DE102004016578B4 - Image data processing method for medical appliance system, involves coordinating common data with one another such that respective modality remains active regardless of state of data transmission unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves storing common data for all modalities locally, and coordinating a stored data with one another such that a respective modality remains active regardless of a state of a data transmission unit (5). A message about a change in the common data is transmitted to a replication unit associated with the modality making the change. The local modality sends a change request to a master modality cyclically. - Independent claims are also included for the following: - (A) an apparatus for processing data - (B) a medical appliance system for processing data.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a device for processing of data, especially image data, e.g. B. examination image data a medical system.

The Apparatus for processing data generally comprises several so-called "modalities". Under "modality" is here a Detection unit, z. B. an X-ray unit, a computer tomograph for the collection of data, such. B. examination image data, understood that a device for processing and local, in time limited storage of data, d. H. the examination image data, includes. For an exchange of the data are several modalities via a data transmission unit, z. B. a data bus system or a communication network, for. B. the so-called image communication network according to the DICOM standard (DICOM Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. DICOM standard is an industry standard for transferring images and other medical information between computers to enable digital communication between diagnostic and therapeutic devices different Manufacturer (= modalities).

The Management and archiving of data, eg. From image data, parameters for medical Equipment, System parameters of the modalities, are mostly through the use of the respective computer system, in particular of the operating and file system of the respective modality.

there In general, the data is managed and archived using files. The use of files for the data or Parameter management has opposite a database has fundamental storage advantages, Data backup and organization by directories, which on Operating system services and interfaces based on the one through high performance and standard interfaces Mark access. they allow it largely, greatest possible platform independence reach and access well-tested and reliable mechanisms.

In branched or networked systems with multiple modalities it is necessary to provide data, in particular operating and system parameters, between several modalities or image-giving medical systems, in particular to share or distribute the data. This is usually through files on network directories realized by the the individual modalities over the Data transfer unit, z. For example, a standard network is accessed. The the standard network underlying services an uninterruptible network.

D. h., interrupting the network connection during operation and a new touchdown is not possible, as this results in that parameters are no longer determined during operation can or ongoing read operations only after long timeouts abort incorrectly. For reasons the reliability of medical devices, the risk of data loss this behavior is unacceptable. Furthermore, can thus be mobile modalities realize only limited, the common parameters can use.

From the publication DE 102 30 878 A1 For example, a network is known using a plurality of system components that can communicate and exchange data over a common data channel. However, nothing is disclosed as to how error-free operation could be ensured even in the case of unforeseen or short-term decoupling from the common data bus system.

From the publication US 5,991,760 a concept is known in which data taken from a central database and available on a decentralized operating module is to be processed there, wherein in the event of unforeseen decoupling of the operating module from the central database, a copy of the respective document to be processed is created on the operating module where it is initially processed temporarily and deposited. After such a local processing of the respective document on the operating module, the revised and updated document is then merely transmitted back to the central database (server) and stored there in the manner of a centralized archive.

Of the The invention is therefore based on the object, a method for processing data, in particular image data of a medical system, which includes several image-giving modalities, which in particular simple way for a data exchange are connected, and which ensures that all connected modalities even with short-term or temporary Tear off the data connection remain fully operational. Furthermore is a particularly suitable device for processing data and a medical device system specify.

With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention by the features of Pa The object with regard to the device is achieved by the features of independent claim 13 Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The Invention is based on the consideration, that common and all modalities representing Data, e.g. As operating parameters, system parameters, bus parameters, central all modalities to disposal should be asked. Independent of the state, the modalities should be linked Data transfer unit the respective modality self-sufficient can work. For this purpose, it is provided that in a method of processing of data of various image modalities representing all modalities Data, in particular system parameters, are stored locally and be coordinated or reconciled in such a way that the respective modality independent of State of the data transmission unit remains active.

To Preferably, one of the modalities is defined as a master modality. To deposit the common data of the master modality is expediently associated with a master storage unit. In the master storage unit are preferably as common data system parameters, user data and / or image data stored.

For one largely simultaneous comparison of all modalities Current data becomes the respective modality with a replication unit provided by which the data, for. System parameters or image data, with the master modality be synchronized. Depending on the way of data exchange and match the data synchronously or asynchronously between the modalities, especially between the master modality and the local other modalities, too Slave arrangements called, balanced.

comes it now to a local change one of the common data, in particular a system parameter, through one of the local modalities, is preferably a message about the change of common data to the replication unit associated with the modality changing. By means of the relevant replication unit, the changed Data afterwards read out and transferred to the master modality and on the master modality in the Master storage unit deposited.

