MRI System Center Networked Licensing and Usage Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The spread and promotion of MRI pulse sequences, applications, and clinical protocols are hindered by the need for specialized expertise and high costs associated with package software, limiting their adoption and dissemination in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
An MRI system center connects multiple MRI systems via electronic communication, analyzing log file data to track usage and manage pulse sequences, applications, and clinical protocols, enabling efficient data management, licensing, and charging based on usage, thereby facilitating the spread and promotion of these technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If package software is purchased for MRI pulse sequences and clinical protocols, then the functionality and imaging capabilities are improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a licensing system where MRI pulse sequences and clinical protocols are copied and distributed to multiple hospitals through a network. Instead of requiring each hospital to purchase expensive package software, the system allows digital copying and sharing of imaging programs, pulse sequences, and clinical protocols across the network, significantly reducing per-hospital costs while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal licensing system that serves multiple functions: it manages distribution of MRI pulse sequences, controls access to clinical protocols, tracks usage across different hospitals, and handles billing centrally. This multi-functional system replaces multiple separate software purchases with a single integrated solution that provides adaptability and versatility across the entire hospital network.
2Reliability
If specialized expertise is required to set imaging conditions and procedures, then the quality and effectiveness of clinical protocols are improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based licensing system as an intermediary between expert developers and end users. Experts create and refine pulse sequences and clinical protocols through the network system, which then distributes these pre-configured solutions to hospitals. This intermediary layer allows non-expert operators to access and use sophisticated imaging protocols without needing specialized knowledge of how to create or optimize them, maintaining clinical effectiveness while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having experts pre-configure and optimize pulse sequences and clinical protocols before distribution. The licensing system allows advanced imaging programs to be developed, tested, and refined in advance by specialists, then distributed as ready-to-use configurations. This eliminates the need for end users to perform complex setup and optimization work, maintaining high clinical effectiveness while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If sales staff make rounds to promote new pulse sequences and applications, then the spread and adoption are improved, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of sales staff making personal rounds with an automated electronic distribution system. The network-based licensing system automatically distributes new pulse sequences, applications, and clinical protocols to all connected hospitals through electronic communication. This substitution eliminates the need for physical travel and manual promotion, dramatically reducing the time and resources required while accelerating the spread and adoption rate across the hospital network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous distribution of imaging programs and pulse sequences through the network system. Instead of periodic sales visits, the system provides continuous automatic updates and distribution to all hospitals. New clinical protocols and pulse sequences are continuously made available through the licensing system, ensuring uninterrupted adoption and utilization without the time losses associated with scheduled sales rounds.
4Reliability
If hospitals purchase expensive package software, then the reliability and functionality are improved, but the ease of manufacture and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables digital copying and distribution of MRI software through the network. Instead of requiring expensive physical package software purchases, the system allows digital copies of pulse sequences, applications, and clinical protocols to be distributed across the network. This maintains full software functionality and reliability while making it accessible to all hospitals in the network without the barrier of expensive individual licenses, significantly improving ease of manufacture and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An MRI system center is connected to a plurality of MRI systems for visualizing the interior of a subject to be examined using a magnetic resonance phenomenon, through an electronic communication line. The MRI system center receives data of a log file on which a use state of the MRI systems is recorded or use-state data extracted from the log file, from the MRI systems through a communication control unit. A database unit stores the data of the log file or the use-state data. An analysis unit analyzes the data of the log file or the use-state data received within a given period of time.