Independent User Interfaces for Power Injector Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power injector systems have limited user interface functionality in the scan room, leading to constrained operation and increased complexity in maintaining system state coordination between multiple user locations, which results in less efficient contrast delivery procedures and requires more user awareness and travel between locations.
Innovation Solution
A power injector system with multiple user interfaces, including a first user interface proximate to the injector and a second user interface remote from it, allowing independent or sequential operation, with processors controlling the display and input acceptance based on the type of operation, enabling simultaneous or coordinated user input and reducing the need for frequent location changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single user interface is used at the control room, then system state coordination is simplified, but user travel time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the user interface into multiple independent instances: a first user interface at the control room and a second user interface at the scan room. Each interface can independently accept user inputs and display information, eliminating the need for users to travel between locations while maintaining proper system state coordination through the processor.
2Productivity
If multiple user interfaces are provided at different locations, then operational efficiency improves, but system state coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors the operational state of the power injector system and provides real-time feedback to both user interfaces. When a user input is received at either interface, the processor determines the appropriate operation, executes it, and updates both interfaces to reflect the current system state, ensuring consistent information display without manual coordination.
3Ease of operation
If multiple user interfaces operate independently, then user awareness requirements are reduced, but interface synchronization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the two user interfaces and the power injector system. It receives inputs from either interface, determines the appropriate operation based on the current system state, executes the operation, and then synchronizes the display information at both interfaces. This central coordination simplifies the synchronization process while allowing independent operation at each location.
Data Source
AI summary
A power injector system having a power injector for enabling delivery of fluid in an injection procedure to be performed on a patient may include one or more processors; a first user interface; and a second user interface. The first user interface and the second user interface may be configured to accept a plurality of user inputs associated with control of a plurality of operations of the power injector system and display information associated with the plurality of operations. One of the first user interface and the second user interface may be proximate to the power injector and the other may be remote from the power injector. The one or more processors may be programmed and/or configured to independently control the first user interface and the second user interface based on a first user input and a next user input received from the first user interface and/or the second user interface.