Medical Imaging Data Integration via Frame Grabber Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in accurately representing, structuring, and storing examination data from various modalities, particularly due to incorrect patient information, incorrect data sequencing, and difficulties in archiving non-DICOM formatted image data from external sources, leading to inefficiencies and risks in radiological reporting.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that directly reads and converts image information from external video sources into DICOM format, synchronizes patient data, and stores it in a shared archive, using a frame grabber and integrating different connection and image formats, thereby eliminating the need for duplicate data entry and ensuring correct sequencing and archiving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image information from external video sources is processed using separate external computers, then the imaging process can be performed, but patient information may be incorrect due to typing errors and data sequencing may be wrong
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the external video processing function into the existing x-ray computing system. The frame grabber and video processing components are integrated into the x-ray system's computer architecture, allowing both x-ray imaging and external video processing to occur within a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate external computers and ensures that patient information is entered once and shared across all imaging modalities, preventing typing errors and ensuring data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The x-ray system's computer is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes x-ray images in DICOM format and simultaneously processes external video inputs from various sources (endoscopy, ultrasound, etc.). The system universally handles different video formats (S-Video, HDMI, DVI) and converts them to DICOM format, making the computing system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate dedicated computers for each imaging modality.
2Loss of information
If image information from external sources is stored in separate archives, then the data can be preserved, but the correct sequence of image acquisition cannot be specified and access is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate archives (x-ray images and external video sources) into a single unified archive. Both DICOM format x-ray images and converted external video data are stored together in the same archive structure, allowing centralized access and management. This unified archive eliminates the need to navigate between separate storage systems and ensures that all imaging data from different modalities is readily accessible in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame grabber acts as an intermediary device that captures external video signals and converts them into DICOM format, enabling seamless integration into the existing medical imaging archive infrastructure. This intermediary conversion process allows external video data to be stored using the same archive protocols and access methods as native x-ray images, simplifying data retrieval and sequence management.
3Loss of information
If patient information is entered twice (x-ray system and external computer), then data can be captured in both systems, but typing errors occur and data consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the patient data management functions of both systems into a single centralized data entry process. The x-ray system's computer serves as the single source of truth for patient information, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry in external computers. This unified approach ensures that patient data is entered once and automatically available to all imaging modalities, preventing typing errors and maintaining data consistency across the entire imaging workflow.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different image formats (jpg, bmp, tif, avi) are used for external sources, then various video sources can be accommodated, but archiving in PACS/HIS/KIS/RIS is rarely possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter transformation by converting external video data from various formats (jpg, bmp, tif, avi) into the standardized DICOM format. The frame grabber and associated software perform real-time format conversion, changing the data parameters of external video inputs to match the DICOM standard used by medical imaging archives. This parameter transformation enables universal archiving compatibility while maintaining the ability to accept diverse video source formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame grabber serves as an intermediary conversion device that bridges the gap between external video formats and the DICOM archive system. It captures video signals from various sources in their native formats and automatically converts them to DICOM format before storage, enabling seamless integration with PACS/HIS/KIS/RIS systems without requiring changes to the external video sources or the archive infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for computer-assisted structuring of medical examination data is provided. The arrangement has a device for receiving at least one medical examination data record including at least one image data record created with a radiological imaging device, a device for receiving medical video data from external video sources, a device for converting the medical video data into a medical standard format in which a time stamp of the video data generation is stored, a device for storing the converted video data and the at least one examination data record, and a device for outputting the video data and examination data record. The video data and the at least one image data record can be arranged according to their time stamp.