Parallel Medical X-ray Data Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiological examination workflows in medical X-ray devices are inefficient due to sequential processing of patients, leading to unproductive waiting times and inefficient use of space, as operators must complete all steps for one patient before starting on another.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a data processing system with multiple user interfaces that enable parallel processing and data input/output options for different patients simultaneously, allowing for concurrent execution of work steps across different interfaces, including the use of mobile and fixed user interfaces in control and examination rooms, while ensuring data integrity and isolation between patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential processing of patients is used, then data integrity and simplicity of operation are maintained, but productivity and patient flow rate are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the patient examination workflow into discrete, independently manageable segments or modules. Each work step (registration, positioning, imaging, post-processing, archiving) can be treated as a separate segment that can be processed independently or in parallel with other patient segments, enabling multi-patient handling without compromising data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional sequential processing model to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture. Multiple user interfaces and data processing channels operate simultaneously on different patients, effectively adding temporal and spatial dimensions to the workflow, allowing 2-3 patients to be processed concurrently.
2Productivity
If multiple user interfaces are provided for parallel processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of managing data integrity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal user interfaces that can function in multiple modes - serving both as control interfaces for current patient examinations and as preparation interfaces for subsequent patients. The same hardware interface (PC system with screen, keyboard, mouse) can be dynamically allocated to different patients and work steps, reducing the need for dedicated interfaces for each function while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized data processing system that acts as an intermediary between multiple user interfaces and the underlying imaging system. This mediator manages data integrity, coordinates parallel operations, and ensures proper isolation between patients, thereby simplifying interface management while enabling parallel processing of 2-3 patients simultaneously.
3Loss of time
If parallel processing of multiple patients is implemented, then waiting times are reduced, but data isolation and processing reliability become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary actions for subsequent patients to be performed in advance during the examination of current patients. Registration, positioning setup, and protocol selection for the next patient can be completed beforehand using the same user interface, eliminating idle waiting time while maintaining proper data isolation through the centralized processing system's patient-specific data structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical X-ray system and a method perform radiological examinations of patients. In order to allow particularly efficient operation of the medial X-ray device, a data processing system of the X-ray system processes data processing processes in parallel and has multiple user interfaces that are used to provide a data input and/or data output option for respective different data processing processes at the same time.