For one Network comprehensive Comparison of the data of the different modalities is changed by means of the master modality Dates a change time assigned to determining time. From the respective local modality is expediently cyclically or event controlled a change request sent to the master modality being in the local modality deposited and the current common data associated time with the in the master modality deposited and the change time representing time is compared. Inequality of the two dates is the relevant modality updated by the changed ones Data will be transmitted at the latest or most recent modification time. If the data is equal, no update takes place.

Regarding the Device for processing data includes this multiple image giving modalities for collecting the data and its associated device to the local Processing and storage of data transmitted via a data transmission unit for one Data exchange are interconnected, with local deposit of all modalities representing common data of each modality a local storage unit is assigned and to compare the common data of each modality a replication unit is assigned, by means of which the respective modality is independent of State of the data transmission unit remains active. To synchronize the common data communicates the respective replication unit one of the local modalities with the Master-modality and their replication unit. In addition, the respective Modality via the data transmission unit be connected to a central image storage and image archiving unit. Also, the particular modality for centrally depositing the locally acquired image data with a central image Archive memory to be connected.

In In a preferred application, the method is used in a medical Device system used. In this case, the medical device system for processing includes Data, in particular of image data, multiple image-giving modalities to the local Acquisition of the data and one of the respective modality associated device for the local processing and storage of the data, whereby the modalities over a Data transfer unit for a data exchange connected to each other. About that addition is for a self-sufficient operation of the local modalities and local deposit of all modalities representing shared data of the respective modality associated with a local memory unit, and for matching the common data of the respective modality, a replication unit is provided on the basis of which the respective modality regardless of State of the data transmission unit remains active.

In other words, data shared across all modalities, e.g. Eg systemparam ter, are spread over a network on all participating devices or modalities using the matching method and service described above, so that they are available locally in the file system of the particular modality. The matching process operates completely independently of the other applications or systems implemented on the particular modality. As a result, the medical systems of a single modality still have secure access to local parameters without being affected by any network disturbances, but the data itself is synchronized with all other modalities or devices on the network.

The Advantages of the invention are, in particular, that the adjustment method independently and runs independently on the respective modality. In particular, that runs Alignment procedure asynchronous or synchronous and detached from others Systems of modality and is also independent of network disturbances or failures. The respective modality Thus, all data is always available locally. In addition, the matching process works with the standard of the respective operating or file system of the respective modality or target platform, making the matching process particularly easy and can be tested quickly. This is very effective and inexpensive in the development and allows a particularly simple product. To save the time of a data change (= Timestamp) simply becomes the timestamp of the file system used, with the result that modalities remain even after repeated and turn off changes can recognize without having complex and special data management operated and synchronized must become. Thus, an "offline operation" of a mobile modality is easily possible. The amended Data during of the "offline operation" are after the Restart or connect to the network in the network updated manner described above.

embodiments The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:

1 schematically a possible embodiment for a medical device system with several connected via a data transmission unit modalities, and

2 schematically the flowchart for a data comparison between the modalities.

each other corresponding parts are in all figures with the same reference numerals Mistake.

1 shows a medical device system GS of a so-called medical image communication network. The medical device system GS comprises a plurality of modalities M1 to M4 for acquiring data, e.g. From medical images. The modalities M1 to M4 are, for example, imaging devices, in particular a computer tomograph 1 for computed tomography, a magnetic resonance unit 2 , a digital subtraction angiography unit 3 and an X-ray unit 4 for digital radiography. The respective modality M1 to M4 is associated with a device V1 to V4 for local processing and storage of the data. As a device V1 to V4 is for example a computer or a workstation, by means of which the acquired data can be processed and stored locally, in particular time-limited. You can also enter patient data belonging to the data.

The modalities M1 to M4 and their respective associated device V1 to V4 are via a data transmission unit 5 connected with each other. The data transmission unit 5 forms the image communication network and is designed, for example, as a data bus system or as a network.

To the data transmission unit 5 For centralized processing and archiving of data, additional devices, eg. B. a central image storage and image archiving unit 6 , a central archive store 7 as a diagnostic console with a local image memory, and / or other workstations 8th or server 9 , which serve as a patient data server or program server, be connected.

The image and data exchange via the data transmission unit 5 takes place according to the so-called DICOM standard, an industry standard for the transmission of images and data between modalities M1 to M4, ie medical diagnostic and therapeutic devices from different manufacturers.

Furthermore, to the data transmission unit 5 a network interface 10 , z. As a modem or a radio interface, be connected, via which the data transmission unit 5 connected to a global data network, such as the Internet or World Wide Web.

