Distributed PACS using distributed file system with hierarchical meta data servers

Abstract

In this research, we propose a new distributed PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) which is available to integrate several PACSs that exist in each medical institution. The conventional PACS controls DICOM file into one data-base. On the other hand, in the proposed system, DICOM file is separated into meta data and image data and those are stored individually. Using this mechanism, since file is not always accessed the entire data, some operations such as finding files, changing titles, and so on can be performed in high-speed. At the same time, as distributed file system is utilized, accessing image files can also achieve high-speed access and high fault tolerant. The introduced system has a more significant point. That is the simplicity to integrate several PACSs. In the proposed system, only the meta data servers are integrated and integrated system can be constructed. This system also has the scalability of file access with along to the number of file numbers and file sizes. On the other hand, because meta-data server is integrated, the meta data server is the weakness of this system. To solve this defect, hieratical meta data servers are introduced. Because of this mechanism, not only fault--tolerant ability is increased but scalability of file access is also increased. To discuss the proposed system, the prototype system using Gfarm was implemented. For evaluating the implemented system, file search operating time of Gfarm and NFS were compared.

SmartWADO: an Extensible WADO Middleware for Regional Medical Image Sharing

“…Medical imaging technology has become the primary method of diagnosis [1]. Due to the large size and increasing information of medical images, storing and sharing the information are becoming increasingly important [1][2][3]. Cloud-based picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are efficient for archiving medical images, allowing Web clients to access images and reports from anywhere, over wireless networks, regardless of the platform used for access [4].…”

CloudDICOM: A Large-Scale Online Storage and Sharing System for DICOM Images

“…DICOM is a typical medical image standard and a network communications protocol for use with medical image diagnosis equipment, such as MRI and CT defined by the ACR (American College of Radiology) and NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) [4]. This standard has been developed with an emphasis on diagnostic medical imaging as practiced in radiology, cardiology and related disciplines, however, it is also applicable to a wide range of image and non-image related information exchanged in clinical and other medical environments [5].…”