Automated Dental Imaging Protocol Selection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dental imaging procedures rely on manual requests and operator expertise, leading to potential mistakes and errors in imaging protocols.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and system that determine an imaging protocol based on a user-defined scan request, including a region-of-interest definition, using a controller and imaging device to ensure accurate and efficient imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual imaging procedures are used based on operator expertise, then flexibility in imaging decisions is maintained, but mistakes and errors in imaging protocols occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging protocol accuracyVSAvoidautomation of imaging protocol selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically selecting imaging protocols based on patient data and clinical indications without requiring manual operator intervention. The automated protocol selection system analyzes scan requests and independently determines appropriate imaging parameters, reducing human error while maintaining consistent quality standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the automated protocol selection is based on structured input data from clinical indications and patient characteristics. The system continuously learns from imaging outcomes and adjusts protocol selections to improve accuracy over time, creating a closed-loop system that enhances reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automated protocol determination is implemented, then human error is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging protocol accuracyVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated protocol determination system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data acquisition module for collecting patient information, analysis module for processing clinical indications, protocol selection module for determining imaging parameters, and validation module for verifying protocol appropriateness. This modular architecture manages complexity by dividing the system into manageable, independently testable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the operator and the imaging device - an automated protocol selection system that translates clinical requirements into technical imaging parameters. This intermediary handles the complexity of protocol configuration, shielding operators from complex technical decisions while ensuring accurate and consistent protocol application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual imaging procedures are used, then adaptability to individual patient needs is maintained, but imaging efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging throughputVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring imaging protocols based on standard clinical indications and patient categories. Common imaging scenarios have pre-established protocols that are automatically selected, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure parameters for routine cases and significantly improving imaging throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated protocol selection system serves multiple functions: it acts as a clinical decision support tool, a technical parameter configuration system, and a quality assurance mechanism. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operational tasks into a single automated system, improving efficiency without sacrificing the ability to handle diverse patient needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3375373B1Automatic protocol selection for an imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 PALODEX GROUP
  • EP3375373B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375373B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375373B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of automatically determining an imaging protocol. The method includes receiving, via a user-interface, a scan request. The scan request includes a region-of-interest definition. The method further includes determining, via a controller, an imaging protocol based on the scan request, and performing, via an imaging device, a scan of a patient based on the imaging protocol.