Medical Image Encryption and Format Conversion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in securely and efficiently converting and delivering medical image files to mobile devices and remote communication systems, particularly due to the incompatibility of DICOM files with consumer devices and the high costs and complexities of implementing Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in smaller medical practices.
Innovation Solution
A network device and peripheral device system that encrypts and converts medical image files into standardized formats, allowing secure transmission to remote servers and mobile devices, while also providing a method for automated conversion and delivery of medical images using a communication interface, data storage, and message templates to ensure compatibility with various output destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DICOM files are transmitted directly to consumer devices, then medical image data can be delivered, but the files are incompatible with consumer devices and cannot be properly displayed or accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conversion service as an intermediary component that receives DICOM files from medical imaging devices and converts them into consumer-friendly formats. This mediator handles the format translation, allowing DICOM files to be accessible on consumer devices without requiring the devices themselves to support DICOM natively. The conversion service acts as a bridge between the medical imaging ecosystem and consumer technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the conversion functionality into a separate, standalone service component rather than integrating it into every medical imaging device or consumer device. This segmentation allows the conversion logic to be developed, maintained, and updated independently, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while enabling widespread compatibility.
2Reliability
If PACS infrastructure is implemented for secure image storage and transmission, then medical images can be securely managed, but the cost and complexity become prohibitive for smaller medical practices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables medical imaging devices to perform self-service by automatically encrypting and converting their own output files. The devices incorporate built-in encryption capabilities and format conversion functions, allowing them to produce secure, consumer-friendly files without requiring external PACS infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive dedicated archiving systems while maintaining security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes medical imaging devices multi-functional by integrating into them both encryption capabilities and format conversion functionality. These devices can simultaneously perform their primary imaging function and secondary functions of security encryption and format adaptation, eliminating the need for separate PACS systems and reducing overall infrastructure complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual conversion and delivery processes are used for medical images, then patients can access their images, but the process requires significant patient effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically performing the conversion and preparation of medical images before the patient needs to access them. The system pre-converts DICOM files into various consumer-friendly formats and makes them readily available for download or transmission to patient devices. This eliminates the need for patients to manually request or wait for conversion processes during their visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to self-service their image retrieval by providing them with direct access to converted files through various channels such as email, mobile device downloads, or web portals. Patients can independently download, view, and share their medical images without requiring staff assistance, significantly reducing both patient effort and waiting time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A network device and a peripheral device for attachment with a medical imaging device provides for the encryption and conversion of a medical image into a secure and standardized image file format as well as the communication of the encrypted and/or converted image to a secure server on a remote network. The devices may monitor all medical image files generated on the medical imaging device and encrypt and convert selected medical image files for transmission to a remotely connected device on another network, such as a server or a mobile device. An encryption and conversion unit may be incorporated within the hardware and software of a medical imaging device or another network device in order to provide the capability for encrypting a medical image for transmission to a remote network and for converting the medical image to a format that is compatible with a destination device or network. Systems and methods for real-time remote interaction with medical images is provided, which allows for medical images from a medical imaging device to be shared across a common user interface to users in multiple different locations. The users may then collaborate to discuss, annotate and review the image in real-time, improving the collaboration between users and reducing the amount of time needed to make a diagnosis.