Drive-Through Medical Imaging Workflow for Faster Preventive Scans

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Solution Overview

Problem

The inconvenient and time-consuming process of traditional medical imaging facilities poses a significant barrier to asymptomatic individuals seeking preventive health screenings, particularly for early detection of diseases like heart disease and lung cancer, and there is a need for a more efficient and accessible system for medical imaging scans.

Innovation Solution

A drive-through and walk-through medical imaging system utilizing AI-enabled automation, mobile apps, and advanced imaging devices to streamline the scanning process, including AI-guided management, visible light cameras, and X-ray imaging for efficient and convenient imaging scans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional medical imaging facilities are used, then comprehensive medical imaging scans can be performed, but the process is highly time-consuming and inconvenient requiring appointments, forms, and waiting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of medical imaging processVSAvoidtime required for imaging process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Patient registration, scheduling, and questionnaire completion are performed in advance via mobile application before the patient arrives at the facility. This preliminary digital preparation eliminates on-site administrative tasks and reduces waiting time during the actual imaging process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical processes including paper forms, manual registration, and in-person scheduling are replaced with automated mobile application-based digital systems. This substitution streamlines the patient journey and eliminates time-consuming administrative procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional medical imaging facilities with human staff are used, then comprehensive patient care can be provided, but costs are higher and accessibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of imaging servicesVSAvoidhuman resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Patients autonomously complete registration, answer health questionnaires, and schedule appointments through a mobile application without requiring human administrative staff. The system guides patients through the process independently, reducing the need for front-desk personnel and administrative support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application serves multiple functions including patient registration, scheduling, questionnaire administration, and result delivery. This multi-functional digital platform replaces multiple human roles and simplifies the overall system structure while maintaining comprehensive service capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If drive-through imaging is implemented, then convenience and speed are improved, but specific challenges in performing medical imaging scans in a drive-through setting must be addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning throughput efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive-through facility is divided into distinct functional zones including vehicle entry, patient exit, imaging scanning, and result delivery areas. This spatial segmentation allows continuous flow of vehicles while maintaining proper patient care protocols and simplifying the integration of imaging equipment in a streamlined configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system significantly improves patient experience and operational efficiency by reducing wait times and costs, enabling widespread access to preventive health screenings.

Implementation Method 1

a mobile imaging device to image an internal body part of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

embedding visible light cameras in the scanner area and the scanner itself to enable AI-guided management of scanning without human interventions and to generate combined 3D images resulting from visible light of the body's exterior and X-ray imaging of the body's interior

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVisible light imaging: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20260018274A1System and Method for Efficient Drive-Through and Walk-Through Medical Imaging

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HEART LUNG CORP

AI summary

A drive-through medical imaging system and method enables efficient imaging scans for users. The system comprises a facility entrance with signage and teller to guide/communicate with a user's vehicle, a mobile application for the user to answer questions/receive physician order/schedule appointment, a QR code scanner to activate access to an imaging area separated by a gate. The imaging area has a visible scanner, parking area, and operator to guide the user during the scan completed within a set duration. Upon scan completion, the gate opens allowing vehicle exit and entry of another user's vehicle. The system further comprises a facial recognition module for user verification and communication module for transmitting scan results. Additional embodiments feature a walk through version of the system and a standing CT scan booth.