Radiology Workflow Coordination via Pre-processing Protocols

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging data processing systems face inefficiencies in pre-processing and coordination activities, leading to incomplete or incorrect data, which can delay or complicate radiological evaluations, and lack standardized image presentation across different modalities and locations.

Innovation Solution

A system configuration that includes an imaging order processing system, image review system, and data pre-processing and coordination system, which performs pre-processing activities such as error correction, image adjustments, and metadata addition to ensure accurate and standardized image presentation, enabling efficient assignment and evaluation of medical imaging data across geographically separated locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-processing and coordination activities are performed manually without standardized protocols, then flexibility in handling diverse imaging data is maintained, but data quality and completeness deteriorate leading to delays in radiological evaluations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidprocessing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pre-processing and coordination activities before the radiological evaluation step. A coordinator component automatically executes preparation protocols on imaging data, including error correction, metadata addition, and image adjustments, so that the data is ready for evaluation without manual intervention delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging data processing system includes automated components that self-manage the pre-processing workflow. The coordinator automatically detects data issues, applies corrections, and coordinates with imaging systems without requiring manual oversight, enabling the system to service itself through standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual pre-processing and coordination activities are used, then adaptability to specific cases is maintained, but processing time increases causing delays in radiological evaluations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidevaluation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system executes preparation protocols on imaging data before evaluation is needed. The coordinator performs error correction, metadata addition, and image adjustments in advance, so that when radiologists need to evaluate cases, the data is already prepared and ready, eliminating processing delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinator operates continuously to manage imaging data workflows, automatically detecting when new data arrives and immediately applying preparation protocols without interruption. This continuous automated processing eliminates idle time and keeps the evaluation pipeline flowing without delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If different imaging modalities are presented without standardized protocols, then modality-specific characteristics are preserved, but consistency and comparability across locations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage presentation standardizationVSAvoidmodality adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The preparation protocols apply modality-specific processing rules tailored to each imaging type (CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.). The coordinator detects the imaging modality and applies appropriate standardized adjustments for that specific type, ensuring each modality maintains its characteristics while conforming to overall presentation standards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coordinator system provides a universal platform that handles multiple imaging modalities through a single standardized interface. It applies different preparation protocols based on modality type but delivers consistent output formatting and presentation standards across all locations and modalities, enabling comparability while preserving modality-specific qualities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9519753B1Radiology workflow coordination techniques

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 VIRTUAL RADIOLOGIC CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for coordinating a medical imaging workflow with the use of preparation and coordination actions, and similar pre-processing protocols are disclosed herein. Imaging procedure data from a medical imaging study, such as image data and order data produced from imaging procedures (e.g., radiological imaging procedures) at medical facilities is processed and presented for review to a preparing user. The preparing user is offered the ability to change the display characteristics of image presentation, supplement erroneous or incomplete data and information of the study, open a support request for the study, or associate prior or comparison images with the study. The changes provided by the preparing user within these or other portions of a preparation protocol may be used to affect a subsequent display of the medical imaging study, and in some examples, to affect the assignment of the study in the workflow to particular imaging users.