DICOM File System Directory Manager Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer file systems and Picture Archiving Communications Systems (PACS) have limitations in organizing, cataloging, and searching DICOM medical imaging data, particularly in non-clinical settings, as they restrict data organization, lack support for non-DICOM files, and do not index metadata effectively, hindering flexible storage and search capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with a directory manager and search manager, implemented by a processor, allows for flexible storage and indexing of DICOM and non-DICOM files, enabling users to create subdirectories, link files, and perform searches based on metadata, supporting hierarchical organization and integration with non-DICOM files and applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional PACS is used to store and organize DICOM data, then DICOM awareness and support for hierarchical structure are improved, but the ability to organize data in arbitrary ways and store non-DICOM files is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a file system that serves multiple functions: it maintains full DICOM awareness for clinical imaging data while simultaneously supporting arbitrary directory structures and non-DICOM file types. The system acts as both a traditional PACS and a flexible file system, allowing users to organize data by any scheme (project-based, patient-based, custom hierarchies) without sacrificing DICOM protocol support or metadata integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standard file system is used to store DICOM files, then flexibility in data organization is improved, but the ability to search and interact with DICOM metadata is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized file system layer that acts as an intermediary between the standard file system and DICOM applications. This layer transparently intercepts file access operations, extracts and indexes DICOM metadata from stored files, and makes this metadata searchable without requiring applications to change their behavior. The intermediary maintains both the flexibility of standard file systems and the metadata accessibility of PACS.
3Reliability
If a traditional PACS is used for centralized storage, then shared access coordination is improved, but the ability to add arbitrary non-DICOM files is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file storage system into distinct functional layers: a standard file system layer that accepts any file type (DICOM and non-DICOM) with full organizational flexibility, and a metadata indexing layer that selectively processes DICOM files for structured search capabilities. This segmentation allows non-DICOM files to coexist with DICOM files in the same hierarchical structure without requiring encapsulation, while maintaining centralized coordination for shared access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improvement to a computer system for processing, storing and searching DICOM medical imaging objects and non-DICOM files. The improvement is the addition of a directory manager, a user interface and a search manager that allows users to define a hierarchy of directories that link to both DICOM and non-DICOM files. Contents of files are indexed, including metadata so they are searchable. The system automatically creates directories representing DICOM series and studies by analyzing metadata in DICOM image files DICOM devices can send DICOM data directly to directories in the file system using the DICOM protocol.