Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6282513?dq=5,742,768
Timestamp: 2015-04-28 19:19:48
Document Index: 426053011

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90']

Patent US6282513 - Quality assurance method for a machine and an operator - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe present invention employs a unique method that allows a user to create at least one standard pattern about how a particular type of x-ray examination of a body part of a patient is routinely performed, then monitors the machine when a operator uses it to perform this same type of examination. The...http://www.google.com/patents/US6282513?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6282513 - Quality assurance method for a machine and an operatorAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6282513 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/220,064Publication dateAug 28, 2001Filing dateDec 23, 1998Priority dateOct 6, 1995Fee statusLapsedAlso published asUS7945450, US20020010395Publication number09220064, 220064, US 6282513 B1, US 6282513B1, US-B1-6282513, US6282513 B1, US6282513B1InventorsGlenn G. StrawderOriginal AssigneeGlenn G. StrawderExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (17), Non-Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (25), Classifications (13), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetQuality assurance method for a machine and an operator
The preferred form of the invention enables an x-ray technologist to use x-rays as part of the examination of a patient. FIG. 1 shows a basic form of the present invention with an x-ray machine or tube 10, a collimator 20 and a computer 60. The following is a description of a manager operating a computer 60 unit and creating a standard protocol program that is capable of producing data that helps evaluate the skill levels of an operator during the actual performance of a particular type of x-ray examination. This example includes a sample of the type of data that is needed to create this particular type of standard protocol as well as a method or steps that a manager may take when creating this particular type of protocol with the present invention. First, a manager turns computer 60 on by depressing an �on� button switch. Next, the manager may view on the display screen 50 a menu which lists various available options. One option would be to call up a standard protocol programed by the manufacturer used to produced data that helps evaluate the skill levels of an operator during the actual performance of a particular examination and another option would be for the hospital to create its own standard protocol program about the same examination. The manager may input data via keyboard 64 or by touching a soft key (not illustrated) located on display screen 50. He or she selects the option labeled �create a standard protocol� from the list. The manager then enters in computer 60 the name of the type of examination or body part 90 that this particular standard protocol is going to be created or built for. The type of body part 90 I will use in this example is of the lower back region of a person called, �a Lumbar spine examination or series�. In general, the abdominal cavity is generally more circular than oval in shape (if you take a cross-section of the cavity) in most people. The lumbar spine vertebrae are one of many different body parts that are located in the abdominal cavity. The lumbar spine vertebrae are not located in the center of the abdominal cavity. The lumbar vertebrae are located in the center portion of the back wall area of this cavity. And when a person is lying down flat on his back, the posterior aspect of a lumbar spine vertebrae (called,�the spinous process�) is probably touching or pressing up against the surface that the person is resting on.
When rotating the abdominal cavity for each of the positions required in the series, the thickness of the body part will change considerably as the body is turned for each particular view. The amount of radiation (or strength of the x-ray beam needs) will differ for at least four (4) of the five (5) positions due to the different organs or structures, fluids and various other densities found in the pathway of the x-rays for each position. This means that the examination requires four (4) of the five (5) positions to have a different x-ray exposure settings (providing the x-ray tube is kept at the same fixed distance for each position). The manager may then enter in computer 60 the standard amount of time it should take the operator to perform this examination. In this example the standard amount of time it take to complete this examination will be 20 minutes. The manager also enters in the computer 60 the standard number of the different positions in which body part 90 is placed (and is x-rayed) in order to complete the standard protocol of the examination. In this example it takes five (5) different body part positions to complete the series. This means that a minimum number of five (5) x-ray exposures must be delivered by x-ray tube and machine 10 to the body part 90 to produce the five (5) different x-ray pictures of this examination. The manager then enters in computer 60 the name of each of the different positions of body part 90 in the examination as well as the standard order or sequence in which each of the positions are x-rayed. Universally, the first of the five (5) positions normally performed in the examination is called, �the AP or frontal view�. In general, AP stands for anterior-posterior and means that the plane or angle of body part 90 faces the x-ray tube 10.
Assuming that the data entered by the technologist showed that a particular type of contrast agent called, �Conray� was used in the examination of body part 90. Computer 60 would add to the standard cost of the examination the fee for the contrast agent added to the examination. Therefore the cost of the contrast agent should be charged to the patient's bill.
