Medical Imaging Data Replication for Network Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical systems with multiple imaging modalities, existing data management and archiving methods are prone to network failures, leading to data loss and inability to operate autonomously, especially in mobile setups where continuous network connectivity is not guaranteed.
Innovation Solution
A method where common data, such as system parameters, are stored locally and synchronized using a replication unit, with one modality designated as a master to ensure all modalities remain active regardless of network state, allowing for asynchronous or synchronous data alignment and secure local access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data are stored and managed centrally using network directories and standard network services, then data interchange between modalities is enabled, but network interruptions cause data loss and terminate read operations incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized data management system into distributed local copies. Each modality maintains its own local directory structure and data files, segmenting the previously centralized data storage and management function across multiple independent nodes in the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of data and parameters to local storage before network interruptions occur. Each modality pre-loads and stores necessary data, parameters, and configuration information locally, ensuring that operations can continue without network connectivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If network connection is interrupted and re-established, then mobile modalities can be reconnected, but parameters can no longer be ascertained and read operations are terminated incorrectly after long time overruns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each modality continuously monitors the availability and consistency of locally stored parameters and data. When parameters are updated or changed, the system generates notifications that are propagated to relevant modalities, allowing them to update their local copies without requiring active network polling or reconnection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary updates and synchronizations of parameters before mobile modalities disconnect. Change logs and update markers are prepared in advance, enabling modalities to quickly apply updates upon reconnection without lengthy parameter re-ascertainment processes
3Reliability
If data are stored locally in each modality, then autonomous operation is enabled, but data consistency and synchronization between modalities become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into distinct categories (patient data, examination data, parameters, configuration information) and implements separate synchronization mechanisms for each type. This segmentation allows each data category to be managed and synchronized independently, reducing the overall complexity of maintaining consistency across distributed modalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary synchronization layer that manages data consistency between local copies. This intermediary mechanism coordinates updates, resolves conflicts, and ensures that parameter changes are propagated consistently across all modalities without requiring complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing data is proposed, particularly image data in a medical system, in which a plurality of imaging modalities for capturing the data and their associated apparatus for locally processing and storing the data are connected to one another via a data transmission unit for the purpose of data interchange. Common data for all modalities are respectively stored locally and are coordinated with one another such that the respective modality remains active regardless of the state of the data transmission unit.