Dual Display CT Scanner Interface Parallel Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT scanner user interfaces are inefficient due to their linear, sequential architecture, which leads to bottlenecks and fails to support multi-tasking workflows, collaboration, and consistency in scan quality, as they are consumed with system tasks and lack proper identification of users involved in the patient experience.
Innovation Solution
A dual-display user interface configured to enable parallel workflows for set-up and scanning tasks on one display and image post-processing tasks on another, with distinct display zones for specific tasks, allowing operators to manage multiple subjects and perform simultaneous tasks, thereby facilitating collaboration and reducing multitasking constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a linear, sequential user interface architecture is used, then the system is simple to design and implement, but it creates bottlenecks and reduces overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple independent display zones, each handling specific tasks (scanning setup, scanning execution, post-processing). This allows parallel operation of different workflow stages simultaneously, eliminating the sequential bottleneck while maintaining manageable complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sequential workflow to a two-dimensional parallel workflow by introducing multiple display zones that operate simultaneously. This dimensional change enables multiple tasks to progress concurrently without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single display is used for all tasks, then the device complexity is low, but it prevents multi-tasking workflows and collaboration
Solution Approach 1:
The single display is segmented into multiple functional zones (scanning setup zone, scanning execution zone, post-processing zone), each dedicated to specific tasks. This segmentation enables multi-tasking workflows and collaboration while avoiding the complexity of multiple physical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system provides multi-functionality by allowing different zones to handle different tasks simultaneously, and by enabling the interface to adapt to various workflow scenarios (single operator, multiple operators, different scan types) without requiring hardware changes.
3Productivity
If the user interface focuses on system tasks, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but bottlenecks occur that reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Workflow information is segmented and distributed across different display zones based on task stage. This allows continuous monitoring and progression of multiple workflow stages simultaneously, preventing bottlenecks while maintaining comprehensive functionality and information visibility.
4Ease of operation
If a linear workflow architecture is used, then the system is easy to operate, but it fails to support collaboration and multiple throughput use cases
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is segmented into independent functional zones that can be operated simultaneously by multiple users. Each zone maintains clear operational guidelines, preserving ease of operation while enabling collaboration through parallel task execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for a CT imaging system is disclosed. The user interface includes a first display configured to enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing a CT exam on one or more patients, with the set-up and scanning tasks including acquiring and verifying scan image data. The user interface also includes a second display configured to enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT exams on the one or more patients, with the image post-processing tasks including performing image reconstructions and reformats. Each of the first display and the second display are operable independent from one another to provide for parallel workflows between the first display and second display and between the patient set-up and scanning tasks and the post-processing tasks.