Automatic Injector–Imager Protocol Association to Reduce Data Entry Errors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems face challenges with manual synchronization and data entry of injector and imager protocols, leading to errors, delays, distractions, and compromised exam quality, which affect radiation safety and personalization.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically associates and synchronizes injector and imager protocols using a processor to receive, determine, and populate parameters based on previous procedures, reducing manual input and enhancing workflow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual synchronization and data entry of injector and imager protocols are used, then flexibility in protocol selection is maintained, but errors in input values and delays in procedure workflow occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual protocol selectionVSAvoidinput value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically associates imager protocols with injector protocols without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously retrieves imager protocol data, determines corresponding injector protocols, and populates injector parameters based on the imager protocol selection, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying proposed injector protocols associated with the selected imager protocol. This allows the user to review and verify the automatically determined parameters before execution, ensuring accuracy while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual synchronization of injector and imager protocols is performed, then protocol customization is possible, but distractions from clinical tasks and reduced workflow efficiency occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol customizationVSAvoidprocedure workflow speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes associations between imager protocols and injector protocols in advance. When an imager protocol is selected, the corresponding injector protocol is automatically retrieved and populated, eliminating the need for real-time manual synchronization and allowing clinicians to focus on patient care

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the protocol selection process for imager and injector into a single integrated workflow. By associating the two protocols and automatically populating parameters based on the imager protocol selection, the system eliminates separate manual configuration steps while preserving customization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual data entry of protocol parameters is required, then detailed protocol control is maintained, but user fatigue and reduced personalization quality occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual parameter entryVSAvoiddata entry burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor automatically retrieves imager protocol data and determines corresponding injector protocols without requiring manual parameter entry. The system self-populates injector parameters based on the selected imager protocol, reducing user burden while maintaining detailed protocol control through automatic data population

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If sequential manual coordination of imaging and injection is used, then individual parameter adjustment is possible, but delays in procedure execution and compromised exam quality occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidprocedure execution time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-associates imager protocols with corresponding injector protocols and pre-populates parameters in advance. When the imager protocol is selected, the injector parameters are already determined and ready for execution, eliminating sequential manual coordination delays while preserving parameter adjustment flexibility through the association framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250292887A1Systems, Method, And Computer Program Product For Associating Injector And Imager Protocols

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for associating injector and imager protocols. For example, the method may include: receiving, from an imaging system including an imager configured to image a patient, imager protocol data associated with an imager protocol according to which the imaging system is configured to control imaging of the patient with the imager, the imaging system being in communication with an injection system including an injector configured to deliver fluid and/or imaging agent to the patient; receiving, via at least one user interface, at least one of a selection, a programming, a modification, or any combination thereof of an injector protocol according to which the injection system is configured to control delivery of at least one fluid and/or imaging agent to the patient with the injector; and associating, in at least one database, the imager protocol with the injector protocol.