Superimposed Wizard Interface for Medical Imaging Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PET apparatuses require operators to set extensive information just before inspections, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes due to complex screen transitions and miniaturized display regions, complicating the operation and increasing the likelihood of erroneous inputs during parallel image generation for multiple subjects.
Innovation Solution
A medical image diagnostic apparatus with a display unit showing multiple setting screens in a superimposed manner, allowing operators to switch between them seamlessly while maintaining input information, and utilizing wizard screens for sequential information input, simplifying the operation and reducing errors by maintaining a clear and organized interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple setting screens are displayed side by side to enable parallel processing of multiple subjects, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to miniaturized display regions and complicated screen transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side display arrangement to a three-dimensional superimposed layer structure. Multiple setting screens are stacked in layers with transparent or translucent properties, allowing operators to switch between subjects by changing the active layer rather than managing multiple miniaturized screens. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by maintaining full screen visibility while enabling parallel processing context.
2Ease of operation
If setting screens are displayed in a superimposed manner to maintain visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the layered display structure
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is designed with multi-functional capability to serve both as a traditional single-screen interface and as a layered superimposed display system. The same display hardware can present screens sequentially or simultaneously in layers, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for additional specialized display components while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If wizard screens are used for sequential information input, then ease of operation is improved through guided input, but productivity decreases due to sequential rather than parallel processing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wizard screens for different subjects are prepared and loaded in advance into the layered display structure. While one wizard sequence is actively being completed, other wizard screens remain pre-configured and visible in superimposed layers. This allows operators to perform preliminary setup for multiple subjects simultaneously, then complete the actual data entry sequentially without losing context or requiring reconfiguration, thus maintaining ease of guided input while improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The medical image diagnostic apparatus is configured to generate a medical image based on data collected from a subject when an operator sequentially performs a plurality of steps. A display unit has a display screen. An operation unit receives an operation of an operator on the display screen. A control unit controls the display unit based on the operation received by the operation unit. The display unit displays a plurality of setting screens respectively corresponding to the plurality of steps on a display screen in a superimposed manner. The control unit is configured to switch the setting screen of the uppermost layer between the plurality of setting screens based on the operation received by the operation unit. The display unit further displays, in each of the plurality of setting screens, a plurality of wizard screens for sequentially inputting a plurality of pieces of information in a wizard format.