Medical Device Parameter Setting Using Available Time Spans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical devices, such as MRI machines, face challenges in adjusting operating parameters efficiently during diagnostic examinations due to the need for extensive pre-scans and costly adaptations, leading to sub-optimal image quality and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the current operating mode and available time span to set operating parameters within a specified range, allowing for automatic adjustment during waiting times or process steps insensitive to parameter changes, enabling improved scan results without extending examination duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If operating parameters are adjusted during examination to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but examination duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the operating mode sequence to identify waiting times and insensitive process steps before the examination begins. This advance preparation enables the system to know exactly when parameter adjustments can be made without extending the examination duration, as the adjustment opportunities are pre-identified in the operating mode sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters during the examination by utilizing waiting times and insensitive process steps that occur naturally in the operating mode sequence. The control device monitors the current operating mode and automatically adjusts parameters when conditions permit, making the adjustment timing dynamic rather than fixed, thereby improving image quality without extending examination duration.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive pre-scans are performed to set operating parameters, then parameter accuracy is improved, but examination duration is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and utilizes waiting times and insensitive process steps from the existing operating mode sequence for parameter adjustments. Instead of adding separate pre-scan phases, the method takes out unused time periods already present in the examination protocol and repurposes them for parameter setting, thereby achieving accurate parameter adjustment without extending the overall examination duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing parameter adjustments during otherwise idle waiting times and insensitive process steps. Rather than stopping the examination flow for separate parameter setting phases, the method continues the examination sequence uninterrupted while simultaneously performing parameter adjustments in the background during insensitive periods, ensuring continuous productive utilization of examination time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional device components are added to enable parameter adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically performs the entire parameter adjustment process without requiring additional manual intervention or specialized hardware components. The system self-services by monitoring its own operating mode sequence, identifying suitable adjustment opportunities, and executing parameter changes autonomously during waiting times and insensitive process steps, thereby achieving enhanced adaptability without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing control device is made multi-functional by enabling it to both execute the examination protocol and simultaneously adjust operating parameters during insensitive periods. Rather than adding dedicated parameter adjustment hardware, the universal control system performs multiple functions - running the examination sequence and dynamically optimizing parameters - using the same existing computational resources, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If operating parameters are set manually, then control precision is improved, but operation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback control by continuously monitoring the operating mode sequence and automatically adjusting parameters during insensitive process steps. The control device receives feedback about the current examination state and autonomously makes precision parameter adjustments without manual intervention, thereby maintaining high control precision while significantly improving operation efficiency by eliminating manual adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical parameter adjustment with automated electronic control. Instead of requiring operators to manually intervene for parameter setting, the electronic control device automatically performs precision adjustments during the examination, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic systems, thereby maintaining control precision while improving operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting an operating parameter of a medical device is provided. The method includes determining a current operating mode of the medical device. A time span available for setting the operating parameter is derived from the determined current operating mode. A setting range of the operating parameter necessary for fulfilling a pre-determined criterion is determined. A setting time necessary for setting the operating parameter according to the determined setting range is determined, and the operating parameter is set according to the setting range, provided the time span available for the setting is at least as long as the necessary setting time.