Dynamic Medical Data Archiving with Segmented Storage Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical data archiving systems lack configurability and efficiency, leading to unnecessary storage of data in expensive short-time storage modules and slow access to data in long-time storage modules, with limited storage capacity and time-consuming access to medical data.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for archiving medical data using a combination of short-time and long-time storage modules with fast and slow access options, where data is managed based on defined rules and parameters to determine storage duration and access, allowing for dynamic configuration and adaptive storage strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If all medical data is archived in long-time storage module for N years, then data retention is ensured, but storage capacity is wasted and access time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retentionVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The long-time storage module is segmented into two submodules: a fast-access submodule for recently archived data and a slow-access submodule for older data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data retention while reducing access time for frequently needed data and using slower, cheaper storage for less frequently accessed data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The archiving system dynamically adjusts data storage location based on access patterns and data age. Data is automatically moved between fast and slow access submodules based on configurable rules, enabling the system to adapt storage strategies to changing access requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If data is stored in short-time storage module longer than necessary, then data availability is improved, but storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidstorage cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically manages data residency in short-time storage by automatically transferring data to long-time storage based on configurable retention rules. This dynamic approach ensures data remains available when needed while reducing storage costs by moving less frequently accessed data to cheaper long-term storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes storage parameters (retention period, access speed) based on data characteristics and configurable rules. Different data types can have different retention periods and access requirements, allowing the system to optimize the balance between availability and cost for each data category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If static archiving rules are used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different data types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddata type adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The archiving system uses dynamic, configurable rules that can be adapted to different data types, modalities, and clinical scenarios. The rules engine allows flexible definition of retention periods, access priorities, and transfer criteria without requiring system reconfiguration, enabling high adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If all data is transferred to long-time storage module, then storage capacity utilization is improved, but access speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacity utilizationVSAvoidaccess speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The long-time storage module is divided into fast-access and slow-access submodules, creating a hierarchical storage structure. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high storage capacity utilization while providing fast access to recently archived or frequently needed data and accepting slower access for older data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the storage system have different access characteristics. The fast-access submodule provides high-speed access for specific data subsets, while the slow-access submodule provides cost-effective storage for other data. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to optimize both speed and capacity utilization simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7953944B2Dynamic data archiving with dynamically defined rules and dynamically defined parameter

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method and apparatus for archiving medical data in one of two or more storage modules, comprising a short time storage module with fast access and a long time storage module with slow access. The method comprises the steps of defining at least one set of rules for executing the method for archiving and defining at least one parameter for controlling the method for archiving; wherein the method depends on the at least one set of rules and/or on the at least one parameter.