Integrating User Notes into Medical Image Headers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In medical and security imaging systems, there is a need to efficiently manage and store imaging data alongside user-generated information, such as diagnostic and technical notes, which are currently recorded separately from the imaging data, making it difficult for multiple professionals to collaborate and access relevant information.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that integrates user-generated information into the image file header structure, using a software editing tool to record and correlate this information with imaging data, allowing it to be stored and transferred together with the imaging data, utilizing existing standards like DICOM for medical imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user-generated information is stored separately from imaging data, then information can be recorded, but it becomes difficult for multiple professionals to access and collaborate on the same imaging data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to imaging data and user informationVSAvoidseparation of user information from imaging data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines user-generated information and imaging data into a single integrated data structure. The file format merges the imaging data array with user information (notes, observations, diagnostic data) into one unified file that can be stored, transferred, and accessed as a complete package, eliminating the separation problem while maintaining ease of access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple professionals need to collaborate on imaging data, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but managing separate records for each professional becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmanagement of separate records
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the complexity of managing multiple separate records by merging all user-generated information from different professionals into a single integrated file structure. Each user's contributions are stored within the same file, allowing all professionals to access and collaborate on the complete set of observations and diagnostic data without managing multiple separate records.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified data structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores imaging data, accommodates multiple user-generated information sets, enables collaboration among different professionals, and maintains a complete audit trail. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate record-keeping systems for each professional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If imaging data and user information are stored together, then collaboration is enhanced, but the data structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollaboration capabilityVSAvoiddata structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the unified data structure into distinct, organized sections: imaging data array, user information records, and metadata. This segmentation allows the complex structure to be managed systematically, with each component having a specific format and purpose, thereby reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining enhanced collaboration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10043297B2Method and system for managing imaging data
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • US10043297B2 patent drawing
  • US10043297B2 patent drawing
  • US10043297B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for managing imaging data are provided. In one aspect, imaging data is stored in combination with user-generated information relating to the imaging data. In various other aspects, an image file header structure including user-generated information, a software editing tool to record user-generated information, and an imaging display tool to correlate imaging data and user-generated information are provided.