Configurable Imaging Workstation for CT Scanner Workflow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CT scanner workflows face bottlenecks in patient throughput, image analysis, and storage, leading to inefficiencies and the inability to process the required number of patients per day, especially with the introduction of advanced sixteen slice CT scanners.
Innovation Solution
A medical diagnostic image processing system integrated with a hospital network, featuring a configurable applications database and interactive user interface screens, which automates the scanning process, optimizes scanning protocols, streamlines post-processing, and enhances operational simplicity by allowing real-time data review and efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual protocol selection and paper-based logging are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures scanning protocols and measurement templates in advance, allowing operators to quickly select from pre-defined options rather than manually setting up each scan. This preliminary preparation of protocols and measurement lists significantly reduces per-patient setup time while the one-time configuration effort is amortized across many patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies and templates of protocols and measurement lists that can be replicated and reused across multiple patients. Instead of creating new protocols manually for each patient, the system copies and adapts existing templates, dramatically reducing repetitive manual work while maintaining protocol consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive post-processing applications are provided, then diagnostic capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in organizing and selecting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments post-processing applications into organized categories and groups them by diagnostic need or anatomical region. This segmentation allows operators to quickly navigate to relevant application groups rather than searching through a monolithic list of all available applications, making the comprehensive suite more manageable and easier to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of protocol templates and application groups that mediate between the operator and the comprehensive post-processing applications. This intermediary organization structure provides a simplified interface that guides operators to the appropriate applications based on the scan type and diagnostic needs, reducing the cognitive load of selecting from numerous options.
3Loss of time
If measurements are recorded manually on paper, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to repeated data entry and inability to review previous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and maintains digital copies of measurement data that can be instantly reviewed, edited, and referenced. Instead of paper records that require physical handling and re-entry, the digital system allows operators to copy, paste, and modify measurements electronically, eliminating repeated data entry while providing instant access to measurement history through the database.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical diagnostic imaging system (10) is coupled to a hospital network (14) to optimize a throughput of a scanner (24). The hospital network includes a hospital records database (18) and a plurality of hospital computers and remote means (20). A workstation (12) is coupled to the scanner (24) and the hospital network (14) and is used to control a scanning process. The workstation (12) includes a display (44), an applications database (52), which is configurable by a user, and an interface means (48) for displaying interactive user interface screens (46) on the display (44). The interface screens (46) allow the user to configure the applications database (52) and interactively control the scanning process.