Magnetic Resonance Scan Parameter Proposal System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face complexity in selecting scan parameters for magnetic resonance examinations due to intricate dependencies between settings, leading to unauthorized combinations that can hinder effective scanning, and existing systems provide inadequate support for finding permissible settings.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a computing unit to check and provide proposals for permissible combinations of scan parameters, allowing users to select from a list of optimized settings that ensure a reliable magnetic resonance examination by analyzing dependencies and offering a clear, user-friendly interface for setting scan parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users manually select scan parameters for magnetic resonance examinations, then flexibility and customization are improved, but the complexity of parameter selection and the risk of unauthorized combinations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in parameter selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores all permissible combinations of scan parameters before the user needs to make selections. By performing the complex validation and compatibility checking in advance, the system eliminates the need for users to navigate through complex real-time checks, thus maintaining flexibility while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer (the computing unit with proposal generation capability) that mediates between the user's parameter selection and the actual scan execution. This intermediary automatically checks for authorized combinations and provides suggestions, shielding the user from the underlying complexity of parameter interdependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users change state scan parameters, then customization is improved, but the number of required changes to maintain authorized combinations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of scan parametersVSAvoidtime required to adjust multiple parameters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate feedback to the user when a state scan parameter is changed, indicating which other parameters need to be adjusted to maintain an authorized combination. This feedback mechanism guides the user through the necessary changes efficiently, reducing the time required while preserving customization options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-identifies and stores all permissible parameter combinations, so when a user changes a state scan parameter, the system can quickly retrieve alternative authorized combinations from pre-computed data, avoiding time-consuming real-time calculations and reducing the time needed to make necessary adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the system provides detailed information about parameter dependencies, then understanding is improved, but the interface complexity and information overload increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderstanding of parameter relationshipsVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex information about parameter dependencies into manageable portions, presenting only the relevant dependencies and changes to the user at any given moment. Instead of displaying all possible parameter relationships simultaneously, the interface divides information into context-specific segments, reducing cognitive load while maintaining comprehensive understanding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the system automatically provides proposals for permissible combinations, then ease of operation is improved, but the user's control and understanding of parameter changes are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting parametersVSAvoidvisibility of parameter changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to the user when automatic proposals are generated, clearly indicating what parameters are being changed and why. This feedback ensures the user remains informed about the modifications, maintaining understanding and control while benefiting from the automated ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11579228B2Method for providing a proposal for setting scan parameters and a computing unit for providing a setting aid

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A proposal is provided for setting scan parameters comprising at least one value range scan parameter and at least two state scan parameters of a scan sequence of a magnetic resonance protocol for a magnetic resonance examination. A user is supported in the selection of the state scan parameters to be set by a computing unit that checks whether the selection of state scan parameters to be set made by the user comprises a permissible combination of settings and/or states. If an impermissible combination of settings and/or states is present, the computing unit ascertains at least one proposal with a permissible combination of settings and/or states for the state scan parameters to be set.