Mobile Imaging Calibration Docking for Uninterrupted Clinical Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The logistical challenges and workflow disruptions in medical imaging due to the need for periodic calibration and maintenance of fixed imaging systems in patient spaces, which require patients to be transported and scheduled, and the inefficiencies caused by interrupting imaging processes for maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A framework for automated calibration and charging of mobile imaging systems using a station that allows for autonomous or semi-autonomous movement of the systems to a docking station for calibration and charging, utilizing a calibration source to generate emission data for system calibration outside patient spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed imaging systems are used in patient spaces, then imaging coverage is ensured, but workflow is interrupted during calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is transformed from a fixed installation to a mobile platform with wheels and a movable frame, enabling it to dynamically relocate between patient imaging areas and calibration stations. This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain imaging coverage while eliminating workflow interruptions during calibration, as the system can autonomously or manually move to designated calibration zones outside patient spaces.
2Measurement precision
If periodic calibration is performed in patient spaces, then system accuracy is maintained, but patient scheduling and transportation are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration function is extracted from the patient imaging space and relocated to dedicated calibration stations positioned in non-patient areas. The mobile imaging system can autonomously navigate to these external calibration stations to perform accuracy maintenance without occupying patient spaces, thereby preserving scheduling efficiency while maintaining measurement precision through periodic calibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile imaging systems are used, then flexibility and space optimization are improved, but automated calibration and charging are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile imaging system incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities and automated docking mechanisms that enable it to self-locate and self-dock with calibration stations without external assistance. The system can autonomously align itself with the calibration station, initiate calibration sequences, and recharge batteries automatically, thereby managing the increased device complexity through self-service automation while maintaining spatial flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Minimizes workflow disruptions by enabling calibration and charging of mobile imaging systems outside patient spaces, optimizing maintenance and ensuring proper operation without interrupting patient imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
Detection of emissions from a calibration source at the station by the mobile imaging system is initiated to generate emission data
Data Source
AI summary
A framework for automated calibration of mobile imaging systems. A mobile imaging system is positioned at a station. Detection of emissions from a calibration source at the station by the mobile imaging system is initiated to generate emission data. Calibration of the mobile imaging system may then be performed using the emission data.