Medical Image Data Network Buffer Archive Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in managing medical image data in networks is the efficient transmission and storage of large volumes of data, particularly in real-time, due to increased spatial and temporal resolution, leading to transmission backlogs and inefficient data handling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a data network with buffer and archive stores, where image data are stored in a buffer store for rapid access and then transmitted to an archive store, using an index to track data locations and manage data distribution, allowing flexible access and reducing bandwidth usage by transmitting only selected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If image data are transmitted in real-time to network nodes, then display speed is improved, but network bandwidth is insufficient and transmission backlogs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments image data into multiple components: thumbnail data (low-resolution overview), full-resolution image data, and metadata. Thumbnails are transmitted first for immediate display, while full-resolution data are transmitted separately. This segmentation allows the system to provide rapid initial display without requiring complete data transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between display speed and transmission volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary transmission of thumbnail data and metadata before the complete image data are ready. This preliminary action enables the display to start showing image information immediately, while the remaining high-resolution data continue to be transmitted in the background. This resolves the contradiction by providing fast initial display without waiting for complete data transmission.
2Reliability
If complete image data are transmitted to all network nodes, then data availability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by storing different quality versions of image data at different network nodes. Archive nodes store complete high-resolution data for long-term availability, while distribution nodes store only thumbnail data and metadata for rapid local access. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring data availability through distributed storage while minimizing bandwidth consumption through selective data placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spatial dimension to data storage by distributing different data components across multiple network nodes with different roles (archive nodes vs. distribution nodes). Instead of storing complete data everywhere, the system creates a hierarchical distribution structure where thumbnails are widely distributed and full-resolution data are stored selectively, resolving the contradiction between availability and bandwidth usage.
3Speed
If thumbnail data are transmitted first for rapid display, then display speed is improved, but complete image quality cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transmission and display of thumbnail data to achieve immediate visual feedback. Meanwhile, the complete high-resolution image data continue to be transmitted in the background and are automatically replaced or supplemented once received. This resolves the contradiction by providing fast initial display without permanently sacrificing image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system dynamically transitions from showing thumbnail data to showing full-resolution data as they become available. The system adapts the display quality in real-time based on data availability, starting with low-resolution thumbnails for immediate display and progressively improving to high-resolution images, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
4Speed
If image data are stored at multiple network nodes, then data access speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal data structures and protocols that work across different node types. Both archive nodes and distribution nodes use the same thumbnail data format, metadata structure, and communication protocols. This multi-functionality allows different nodes to perform different roles while maintaining system simplicity through standardized interfaces, resolving the contradiction between distributed storage benefits and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
To increase the efficiency of the management of image data in a data network including a multiplicity of network nodes, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides for image data, having been stored at a network node provided as a buffer store, to be transmitted for archiving to a network node provided as an archive store and to be stored there, with the storage of the respective image data in the buffer store and in the archive store involving a reference to the respective network node being recorded in an index in conjunction with an explicit identifier for the respective image data. Further, in at least one embodiment, the index is used when the stored image data are subsequently loaded to ascertain the respective at least one network node at which the respective image data are stored.