WO2005119443A2

WO2005119443A2 - System and method of a converting medical imaging movie format data to dicom compatible images

Info

Publication number: WO2005119443A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/019449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Landon C. G. Miller; Adesesha B. Reddy; John O. Newcomb; Adam Pierce
Original assignee: Endofusion, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-06-02
Filing date: 2005-06-02
Publication date: 2005-12-15
Also published as: WO2005119443A3

Abstract

A system and method for converting movie frames obtained by a medical imaging device during a medical procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format is provided. The system and method includes acquiring dynamic imaging data during a medical procedure on the patient using the medical imaging device and saving the imaging data as a movie file in a movie file format on a local computer workstation in communication with the medical imaging device. The system and method also includes selecting a frame from the movie file and creating a text data file containing a marker corresponding to the selected frame and identifying the selected frame using the corresponding marker in the text file using a central computer system. The system and method still also includes converting the identified frame from a movie format to a DICOM image record in a DICOM compatible format, adding information to the DICOM image record and merging the DICOM image record into a DICOM series file. The system and method further includes selecting the DICOM series file for review on a PACS system in communication with the central computer system via the communications network.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF A CONVERTING MEDICAL IMAGING MOVIE FORMAT DATA TO DICOM COMPATIBLE IMAGES

RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/576,213 filed June 2, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a method and system for medical information transfer, and more specifically to a system and method of converting a dynamic medical imaging movie file into a DICOM format that is compatible with a standard PACS system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various imaging modalities are utilized for studying the internal organs of a patient. These devices obtain images of the selected organ, and the images are presented in a variety of image formats. A guideline was necessary in order to accommodate the different image formats utilized by various radiological imaging modalities. In particular, the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard was established, and defines guidelines for communication of digital image information between medical imaging equipment and other systems, irrespective of the manufacture of a particular piece of equipment. Concurrent advances in information technology precipitated the development of another communication system useful in linking and viewing medical information from different sources, referred to as a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The

