Automatic Imaging Condition Setting via Past Examination Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting appropriate imaging conditions for image diagnostic apparatuses, such as MRI, often relies on operator experience and skills, especially during reexaminations, as existing systems require manual input of imaging parameters and referencing of medical records, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An image diagnostic apparatus and medical image server system that automatically acquires past examination information from a medical image server based on patient information, using a database management system to set or indicate imaging conditions, thereby simplifying the process by referencing examination order and past examination information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of imaging parameters and referencing of medical records is used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but workflow complexity and examination time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically copies imaging parameters from past examination information stored in the medical image server. The examination information acquisition unit retrieves previous imaging data, and the imaging condition setting unit automatically replicates relevant parameters, eliminating manual re-entry and reducing examination setup time while maintaining consistency with previous successful examinations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition and organization of examination information before the current examination. By pre-fetching and storing imaging parameters from past examinations in the medical image server, the system prepares all necessary data in advance, allowing rapid retrieval and automatic setting during the current examination without delaying the actual imaging process
2Productivity
If automatic acquisition of past examination information is implemented, then workflow efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The medical image server acts as an intermediary between the image diagnostic apparatus and the database containing past examination information. The server receives requests from the apparatus, automatically searches and retrieves relevant imaging parameters from stored medical records, and returns them for automatic setting. This intermediary approach automates the information retrieval process without requiring direct complex integration between the diagnostic apparatus and database systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the examination information management into separate functional modules: the examination information acquisition unit that retrieves data, the imaging condition setting unit that processes and sets parameters, and the medical image server that stores and manages historical data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high automation capability
3Reliability
If imaging conditions are set based on operator experience, then flexibility in handling unique cases is improved, but consistency and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from past examination results to automatically set imaging conditions for current examinations. By analyzing previously successful imaging parameters stored in the medical image server and applying them to similar current cases, the system continuously improves accuracy based on accumulated experience data, reducing dependency on individual operator expertise while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An image diagnostic apparatus includes an examination information acquisition unit and an imaging unit. The examination information acquisition unit searches a medical image server based on patient information to acquire past examination information corresponding to the patient information automatically from the medical image server. The imaging unit performs imaging according to an imaging condition set by referring to the examination information. Alternatively, an image diagnostic apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit and an imaging unit. The imaging condition setting unit automatically sets or indicates an imaging condition closest to information designating an imaging condition included in examination order information directed to an image diagnostic apparatus made by another maker or a different type of an image diagnostic apparatus made by a same maker. The imaging unit performs imaging according to the set or indicated imaging condition.