Integrated Blade Workstation for Seamless Multi-PACS Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing workstations fail to seamlessly integrate multiple distinct PACS platforms due to interoperability issues, requiring multiple monitors and systems, which are cumbersome and expensive, and conventional KVM switches do not support high-resolution medical imaging and dictation inputs.

Innovation Solution

A workstation with a single chassis integrating multiple blade computing devices, each configured for a distinct PACS platform, allowing simultaneous VPN connections and exclusive resource control, with a switching mechanism to seamlessly switch between systems without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent computer systems are used to support different PACS platforms, then interoperability with various PACS systems is improved, but device complexity and office space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteroperability with PACS systemsVSAvoidnumber of computer systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent computer systems into a single workstation by integrating multiple blade computing devices into one chassis. Each blade can be configured for different PACS platforms, allowing the system to support multiple interoperability requirements while reducing the number of separate computers from four or more to just one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions by supporting different PACS platforms simultaneously. The blade computing devices can be configured with different operating systems and PACS clients, enabling the single workstation to serve multiple hospitals and imaging centers with diverse system requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent computer systems are used to support different PACS platforms, then adaptability to various hospitals is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to hospitalsVSAvoidcumbersomeness of multiple systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple blade computing devices into a single integrated workstation, the system eliminates the need for radiologists to physically move between separate computer systems. The unified interface and integrated resource sharing simplify operations while maintaining adaptability to different hospital networks through virtualization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a switching mechanism as an intermediary that enables seamless communication between different blade computing devices within the workstation. This mediator allows the system to switch between different PACS platforms and hospital networks without requiring manual intervention or physical reconfiguration, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional KVM switches are used to connect multiple workstations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for high-resolution medical imaging deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of workstationsVSAvoidhigh-resolution medical imaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple workstations into a single integrated system where each blade computing device maintains its own high-resolution display and imaging capabilities. This eliminates the need for external KVM switches while preserving the measurement precision required for medical imaging through direct connection of each blade to its own monitor and peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple monitors are used for different PACS platforms, then adaptability to different systems is improved, but area of stationary object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple PACS platformsVSAvoidoffice work area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple display devices into a single integrated workstation chassis, where each blade computing device can be connected to its own monitor. This consolidation reduces the total office space required compared to having separate workstations for each PACS platform, while still providing the necessary display capabilities for multiple systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12367965B2Workstation integrating multiple distinct computing systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 DEXTRO IMAGING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are various examples of a workstation that integrates multiple distinct computer systems in a single chassis. A first blade computing device of a plurality of blade computing devices can receive a selection of a medical image study in a user interface. The first blade computing device can determine whether the medical image study is compatible with the first blade computing device. In response to determining that the medical image study is incompatible with the first blade computing device, the first blade computing device can identify a second blade computing device of the plurality of blade computing device with which the medical image study is compatible. The first blade computing device can generate a command to activate the second blade computing device and to access the medical image study and provide the command to the switching device.