Mobile Imaging Calibration Station for Workflow Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The logistical challenges of patient scheduling and transportation in functional imaging, combined with the need for periodic calibration of fixed imaging systems, disrupt workflow and efficiency due to the requirement of maintaining patient safety and comfort during maintenance in the imaging room.
Innovation Solution
A framework for automated calibration and charging of mobile imaging systems using a station that allows for autonomous or semi-autonomous movement, enabling calibration and charging outside the patient space, minimizing disruption by using a calibration source container and sensors for precise positioning and data generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic calibration is performed in the patient space, then the imaging system can be maintained, but workflow is interrupted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into a fixed imaging room and a mobile imaging system that can be moved to a separate calibration room. This segmentation allows calibration to occur in a dedicated space without disrupting patient care in the imaging room, resolving the contradiction between maintaining system reliability and preserving workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration function is extracted from the patient space by moving the imaging system to a dedicated calibration room. This extraction allows calibration activities to be performed separately from patient care activities, eliminating workflow interruptions while maintaining imaging system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile imaging system is used, then calibration can be performed outside patient space, but the system requires automated calibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile imaging system is equipped with automated calibration capabilities that allow it to self-calibrate using a calibration source in the calibration room. This self-service approach enables the system to perform calibration without manual intervention, making the increased automation acceptable by eliminating the need for technician time and ensuring consistent calibration quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration automatically as part of its operation cycle, preparing the imaging system in advance for optimal performance. This preliminary automated calibration ensures the system is ready for patient imaging without requiring manual setup or intervention.
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
Optimizes the management and maintenance of mobile imaging systems by ensuring proper operation while reducing workflow interruptions and enhancing efficiency through automated calibration and charging 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
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AI summary
A framework for automated calibration of mobile imaging systems. A mobile imaging system (120) is positioned at a station (101). Detection of emissions from a calibration source (302) at the station (101) by the mobile imaging system (120) is initiated (406) to generate emission data. Calibration (408) of the mobile imaging system (120) may then be performed using the emission data