DICOM Proxy for Medical Image Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DICOM image compression methods require significant alterations to existing PACS and viewer application software, leading to inefficiencies and incompatibilities, especially when transferring large medical images over low-bandwidth connections, and do not seamlessly integrate compression features within existing DICOM systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of DICOM-enabled Proxy Applications that intercept and compress image data between PACS Servers and Viewer Applications, using predictive algorithms like H.264, without altering existing software, allowing for efficient data reduction while maintaining diagnostic quality and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If DICOM images are compressed using known methods, then transmission size is reduced, but device complexity increases due to requiring compression and decompression engines in both PACS Server and Viewer Application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compression functionality from the PACS Server and Viewer Application by introducing a separate Proxy Application that handles all compression and decompression operations. This separation removes the complexity of integrating compression engines into existing DICOM-compliant systems while maintaining the benefit of reduced transmission sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The Proxy Application serves as an intermediary component between the PACS Server and Viewer Application. It intercepts image data transmissions, performs compression on the server side and decompression on the client side, thereby reducing transmission data volume without requiring modifications to the core DICOM system components.
2Productivity
If compression schemes are integrated into existing DICOM systems, then transmission efficiency is improved, but compatibility issues arise requiring extensive verification routines
Solution Approach 1:
The Proxy Application acts as a mediator that handles all compression and decompression operations externally to the DICOM system. This approach improves transmission efficiency while maintaining compatibility because the Proxy can be added to existing systems without altering their core functionality, eliminating the need for extensive verification routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the compression functionality into a separate Proxy Application rather than integrating it into the PACS Server or Viewer Application. This segmentation allows the compression scheme to be implemented independently, improving transmission efficiency while preserving the reliability and compatibility of the original DICOM system components.
3Loss of time
If compression is applied to reduce transmission time, then loss of time is reduced, but loss of information may occur affecting diagnostic quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using lossless compression algorithms that reduce transmission time while preserving all diagnostic information. The compression ratio and method can be adjusted based on the specific requirements, allowing optimization of transmission speed without sacrificing image quality or diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one or more implementations of the present principles, digital medical images may be efficiently transmitted between industry protocol compliant stations. Proxies may be employed to intercept messages and data transmitted between the stations and to enable transmission of data between the stations in compressed form. Further, the proxies may be incorporated into existing systems without altering integrated components to permit efficient and seamless implementation of one or more compression schemes.