Cloud Image Data Access Method Using Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The DICOM protocol is not optimized for cloud interactions, leading to significant communication burdens when retrieving and displaying large medical image data sequences from the cloud, particularly due to the lack of data format optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method where a device checks the data format of image data stored in the cloud, converts it if necessary, and modifies the access path to reduce data transfer by using a more compact format like JPEG, allowing for efficient retrieval and storage in the cloud, while ensuring original data integrity is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data are stored and transmitted in the original DICOM format, then data integrity and completeness are maintained, but communication burden and data transfer time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into two formats: the original DICOM format stored in the cloud for integrity, and a converted compact format (e.g., JPEG) transmitted to the device for efficient display. This segmentation allows simultaneous maintenance of data integrity and reduction of transfer time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the image data in a converted compact format while retaining the original DICOM format in the cloud. The converted copy is transmitted to the device for display, reducing communication burden while the original remains intact for potential future access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DICOM protocol is used for cloud interaction, then compatibility with medical imaging systems is maintained, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to lack of optimization for cloud storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process that translates between DICOM format (for system compatibility) and compact formats (for cloud efficiency). The access server acts as a mediator, converting data upon request while maintaining compatibility with both DICOM systems and cloud storage optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data format parameter from DICOM to compact formats (e.g., JPEG) during cloud transmission and storage operations. This parameter change optimizes communication efficiency while the system maintains the ability to convert back to DICOM format when needed for medical imaging compatibility.
3Loss of information
If entire sequences of image data are retrieved from the cloud, then complete diagnostic information is available, but communication connection burden increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of image data to compact formats and stores them in the cloud before retrieval. When sequences are accessed, the converted data is already available in an efficient format, reducing the communication burden of retrieving entire sequences while maintaining complete diagnostic information.
Data Source
AI summary
A device transmits a request to access image data stored in a cloud and then receives an access path to the image data. If the image data are in a first data format, the device reads the image data via the access path, converts them into the second data format, and stores the converted image data in the cloud. It also modifies the access path according to a modification rule and stores the modified access path in the cloud. If the image data are in the second data format, the device either always reads the image data in the second data format via the access path or checks whether a special instruction has been defined. On the basis of the special instruction, the device either reads the image data in the second data format via the access path or remodifies the access path using the modification rule.