In 2 schematically a flowchart for a data comparison between the modalities M1 to M4 is shown.

In this case, data common to all modalities M1 to M4 are locally stored for a data comparison. For this purpose, the respective modality M1 to M4 comprises an associated memory unit S1 to S4. Depending on the type and design of the medical The memory unit S1 to S4 may alternatively or additionally be provided on the associated device V1 to V4. In the embodiment described here, the memory unit S1 to S4 is arranged on the respective modality M1 to M4. For example, system parameters, device data, user data and / or image data are stored as common data Dg, ie common data Dg representing all modalities M1 to M4.

In this case, the common data Dg representing all modalities M1 to M4 are coordinated with one another for safe operation such that the respective modality M1 to M4 is independent of the state of the data transmission unit 5 remains active. For this purpose, the respective modality M1 to M4 is provided with a replication unit R1 to R4, on the basis of which the common data Dg, z. As system parameters or image data to be synchronized with the other modalities M1 to M4. In particular, one of the modalities M1 is defined as a master modality MM over which the alignment of the common data Dg is performed upon a data change by one of the modalities M1 to M4.

Expediently, the master modality MM for storing the common data Dg comprises a master memory unit 11 , Depending on the nature and structure of the master modality MM, the memory unit 11 (Also called master repository) may be integrated in the relevant replication unit R1 or be designed as a separate module.

in the Detail become in the matching process, the common data Dg synchronous or asynchronously between the modalities M1 to M4, in particular between the master modality MM and the other local modalities M2 to M4 (also called slave modalities), adjusted. For a local change one of the common data Dg, in particular a system parameter, through one of the local modalities M1, M2, M3 and / or M4 will be a message about the change of common data Dg to the changing modality M1 to M4 associated Transfer replication unit R1 to R4. there is, for example, from a medical subsystem T1 to Tn the respective modality M1 to M4 changed a system parameter, by in the associated local memory unit S1 to S4 overwrite the common data Dg be as indicated by the arrow P1. The changed shared data Dg are then used by the replication unit R1 to R4 are read out from the memory units S1 to S4, as shown by the arrow P2 indicated.

Subsequently, the altered common data Dg are read out by means of the relevant replication unit R2 to R4 and via the data transmission unit 5 , in particular via a secure connection, transmitted to the master modality MM. Since the modality M1 is defined as the master modality MM, the transmission of the changed common data Dg is omitted. In the case where shared data Dg changed by the other local modalities M2 to M4 are received by the replication unit R1 of the master modality MM, as well as in the case where common data Dg changed by the master modality MM itself is in the replication unit R1 are stored, the changed common data Dg in the master storage unit 11 deposited.

Furthermore is done by means of the master modality MM the changed common dates Dg a change time assigned to determining time. To balance the common Data Dg between the modalities M1 to M4 is from the respective local modality M2 to M4 cyclically sends a change request to the master modality MM, being in the local modality M2 to M4 and associated with the current common data Dg time with the in the master modality MM and representing the time of change Time is compared. Inequality of the two points in time then the modality M2 to M4 in question is updated by the changed shared data Dg with the most recent or most recent change time to this transfer become.

In other words, the matching method or the matching service consists essentially of one of the subsystems T1 to Tn and / or of the other modalities M1 to M4 system independent on each modality M1 to M4 replication component or unit R1 to R4, which with a as a master modality MM defined modality M1 with a master repository - the master storage unit 11 - Connected to synchronize the shared data Dg. The master storage unit 11 is a local file system of the master modality MM.

In general, the data matching in the image communication network of a medical device system GS with a medical application is carried out as follows:
If a modality M1 to M4 changes a parameter available in the network, it does so only locally in the file system of the local modality M1 to M4 and thus in a secure way. Subsequently, the modality M1 to M4 also notifies the associated replication unit R1 to R4 of this change via a secure and local communication path. In particular, this notification serves as an event indicator indicating that the parameter has changed has, there are no common data Dg transferred. As a result, no power losses in the medical process are available. The replication unit R1 to R4 then reads out the changed common data Dg from the file system, the memory unit S1 to S4, and attempts it via a secure and encrypted network connection of the data transmission unit 5 to the master modality MM.

is the network connection is not possible only locally noted that the change took place at which time and at a later date to be able to send. Is it a change? through the master modality MM, finds no communication the network takes place, d. h., no data transfer is required.

The master modality MM receives the changed common data Dg when a network connection is possible and carries it into the local file system of the master storage unit 11 one. The master modality MM is thus immediately available for the change. For the other modalities M2 to M4, this change is available only after a request to the master modality MM and subsequent transmission of the modified common data Dg. Furthermore, the master modality MM notes the time of the last change.

