Nuclear Camera Software Architecture Using XML Data Formats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Proprietary image data formats in medical imaging systems limit flexibility, innovation, and clinical productivity due to incompatibility with other systems and the slow pace of standard updates, despite the use of standards like DICOM.

Innovation Solution

A nuclear camera software architecture using Extensible Markup Language (XML) for self-descriptive data formats, allowing users to modify and exchange image and control data, including study protocols, enabling easy adaptation to new technologies and user requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proprietary image data formats are used, then system compatibility and standardization are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to new technologies deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidflexibility to new technologies

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic data format system where the camera can operate with both proprietary formats and user-defined XML formats. The format selection is not fixed but can change based on user needs and technological requirements, allowing the system to adapt dynamically between standardized operation and flexible customization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data format from a fixed proprietary structure to a configurable XML-based structure. This parameter change enables the system to maintain compatibility through standardized interfaces while simultaneously allowing flexible modification of data structures to accommodate new technologies and clinical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If proprietary image data formats are used, then manufacturer control and system stability are improved, but ease of operation and user modification capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoiduser modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data format system into two independent parts: a stable proprietary format layer that ensures system reliability, and a flexible XML layer that enables user modification. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function without compromising the other

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces XML as an intermediary format that bridges the stable proprietary system and user customization needs. XML serves as a mediator that preserves system stability while enabling ease of operation through its human-readable and easily modifiable nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard formats like DICOM are used, then interoperability between different manufacturers is improved, but speed of implementation and responsiveness to new requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidimplementation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing XML format definitions and conversion capabilities in advance. Users can prepare and define their data formats before actual imaging operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming standardization negotiations when new requirements arise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the camera system universal by enabling it to output multiple formats simultaneously - both standardized DICOM for interoperability and custom XML formats for rapid implementation of new requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the time loss by allowing parallel operation of both format systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conversion routines are provided, then compatibility with standard formats is improved, but availability and success rate of conversion deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidconversion availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing conversion routines from proprietary formats to standards (the traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by enabling users to define their own conversion formats using XML. This reversal gives users direct control over conversion processes, ensuring availability and success according to their specific needs rather than relying on manufacturer-provided routines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8324576B2Nuclear camera with open and flexible software architecture

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A nuclear camera is provided with an open and flexible software architecture which enables users to readily understand, modify, and exchange data files. In a constructed embodiment the software architecture utilizes xml files which can be defined and read by a user using readily available tools and viewers. Both control data and image data can be formatted in this manner. An illustrated software architecture contains a directory of manufacturer-supplied xml control files, and a directory of user modified or created xml control files. This software architecture enables users to exchange protocol and image information over conventional communications networks such as the Internet.