DICOM File Router Integrating Patient Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Teleradiologists face challenges in accurately interpreting medical images due to the lack of integrated patient information within DICOM files, leading to cumbersome workarounds like faxing or scanning paperwork, and issues with data errors and format errors in DICOM communications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically receives, modifies, and routes DICOM image files using router configuration and replacement rules, integrating handwritten clinical patient information directly into DICOM image files, and correcting data errors through a rules-driven application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patient information is integrated directly into DICOM files, then the accuracy and completeness of medical image interpretation is improved, but the complexity of the DICOM file structure and data management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds patient information, clinical data, and examination details within the DICOM file structure itself, creating a nested information architecture where multiple data types are contained within a single file format. This allows the radiologist to access all necessary information (patient history, examination details, images) without leaving the DICOM viewer, thereby improving interpretation accuracy while managing complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the DICOM file format universal by enabling it to carry not only image data but also patient information, clinical notes, and examination metadata. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple separate data sources into a single file type, reducing the need for separate data management systems and improving accessibility of comprehensive patient information for accurate interpretation.
2Ease of operation
If manual methods like faxing or scanning paperwork are used to provide patient information, then the simplicity of the process is maintained, but the time required for information transfer and integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically extracting, validating, and integrating patient information into the DICOM file structure before the radiologist needs to interpret the images. The system proactively gathers necessary data from multiple sources and pre-processes it into the DICOM file, eliminating the need for manual faxing or scanning operations and significantly reducing the time required for information transfer while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the DICOM file system to automatically acquire, validate, and integrate patient information without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the complex tasks of data extraction, validation, and integration, replacing manual processes like faxing and scanning with automated protocols that continuously ensure complete and accurate patient information is available for interpretation.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive patient information is made available to teleradiologists, then the accuracy of remote image interpretation is improved, but the complexity of data transmission and system configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple data streams (image data, patient information, clinical notes, examination metadata) into a single integrated DICOM file structure. This consolidation allows teleradiologists to access comprehensive patient information through a unified interface, improving the accuracy of remote interpretation while reducing the complexity of data transmission by sending one consolidated file rather than multiple separate data streams between locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the DICOM file format as an intermediary that serves as a standardized container for both image data and patient information. This intermediary structure acts as a mediator between different systems and locations, enabling reliable transmission of comprehensive patient information to teleradiologists without requiring complex custom transmission protocols, thereby improving accuracy while managing system complexity through standardization.
4Productivity
If automated rules-driven modification of DICOM files is implemented, then the speed of data processing and information integration is improved, but the complexity of rule configuration and system management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the system to automatically modify specific parameters within the DICOM file structure based on predefined rules. The system can change data types, add fields, modify values, and reorganize information according to configuration parameters, enabling high-speed automated processing and integration of patient information while managing complexity through parameter-based control rather than complex procedural logic.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a system and method for receiving a DICOM image file from a first DICOM storage service class user, employing rules on the DICOM image file and forwarding the DICOM image file to a second DICOM storage service class user in accordance with the rules. After router configuration information, remote server configuration information, routing rules information and replacement rules information is received from a user, a DICOM image file received over a communication network from the first DICOM storage service class user in accordance with the router configuration information is modified in accordance with the replacement rules information, and the modified DICOM image file is routed to the at least one computing device in accordance with the routing rules.