Medical Communication System Multi-Modality Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical communication systems compatible with the DICOM standard are limited to using only one modality for examinations, restricting the ability to efficiently manage and transmit data from multiple image-pickup devices, such as endoscopic and ultrasonic devices, during a single examination.
Innovation Solution
A medical communication system that includes a first medical device capable of generating DICOM-format data and communicating with a DICOM server, while also utilizing a second medical device to transmit additional information using a different protocol, allowing for the generation and transmission of DICOM-format data from multiple modalities, such as endoscopic and ultrasonic images, to a DICOM server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DICOM-compatible system is used to manage medical images, then data standardization and server storage are improved, but the system is limited to only one modality per examination
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data handling process into two parts: DICOM protocol communication with the server for standardized storage, and a separate proprietary protocol for exchanging additional information between multiple medical devices. This segmentation allows each protocol to handle its specific function optimally while working together to achieve multi-modality support.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that translates and integrates data from different modalities. The first medical device receives additional information from the second medical device via a proprietary protocol, processes this information, and then transmits integrated DICOM-format data to the server, acting as a mediator between devices with different communication protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image-pickup devices are used in one examination, then comprehensive diagnostic capability is improved, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first medical device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both DICOM protocol communication and proprietary protocol data exchange. It can receive additional information from the second medical device, process this information, and generate integrated DICOM-format data for server transmission, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the data format parameter by converting additional information from the proprietary protocol into DICOM-format data. This parameter transformation allows data from multiple modalities to be standardized and stored uniformly in the DICOM server, reducing management complexity.
3Loss of information
If additional information from multiple devices is integrated, then data completeness is improved, but communication protocol compatibility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the additional information received from the second medical device and processes it into DICOM-format data. This copying and transformation approach ensures that information from multiple sources is preserved and integrated without requiring the second device to change its communication protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical communication system including a first medical device with a memory storing first additional information to be added to first information related to a subject, a DICOM server, and a second medical device storing second additional information to be added to second information. The first medical device having a processor generating DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine)-format data of the first information, a first transmitter/receiver communicating the second information and at least a portion of the second additional information between the first medical device and the second medical device via a network defined by a prescribed protocol different from the DICOM protocol. The processor generates DICOM-format data of the second information based on at least the second additional information. The second transmitter/receiver communicates generated DICOM-format data of the first information and the second information with the DICOM server via the network defined by the DICOM protocol.