Remote MRI Control via External Device Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance facilities require laborious manual input via a console located away from the patient to control image acquisition settings, limiting the ability to monitor and adjust imaging processes in real-time near the patient.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing remote control of magnetic resonance facilities using an external control device with a standardized interface, enabling communication via wireless or wired links, and implementing authorization protocols to ensure secure and precise control of operations, including sequence management and parameter changes, through standardized internet protocols like REST-based HTTP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control instructions are entered via the input console of the magnetic resonance facility, then the facility can be controlled, but the console is not located in the vicinity of the patient and input is laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the operator and the magnetic resonance facility. This device communicates with the facility via a wireless interface, allowing operators to control the facility from anywhere in the room without needing to physically access the fixed input console. The mobile device acts as a mediator that transmits control instructions wirelessly to the facility's control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required at the fixed input console with wireless electronic communication. Instead of manually entering instructions through a physical console interface, operators use the mobile device to send control signals wirelessly via HTTP requests to the facility's server, eliminating the need for physical presence at the console location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized interface with wireless communication is used for remote control, then control can be exercised from any location, but security and authorization management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authorization system based on license files that can be applied across multiple external devices and users. The license file contains authorization data that works with any mobile computing device, making the authorization mechanism universal rather than device-specific. This allows the system to handle various external devices through a single, standardized authorization approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses license files as temporary, disposable authorization tokens. Each license file can be distributed to multiple users or devices and contains all necessary authorization information in a self-contained manner. Once used or expired, the license file can be discarded or replaced without affecting the core authorization system, simplifying security management.
3Productivity
If multiple external control devices are allowed to connect, then more users can control the facility, but managing user-specific authorizations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts authorization information from the central system and embeds it directly into individual license files that are distributed to external devices. Each license file contains user-specific authorization data, allowing the system to recognize and authorize multiple users independently without requiring complex centralized verification for each user. This extraction of authorization data simplifies multi-user management.
Solution Approach 2:
The authorization system operates in a self-service manner where each external device presents its license file for verification, and the system automatically grants or denies access based on the license contents. The license file itself serves as the authorization credential, eliminating the need for manual authorization management for each user. The system autonomously handles multiple users through this self-service license verification process.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance facility is operated by an external control device. The magnetic resonance facility includes an interface for communicating with the external control device and establishes a communications link between the external control device and the magnetic resonance facility via the interface, acquire an instruction from the external control device via the interface, and carries out the instruction on the magnetic resonance facility.