Peripheral Device Encrypting and Converting Medical Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in securely and efficiently converting and delivering medical image files to mobile devices and remote communication systems, particularly for patients and smaller medical practices lacking the infrastructure and resources for DICOM file management and secure network capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a peripheral device attached to medical imaging devices for encryption and conversion of medical images into secure, standardized formats, enabling secure communication with remote servers, and a network device acting as a router to ensure encrypted and converted images are transmitted over secure connections, even in insecure local networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DICOM files are transmitted directly to mobile devices, then image compatibility is improved, but security is worsened due to lack of encryption and standardized conversion capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion and encryption system between the DICOM imaging system and mobile devices. This intermediary component converts DICOM files to mobile-friendly formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) and applies encryption before transmission, thereby maintaining compatibility while enhancing security without requiring direct DICOM support on mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the image transmission process into distinct functional components: DICOM file retrieval, format conversion, encryption, and secure transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the conversion module handling compatibility and the encryption module ensuring security, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If secure encryption is applied to medical images, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional encryption and conversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the format conversion and encryption functions into a single integrated processing system. Instead of requiring separate complex systems for conversion and encryption, the invention combines these operations in one coordinated module that processes DICOM files, converts them to target formats, and applies encryption simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion and encryption system is designed as a universal module that can handle multiple image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) and various encryption requirements through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing device complexity while providing comprehensive security and format support.
3Ease of operation
If DICOM viewer software is provided for patients, then image accessibility is improved, but cost increases due to software licensing and infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing expensive DICOM viewer software to patients, the system creates simplified visual copies of the medical images in standard formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) that can be displayed on any mobile device. These copies retain the essential diagnostic information while eliminating the need for specialized software, thereby maintaining accessibility while significantly reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, universally compatible image formats (JPEG, PNG, GIF) as disposable intermediaries between the DICOM system and mobile devices. These formats require no special software installation and can be displayed on any smartphone or tablet, providing affordable access without the need for expensive licensing infrastructure.
4Productivity
If automatic conversion and delivery systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to automated processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the conversion and encryption process occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically retrieves DICOM files, converts them to appropriate formats, applies encryption, and transmits them to mobile devices based on pre-configured settings, thereby improving productivity while keeping the automation complexity manageable through standardized workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communicating images, comprises an imaging device configured to capture and image and generate a digital image file, the imaging device comprising a device identifier; a set of routines configured to label the digital image file, associated account information with the digital image file, associate the device identifier with the digital image file, and communicate the digital image file to a server; a server configured to receive digital image files and process the digital image file according to at least one of a label associated with the digital image file, account information associated with the digital image file, and a device identifier associated with a device that captured the digital image file.