2. In this example computer 60 may analyze the exposure data of the examination and conclude that the extra exposure in the series was due to the patient breathing during the exposure which is called �a motion error� in Radiology. The technologist enters into keyboard 64 before the examination starts, the name of the patient and the type of examination (lumbar spine) to be performed. The technologist enters into keyboard 64 the time the examination is started. The technologist positions the patient body part 90 for the first view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the first view which is the AP view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter of the input to the x-ray machines to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or second exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the second view which is the right oblique view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter of said input to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or third exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the third view which is the left oblique view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist uses the same parameter setting for the left oblique view that was used for the prior right oblique view for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or fourth exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the fourth view which is the lateral view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or fifth view and exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the view for the fifth view which is the spot view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist enters in computer 60 any contrast agents used in the examination such as one called, �Conray contrast agent� used to visualize the vascular system of body part 90. Computer 60 would add the cost of the contrast agent based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist goes and develops the series of x-rays. The technologist notices on the developed picture that the patient breathed on the lateral or fourth view in the series and must retake this particular view or picture. The technologist returns to the room and repositions body part 90 correctly for the retake of the lateral view. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of view this sixth exposure is being delivered for which is the lateral view again. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used again. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist this time changes two of the parameters levels for the exposure. This change in parameters shortens or reduces the time of the exposure to help eliminate the possibility of the patients breathing habits causing a problem this time. The technologist presses a button to signal the computer when the examination is completed. The technologist may input in computer 60 the time the examination ends. The computer looks that time up in the memory and then multiples the excess time, over the standard amount, by the hourly rate of the technologist. The standard number of exposure (views or positions of the body part 90) to complete the examination of the lumbar spine in the above example is five (5). Computer 60 results may show that the extra (sixth) exposure, added to the examination, was due to involuntary movement of body part 90. Let's say that computer 60 finds that there are two lateral positions labeled in the series. And that although each of the positions have an exposure that will produce similar contrast and detail of the body part 90 being x-rayed one of them has a much shorter exposure time period setting then the other. Computer 60 may further find that the electrical current in milliamperes (MA), flowing to the x-ray tube 10 for the second exposure setting is much larger than the Ma. parameter control dial station for the first (original) setting and that the duration of the time of the exposure for the second setting is reduced substantially compared to the time frame of the first setting. Computer 60 may conclude that the increased or higher Ma. station used for the second exposure setting is done to shorten the time duration for the second exposure setting to eliminate the possibility of demonstrating patient motion during this repeat or retake picture. Computer 60 may further conclude that the motion error was involuntary and that the operator made technical changes to correct the movement problem. Computer 60 may conclude that the added expenses to the examination can not be charged to the patient's bill and that the hospital must absorb this added expense in performing the examination. However, the cost of the contrast media used in the examination will be added to the patient's bill. It is important to know that a technologist may choose to change and/or exchange various parameter levels to eliminate the possibility of a motion error occurring and many other problems. Therefore, computer 60 may review and analyze a parameter being changed in many different ways.
3. In this example computer 60 may analyze the exposure data of the exam and conclude that the extra exposure was due to the fact that the physician in charge of the matter needed an additional view (or picture) of a particular area to help diagnosis the case. The technologist enters into keyboard 64 before the examination starts, the name of the patient and the type of body part 90 (lumbar spine examination) to be performed. The technologist may manually enter via keyboard the start time of the examination or this may be done electronically by computer 60. The technologist positions the patient body part 90 for the first view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the first view which is the AP view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or second exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the second view which is the right oblique view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or third exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the third view which is the left oblique view in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist uses the same parameter setting for the left oblique view that was used for the prior right oblique view for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or fourth exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the fourth view which is the lateral view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist returns to the room, repositions body part 90 for the next or fifth view and exposure in the series. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of the view for the fifth view which is the spot view. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist sets each parameter of the input of the x-ray machine 10 to its correct level for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist enters in computer 60 any drugs used to help him complete the examination such as the drug �Versed� which is used to sedate the patient. Computer 60 would add the cost of the drug �Versed� based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist goes and develops the series of x-ray pictures. The technologist may show the developed pictures to the physician who asked the technologist to take one more x-ray of a particular area at a certain rotation. The technologist returns to the room and repositions body part 90 for the extra or additional view. The technologist enters in computer 60 the name of this sixth view or exposure which is called, �extra view�. The technologist enters in computer 60 a number for the size for the film to be used for the extra view. Computer 60 will include the cost of the film size based on the standard information in its ROM. The technologist set the parameters to there correct levels for the exposure and takes the x-ray. The technologist presses a button to signal the computer 60 when the examination is completed. The technologist inputs in computer 60 the time the examination ends. The computer 60 looks that time up in the memory and then multiples the time, over the standard amount, by the hourly rate of the technologist. The standard number of exposure (positions) to complete the examination of the lumbar spine series in the above example is five (5). Computer 60 may conclude that the extra picture and drugs was needed to help further interpret the case and the patient should be billed for all added expenses to the examination.
A modified form of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. This form of the invention has a second unit called, �central computer 80� (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). Some x-ray departments in this country only have one single x-ray machine 10 in the entire department while other departments have several x-ray machines 10. In FIG. 2, computer 80 may network the exposure data as well as a standard protocol for a particular examination from one or more computer 60 units. A Digital network system 84 may be used to link all computers 60 unit to the computer 80. Computer 80 is not attached or connected to an x-ray machine or x-ray tube 10. Therefore, computer 80 does not or can not monitor x-ray tube 10 or the operator during the actual performance of an examination. That is to say, computer 80 does not create exposure data for the performance of an examination. Computer 80 can receive data from only one or more computers 60. Computer 80 is used by a manager who has more than one x-ray machine 10 in the department, and each of the machines 10 must have a separate computer 60 unit monitoring it. The basic idea behind computer 80 is to have a computer that will process data from more then one computer 60 unit in a department and perform new and different assumptions or calculations on the data from these units to produce new and different results than those normally produced by a single computer 60 unit. Computer 80 will show all the data, etc. for the entire department and not just the result of a single computer 60. The keyboard 64 of computer 80 allows a manager to create a new type of standard protocol program that differs from all standard protocols found in computer 60. A new standard protocol created for computer 80 may perform assumptions and/or calculations using the data from more then one computer 60 unit. For example, computer 80 will show the total number of examinations performed by each technologist per day, the total number of each type of examination performed in the entire department per shift, day week, etc., the cost to perform all examinations in the entire department per day, week, etc., the total amount of revenue and expenses produced by a particular type of examination performed on every machine in the entire department per day, week, etc. The type of results (findings) produced by computer 80 on the data that is either downloaded or networked from more than one computer 60 unit will depend directly on the type of data used to create a new standard protocol for computer 80. Remember, a computer 60 unit can only produce results about the single x-ray machine 10 is connected to and/or the operator who uses this same particular x-ray machine 10. However, computer 80 can produce these results about one or more x-ray machines 10 and the operators who uses them. All data from computer 80 can be shown on computer display 50.
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