Centralized Imaging Device Configuration via Distributed Database

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for modifying and distributing configuration protocols for imaging devices are inefficient, time-consuming, and error-prone, requiring manual export and import via external media, which disrupts device operation and lacks centralized management, leading to reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A system with a distributed database system and an administrator interface allows for centralized management and distribution of configuration protocols, enabling efficient modification, storage, and automatic distribution to imaging devices, reducing manual intervention and ensuring compatibility through metadata and validation algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual export and import of configuration protocols is performed using external data media, then configuration protocols can be transferred between device hosts, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires device shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration protocol transfer reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration protocol transfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A central server is introduced as an intermediary to manage and distribute configuration protocols between device hosts. The server stores master configuration protocols and enables automated distribution, eliminating the need for manual export/import operations and external data media while maintaining transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically transferring external data media between devices is replaced with an automated electronic distribution system. The central server electronically transmits configuration protocols to device hosts, eliminating manual intervention and device shutdown requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If configuration protocols are manually converted for each receiving host device, then compatibility with specific imaging device properties is ensured, but the complexity and error potential increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration protocol compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration protocol management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Device hosts automatically perform self-service by sending requests to the central server for appropriate configuration protocols. The server automatically matches device properties with compatible protocols and handles the distribution, eliminating manual conversion operations and reducing error potential while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The central server pre-processes and validates configuration protocols before distribution, ensuring compatibility with specific device properties in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual conversion at each device and reduces errors by validating protocols before they reach the device hosts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If configuration protocols are distributed manually to each device, then each device can be updated, but the imaging device must be switched out of service during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration update efficiencyVSAvoiddevice operational availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The manual update process requiring device shutdown is replaced with automated electronic distribution from a central server. Configuration protocols are transmitted electronically to device hosts during operation, eliminating the need to switch devices out of service and enabling continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation of imaging devices during configuration protocol updates. The central server distributes updated protocols while devices remain in service, and devices can apply updates without interruption, maintaining continuous useful action and operational availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11640304B2System and method for the administration of imaging devices

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a system for the administration of a group of imaging devices which are equipped with a corresponding device hosts, device software and a configuration protocol are executably stored on the device host. The system can include a distributed database system which configured to receive configuration protocols from the device host and to store modified configuration protocols for the respective device host, and to distribute modified configuration protocols. The received and/or stored configuration protocols are made available via a central write access. The system can include an administrator having a memory, a user interface and a processor for communicating with the distributed database system. Configuration protocols can be modified via the user interface and sent to the distributed database system for storage and/or distribution to at least one selected imaging device. These aspects are also applicable to a method for the administration of imaging devices.