Multi-PACS Domain Configuration via Facility-Level Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare management systems are limited by allowing only one Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) per domain, restricting radiologists' ability to view and analyze different medical images using various PACS, which can hinder image quality and increase costs due to the need for facilities to use a single PACS for all radiological exams, regardless of their capabilities or preferences.
Innovation Solution
Configuring PACS at the database level within a domain rather than the registry level, allowing multiple PACS to be utilized by different facilities, enabling radiologists to access and toggle between authorized PACS for specific medical image reviews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one PACS is allowed per domain, then system configuration simplicity is maintained, but radiologists' flexibility to view different medical images via different PACS is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the domain-level PACS configuration into facility-level configurations. Each facility within a domain can now have its own authorized PACS list stored in the database, rather than having a single domain-wide PACS configuration. This segmentation allows radiologists to access multiple PACS across different facilities while maintaining manageable configuration units at the facility level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single domain to support multiple PACS systems simultaneously through database-level configuration. The system becomes universal by allowing different facilities to use different PACS (such as APEX, Centricity, Impress, Vitrea) while sharing the same domain infrastructure, thus serving multiple functions and preferences within one domain.
2Adaptability or versatility
If facilities share a domain to reduce costs, then cost efficiency is improved, but the ability to use different PACS for different facilities is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to PACS configuration by introducing facility-level authorization within the domain structure. Instead of a flat domain-level configuration, the system now has a hierarchical structure where domains contain multiple facilities, and each facility has its own PACS authorizations. This dimensional change allows cost-effective domain sharing while maintaining facility-specific PACS diversity.
3Reliability
If a single PACS is used for all radiological exams, then system management is simplified, but image quality may be compromised when the PACS is not optimal for specific exam types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different PACS to be authorized for different facilities based on their specific needs and capabilities. Each facility can select PACS that are optimally suited for their particular radiological exam types and image quality requirements, rather than being forced to use a single PACS type across all facilities with potentially suboptimal results.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media are provided for utilizing multiple Picture Archiving Communication Systems (PACS) to view one more medical images by storing one or more PACS at a database within the system. Requests are received from one or more users at one or more facilities to utilize one or more PACS to view one or more medical images. After accessing the database to determine one or more PACS authorized for each facility from which a request is received, one or more users are provided with one or more PACS to view medical images associated with radiological exams and provide the necessary assessments and reports for treatment.