Centralized Protocol Management for MRI Scanner Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing imaging protocols across multiple MRI scanners are inefficient, requiring semi-automatic harmonization, prone to errors, and lack effective storage solutions, leading to inconsistencies and potential loss of protocols due to system crashes or manual errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a node-based system to group image scanners by type, storing protocols in a centralized repository, allowing for optimized management, reproducibility, and consistency across scanners, with features like version control and virtual copies to minimize memory footprint and ensure data security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protocols are stored locally on the scanner hard disk, then storage is simple and direct, but protocols are lost irreversibly in case of system crash or accidental deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized protocol management system that creates and maintains copies of imaging protocols across multiple scanners. Instead of storing protocols solely locally on each scanner, the system synchronizes protocol data to a central server, ensuring that if one scanner loses its local copy, the protocol can be restored from the central repository or other scanners.
2Reliability
If manual backups of protocols are created at regular intervals, then data loss can be prevented, but large memory footprint and considerable restoration time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup functionality into the normal protocol synchronization process. Instead of creating separate manual backup copies that consume additional storage space, the system synchronizes protocol data to a central server as part of routine operations. This eliminates the need for separate backup storage while ensuring data protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protocol repository, a synchronization hub, and a backup storage system. By making the server universal, the system avoids duplicating storage resources for backup purposes, as the same infrastructure serves both operational and protective functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocols are transferred between scanners via manual import/export or DICOM, then protocol sharing is possible, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of protocols to the central server before they are needed for transfer between scanners. This advance preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual import/export operations, as protocols are already available in a standardized format at the destination scanner through automated synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server acts as an intermediary between scanners, mediating protocol transfers by storing protocols in a standardized format and automatically distributing them to requesting scanners. This eliminates the need for direct manual transfers between scanners and reduces errors associated with manual import/export processes.
4Extent of automation
If heuritic rules are used for protocol import, then automatic protocol transfer is enabled, but errors are introduced in the imported data
Solution Approach 1:
The system enforces homogeneity by requiring all protocols to conform to a standardized data format stored on the central server. Instead of using heuristic rules that attempt to adapt protocols from different formats, the system maintains a consistent protocol structure across all scanners, eliminating errors introduced by format conversion heuristics.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method for managing imaging protocols among a plurality of image scanners includes creating a plurality of parent node data records, each respective parent node data record corresponding to a distinct type of image scanner. A plurality of imaging protocols are stored, each imaging protocol associated with a distinct parent node data record included in the plurality of parent node data records. Next, a child node creation process is performed for each respective image scanner included in the plurality of image scanners. The child node creation process may include, for example: determining a respective image scanner type associated with a respective image scanner; identifying a respective parent node data record corresponding to the respective image scanner type; creating a child node data record associated with the respective parent node data record; identifying a respective imaging protocol associated with the respective parent node; and storing a copy of the respective imaging protocol at the respective scanner.