Medical Image Scan Timing for Peak-Contrast Reference Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical image diagnostic systems face challenges in accurately timing scans within a multi-phase contrast examination, as they often fail to consider the peak contrast effect time of reference scans, leading to misaligned scan timings and increased effort in resetting or repeating scans.

Innovation Solution

A medical image diagnostic apparatus and method that allows for visual setting of reference times for scans, enabling precise timing of scans based on peak contrast effect, thereby improving scan efficiency and throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If start time is set using relative time from imaging start and monitoring scan is used as reference, then control at timing conforming to guideline is easy, but scan may be performed at timing different from expected timing because peak contrast effect time is not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol easeVSAvoidscan timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically determining and setting the reference time based on peak contrast effect time before the actual scan is executed. The control device acquires imaging conditions including contrast medium information, determines peak contrast effect time, and sets reference time automatically in advance, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring accurate timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the actual contrast enhancement data from monitoring scans to adjust and determine the optimal reference time for subsequent scans. The control device acquires imaging conditions, determines peak contrast effect time based on this feedback information, and sets the reference time accordingly to achieve accurate scan timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If general-purpose imaging protocol is used, then protocol selection is simple, but scan timing may not align with peak contrast effect time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol selection easeVSAvoidscan timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by making the reference time adaptable and adjustable based on specific imaging conditions and contrast medium characteristics. Rather than using fixed general-purpose protocols, the control device dynamically determines reference time according to peak contrast effect time calculated from actual imaging parameters, allowing precise timing while maintaining ease of protocol selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters by automatically adjusting the reference time parameter based on imaging conditions including contrast medium type, injection rate, and patient-specific factors. The control device acquires these parameters, calculates peak contrast effect time, and modifies the reference time setting to achieve optimal scan timing aligned with contrast enhancement peaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of reference time is required, then scan timing accuracy can be improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan timing accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling the control device to automatically acquire imaging conditions, determine peak contrast effect time, and set reference time without requiring manual intervention. The device performs these functions autonomously based on programmed algorithms that calculate optimal timing from input parameters, maintaining high accuracy while eliminating operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated computational determination of reference time. Instead of requiring operators to manually calculate and adjust timing based on complex contrast kinetics, the control device uses computational algorithms to automatically determine peak contrast effect time and set appropriate reference times, substituting manual operations with automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12440176B2Medical image diagnostic apparatus, medical image diagnostic system, and information processing method of medical image diagnosis

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to set, in a case where a plurality of scan processes corresponding to respective and independent imaging techniques are sequentially performed, reference time that acts as a reference for a start timing of at least one of second and subsequent scan processes from among the plurality of scan processes, and use the reference time that has been set, and sequentially performs the plurality of scan processes in response to an instruction received from a user.