Dynamic DICOM Measurement Mapping Without Fixed Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing DICOM protocol requires mapping files to convert between standard and local measurements, which limits interoperability between medical devices from different manufacturers, necessitating frequent updates and potential errors due to fixed mappings and inability to transfer user-defined measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that reads a structured report information object, matches standard measurements to local measurements, and generates a summary page including matched and unmatched measurements, allowing for dynamic matching and configuration of new local measurements without relying on pre-defined mapping files, using a processor and memory-based database with a user interface for editing and adding local measurement definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mapping files are used to convert between DICOM and local measurements, then measurement conversion is enabled, but interoperability between different manufacturers' devices is limited and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement template structure that can accommodate multiple measurement types and formats from different manufacturers. The template includes flexible fields for measurement name, description, type, and parameters that can be populated differently based on the source device, enabling one system to handle diverse measurement formats without manufacturer-specific mapping files
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a measurement template as an intermediary layer between DICOM measurements and local measurements. This template acts as a standardized intermediate format that receives measurements from various DICOM sources and converts them to local formats, eliminating the need for direct mapping files between each device pair
2Ease of manufacture
If mapping files are shipped with the system, then initial measurement conversion works, but any changes require time-consuming updates and re-shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic measurement template system that can be modified and updated without requiring system re-shipping. The template structure allows for adding new measurement types, modifying existing ones, and updating mapping relationships through software updates alone, making the system adaptable to changing measurement requirements over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a comprehensive measurement template structure in advance that anticipates future measurement types and formats. By pre-defining flexible template fields and structures, the system is prepared for various measurement scenarios from the beginning, reducing the need for later updates and modifications
3Reliability
If fixed mapping files are used, then standard measurements are transferred, but user-defined measurements cannot be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement transfer process into distinct components: measurement identification, template matching, and data population. This segmentation allows user-defined measurements to be identified by their properties, matched to appropriate template structures, and transferred without requiring pre-defined mapping files for each specific measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for mapping standard measurements to local measurements. The system and measurements reading a structured report information object, matching the standard measurements from the structured report information object to corresponding existing local measurements from a local measurement database and generating a summary page including the matched standard measurements and the corresponding existing local measurements and further including unmatched standard measurements that do not correspond to local measurements.