The other modalities M2 to M4 ask by means of the associated replication unit R2 to R4 in the network cyclically at the master modality MM, whether changes have taken place. In each case, they send the time of their previous demand with. The master modality MM compares this time with the time of a last received change and responds if necessary with the new common data Dg, which in turn immediately at the Demanding modality M2 to M4 entered the file system, in the memory unit S2 to S4 become. Thus, all other modalities M2 to M4 are subject to current changes Available.

alternative For this purpose, instead of a request of the respective modality M2 to M4 at the master modality MM and subsequent transmission of amended common data Dg to the requesting modalities M2 to M4 an active and real-time capable change of common data Dg be provided on all modalities M1 to M4. Especially for smaller systems with less than 30 modalities M1 to Mn in a device system GS there is an active notification of the master modality MM in Direction of the other modalities M2 to Mn. This has the advantage that the other modalities M2 bis Mn (slave modalities) do not have to wait for a cycle, but be updated immediately. this leads to to a high network traffic and high power consumption at the Master modality MM. Therefore will this solution only with smaller device systems GS applied.

Claims (18)

Method for processing data, in particular image data of a medical system, in which a plurality of image-giving modalities (M1 to M4) for acquiring the data and their associated device (V1 to V4) for locally processing and storing the data via a data transmission unit ( 5 ) are shared with each other for data exchange, wherein common data (Dg) of all modalities (M1 to M4) are stored locally and cyclically or event-controlled coordinated so that the respective modality (M1 to M4) regardless of the state of the data transmission unit ( 5 ) remains active. Method according to Claim 1, in which one of the modalities (M1) as a master modality (MM) is defined. Method according to Claim 2, in which the master modality (MM) for storing the common data (Dg) is a master memory unit ( 11 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which as common Data (Dg) system parameters, user data and / or image data are stored. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the respective modality (M1 to M4) are provided with a replication unit (R1 to R4) is based on which the common data (Dg), z. Eg system parameters or image data to be synchronized with the master modality (MM). The method of claim 5, wherein the common Data (Dg) synchronous or asynchronous between the modalities (M1 to M4), in particular between the master modality (MM) and the other modalities (M2 to M4). Method according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein in a local change one of the common data (Dg), in particular a system parameter, through one of the local modalities (M1 to M4) a message about the change the common data (Dg) to the modifying modality (M1 to M4) Replication unit (R1 to R4) transferred becomes. Method according to Claim 7, in which the modified common data (Dg) are read out by means of the relevant replication unit (R1 to R4) and to the master modality (MM). Method according to Claim 8, in which the modified common data (Dg) in the master memory unit (M) is stored in the master memory unit (MM) by means of the master modality (MM). 11 ) are deposited. Method according to claim 9, wherein by means of the master modality (MM) the amended common dates (Dg) a change time is assigned to determining time. The method of claim 10, wherein each of local modality (M2 to M4) cyclically a change request to the master modality (MM) is transmitted, whereby in the local modality (M2 to M4) and the current common data (Dg) associated time with the in the master modality (MM) and the change time representing Time is compared. The method of claim 11, wherein if equal the two modalities updated (M2 to M4) is changed by the changed transmitted common data (Dg) become. Device for processing data, in particular image data of a medical system, in which a plurality of image-giving modalities (M1 to M4) for acquiring the data and their associated device (V1 to V4) for locally processing and storing the data via a data transmission unit ( 5 ) are interconnected for data exchange, wherein for local storage of all modalities (M1 to M4) representing common data (Dg) of the respective modality (M1 to M4) is associated with a local memory unit (S1 to S4) and for cyclic or event-driven adjustment the common data (Dg) of the respective modality (M1 to M4) is assigned a replication unit (R1 to R4) on the basis of which the respective modality (M1 to M4) is independent of the state of the data transmission unit ( 5 ) remains active. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein one of the local modalities (M1) as Master Modality (MM) is defined. Device according to Claim 14, in which the master modality (MM) is a master memory unit ( 11 ) to deposit the common data (Dg). Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which the respective replication unit (R1 to R4) of one of the local modalities (M1 to M4) to compare the common data (Dg) with the master modality (MM) and whose replication unit (R1) communicates. Device according to one of Claims 13 to 16, in which the respective modality (M1 to M4) is transmitted via the data transmission unit ( 5 ) with a central image storage and image archiving unit ( 6 ) connected is. Device according to one of Claims 13 to 17, in which the respective modality (M1 to M4) is transmitted via the data transmission unit ( 5 ) with a central archive memory ( 7 ) connected is.