Automated Medical Imaging Protocol Selection via Patient Data Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current medical imaging protocoling process is inefficient and prone to errors due to the manual selection of imaging protocols by radiologists and technologists, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased time in generating appropriate protocols.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that receives patient orders and medical information, automatically generates radiologist-level protocols, and selects scanner-level protocols based on domain concepts and patient-specific data, thereby streamlining the imaging protocol selection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual protocol selection is used by radiologists and technologists, then flexibility and adaptability to individual cases are maintained, but time consumption and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol generation speedVSAvoidprotocol selection consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the automated protocoling system independently selects and configures imaging protocols based on patient data and order specifications, eliminating the need for manual intervention in routine cases and significantly reducing the time required for protocol generation while maintaining consistent, error-free selections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual selection process with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to match patient information with appropriate imaging protocols, substituting human decision-making with automated processing that is faster, more consistent, and free from human error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual protocol selection is performed, then human judgment and adaptability are applied, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol selection simplicityVSAvoidprotocol generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring protocol templates and pre-matching patient data with appropriate protocols before the actual imaging procedure, so that when a protocol is needed, the system can quickly retrieve and apply the pre-determined protocol without requiring time-consuming manual selection and customization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system handles protocol selection independently without requiring manual intervention, automatically processing patient information and selecting appropriate protocols in real-time, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with manual protocol review and selection while maintaining ease of operation through automated interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated protocol generation is implemented, then time efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging workflow efficiencyVSAvoidautomated system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated protocoling system is segmented into distinct functional modules including patient data acquisition module, protocol matching module, and protocol configuration module, each handling specific tasks independently. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by making each component simpler and more manageable while maintaining high productivity through coordinated automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary protocol matching module that acts as a mediator between patient data and final protocol selection, using this intermediate layer to simplify the complex relationship between diverse patient information and numerous protocol options, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12315626B2Automated protocoling in medical imaging systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to leveraging machine learning algorithms to help guide users to effortlessly assign the correct protocol for an exam order using a standard protocol library and patient clinical information, and it further automates the scanner protocol selection creating a seamless workflow. This helps to reduce time for protocoling and ensures the right imaging exam is delivered for the patient in an efficient manner. In accordance with certain embodiments, a method includes receiving an order for a medical imaging procedure. The medical imaging procedure corresponds to a patient, in response to receding receiving the order, obtaining medical information stored in an information technology system. The medical information relates to the patient, and automatically generating a medical imaging protocol as a function of the obtained medical information.