mechanisms (mail, manual delivery) with electronic network-based transmission. The imaging protocol is converted into digital data that can be transmitted via networks, eliminating the time-consuming physical delivery process while maintaining protocol integrity through standardized digital formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the imaging protocol that can be replicated and transmitted electronically without degradation. The protocol is stored as data that can be copied indefinitely through network transmission, allowing immediate access at the receiving end without the delays inherent in physical delivery.
2Loss of time
If FTP is used to transfer imaging protocols, then the protocol can be transferred electronically, but the protocol contains errors and compatibility conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements validation and verification mechanisms that provide feedback on protocol accuracy before and after transfer. The system validates the protocol against predefined criteria and checks for compatibility conflicts, allowing corrections to be made before the protocol is fully implemented, thereby ensuring accuracy while maintaining electronic transfer speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation of the imaging protocol before transfer and deployment. The protocol is checked for errors and compatibility issues in advance, and only after validation is confirmed does the system proceed with electronic transfer, ensuring that the protocol is accurate before it reaches the destination system.
3Ease of manufacture
If manufacturer's standard protocols are used, then the imaging system can operate with standard settings, but the protocols are not validated or based on clinical expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform that supports both manufacturer standard protocols and clinically validated custom protocols. The system can accommodate multiple protocol types through a common infrastructure, allowing users to select from standardized options or implement custom validated protocols without compromising system ease of operation or clinical reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer between protocol creation and system implementation. This intermediary component validates and verifies protocol accuracy against clinical criteria before the protocol is activated, serving as a mediator that ensures both ease of configuration and clinical validity by checking protocols against established medical standards.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration by manufacturer's representative or clinician is performed, then the imaging protocol can be accurately configured, but considerable time and technical resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities that allow users to independently validate and configure imaging protocols without requiring constant intervention from manufacturer representatives or clinicians. The system provides automated validation tools and interfaces that enable users to perform configuration tasks themselves while maintaining accuracy through built-in verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automates the protocol configuration process by changing parameters from manual adjustment to automated validation. The system automatically checks protocol parameters against predefined validity criteria and adjusts configurations based on validated rules, reducing the time and resources needed for manual configuration while maintaining or improving accuracy through systematic validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is provided for sharing clinical protocols for diagnostic imaging systems. The clinical protocols generally represent operational parameters, such as configuration data and procedures, which are clinically developed for a particular imaging diagnosis. An interface or access point, such as a network accessible database or website, is provided to facilitate the exchange of these clinical protocols between clinicians. The present technique also may facilitate the formation of new clinical protocols and/or the integration of new clinical protocols into various diagnostic imaging systems. Accordingly, clinicians can electronically exchange and configure a variety of imaging protocols for potentially greater quality in the particular imaging diagnosis.