PACS system is a web-based system that receives data from various sources, such as a hospital information system, and integrates the data for local accessibility. The information, which may be in the DICOM format, is transferred via the Internet. The PACS system primarily utilizes a general picture format, such as jpeg, gif or tiff, in order to view the information. Various radiological imaging modalities generate movies capable of producing images in a movie format. This format is composed of many single frames, and illustrates a dynamic motion of the organ under study. An example of an imaging study includes a dynamic cardiac study of the beating heart, or a wireless endoscopy of the digestive system, or the like. The resulting movie is composed of many individual frames. It should be appreciated that when the individual frames are viewed at a predetermined speed, such as 24 frames per second, they appear to be a "movie". A particular real-time study may include a large number of frames; however, only a few selections of these many frames typically contain any remarkable or images of interest. The movie data is stored in a generally recognized movie format, such as .avi or .wav. Movie generated information is extremely relevant for diagnostic purposes due to its dynamic nature. However, this type of information is not utilized extensively in the medical community for several reasons. The movie file is time consuming to review. Also, the medical community at large has converted to DICOM compatible PACS systems. PACS systems use individual images as their basic data unit, and the movie format is not a PACS compatible format. Thus, there exists a need for a method and system which converts selected movie file frames to DICOM appropriate files for storing and then viewing via standard PACS systems for medical purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and system for converting a movie obtained during a medical imaging procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format is provided. The system includes a medical imaging device for obtaining dynamic images of the patient. The system also includes a local computer system in communication with the medical imaging device that processes the dynamic medical images from the medical imaging device and saves the dynamic medical images in a movie file format. The system still also includes a central computer system in communication with the local computer system via a communication network, and the central computer system includes a processor, a memory, a data storage device, a display means, and an input/output means. The central computer system has an associated software program that converts the dynamic medical images into a DICOM compatible format. The system further includes a PACS system for viewing the DICOM series file that is in communication with the central computer system via the communications network The method for converting movie frames obtained by a medical imaging device during a medical procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format includes the steps of acquiring dynamic imaging data during a medical procedure on the patient using the medical imaging device and saving the imaging data as a movie file in a movie file format on a local computer workstation in communication with the medical imaging device. The method also includes the steps of selecting a frame from the movie file and creating a text data file containing a marker corresponding to the selected frame, and identifying the selected frame using the corresponding marker in the text file. The method further includes the steps of converting the identified frame from a movie format to a DICOM image record in a DICOM compatible format, adding information to the DICOM image record and merging the DICOM image record into a DICOM series file. The DICOM series file is reviewable on a PACS system in communication with the central computer system via the communications network. One advantage of the present invention is that a system and method of converting movie files to a DICOM compatible format for use with a PACS system is provided. Another advantage of the present invention is that a system and method is provided that enhances compatibility between radiological medicine modalities and PACS systems. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a system and method is provided that permits the user to convert preselected individual frames which contain the images needed for further evaluation into the standard single image files used by DICOM compliant PACS systems. A further advantage of the present invention is that a system and method is provided that facilitates the transfer of these images as a DICOM series to the PACS system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a system for converting movie files to a format compatible with a PACS system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for converting a movie file to a format compatible with a PACS system, using the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a computer screen presented using the methodology of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the file format obtained using the methodology of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a selected image from a movie file obtained using the methodology of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for converting movie frames obtained during a medical procedure to a DICOM compatible format is illustrated. It should be appreciated that in this example the DICOM compatible format is jpg2000. The system 10 is utilized for medical diagnostics and evaluation of a patient 12 using medical image data. The system 10 includes a medical imaging device 14 well suited to obtain information regarding a patient 12, and in particular dynamic information. Various types of imaging devices are contemplated, such as the endoscope of this example. The endoscope operatively obtains and transmits dynamic visual information in real time. Preferably, the dynamic information data is saved in a movie file format, such as .wav or .avi or the like. In general, a movie file has many frames, which when displayed at a predetermined rate, such as 24 frames per second, appears to be a continuous, dynamic "movie". A movie generated during a medical imaging procedure may be lengthy, such as over 30 minutes, yet many of the frames may contain unremarkable images. It is foreseeable that only a minimal number of images will be of interest for further in-depth analysis. It is appreciated that a dynamic imaging study is distinguishable from a static imaging study. In a static imaging study, data is obtained as slices that are assimilated together into a sequential display. An example of a static imaging study is a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), or ultrasound the like. The multiple static images obtained using these devices are ordered and presented as a movie loop using a cine format. The medical imaging device 14 is operatively in communication with a local computer workstation 16 via a communications network (to be described). The local computer workstation 16 is conventionally known and includes a processor 16a, a memory associated with the processor, a display means 16b, and an input/output interface means 16c. The local computer workstation 16 may be a standalone device, or it may be interconnected with other workstations through a network. The local computer workstation 16 operatively collects the image data obtained by the medical imaging device 14, for analysis in a manner to be described. The local computer workstation 16 is in communication with a medical provider computer system 18 via the communications network, in order to transfer information. The medical provider may be a hospital, clinic or the like. The medical provider computer system 18 is conventionally known and includes a processor, a memory associated with the processor such as a server, a data storage device, a display means, and an input/output interface means. It should be appreciated that various other peripheral devices may be connected to the medical provider computer system, such as another data storage device 20, or a printer. An example of a medical provider computer system is a Hospital Information System (HIS), which maintains records pertaining to patients that have utilized the services of the particular hospital, as shown in FIG. 3 at 72. These records are preferably stored on a data storage device 20 associated with the system. Another example of a medical provider computer system is a Radiologic Information System (RIS). The system 10 includes a communications network 22 that provides for information transfer. The communications network 22 may include various connection means, such as wired or a wireless or the like. An example of a LAN/WAN communications network is an intranet or internet 24. The communications network 22 may be linked to other communication devices, such as facsimile, or telephone, pagers or cellular phones or the like. The system 10 also includes a central computer system 26. In this example the central computer system 26 is a server, and includes a processor, a memory associated with the processor, a data storage device, a display means, and an input/output interface means. It should be appreciated that various other peripheral devices may be connected to the central computer system 26, such as another data storage device 28, or a printer. Associated with the central computer system is a software program 30 for converting the movie file containing the dynamic radiologic images to a DICOM compatible file using the methodology to be described. The selected images are encapsulated in a DICOM data wrapper per image record file, and a DICOM series data header record. In this example, .avi formatted file frames from the movie file containing the dynamic radiologic images are converted into DICOM compatible image records and files. Other software programs 32 may be associated with the system 10. One example of such a software program is one for marking particular frames of interest within a movie file, such as that sold under the name DIGIRAD. This software program 32 generates a second text format file containing time stamps that serve as a pointer to the individual frames of interest to a reviewer of the whole movie. The subsequent time expended on reviewing a diagnostic procedure is reduced, since only the movie frames of particular interest are studied. The system 10 also includes an information viewing means 34 for presenting the selected images. In this example, the viewing means 34 is the standard PACS system frequently used within the medical community. The PACS system 34 may be operatively connected to a second local computer workstation 38. The PACS system 34 provides for viewing of standardized DICOM images. It should be appreciated that in this example, the

DICOM images are obtained from the movie file. The PACS system 34 may advantageously be in communication with other PACS systems 34, via the communications network 22. Also, the PACS system may be in communication with other components within the system 10 via the communication network 22. The system may further include a remote computer workstation 36 that is conventionally known and includes a processor with an associated memory, a data storage device, a display means, and an input/output interface means. The remote computer system 36 communicates with other parts of the system 10 via the communications network 22. Referring now to FIG. 2, a method of converting a movie file to a DICOM compatible file is illustrated. The methodology begins in block 100 with the step of using a medical imaging device 14 to acquire information regarding a patient 12 in a movie format and saved as a movie file

50. The movie file includes a plurality of successive frames 52 containing an image 54 that is viewed as a continuous image at a predetermined viewing rate. For example, the endoscope of this example obtains and transmits dynamic information regarding an organ of the patent to the local computer workstation 16. The information is saved as a movie file 50 on the local computer system 16 using a conventional movie format, such as .avi or .wav, as shown in FIG.

4. The methodology advances to block 105 and a medical personnel, such as a physician, reviews the movie file 50 and selectively marks the frames in the movie file that are of interest. For example, the physician utilizes a software program 32, such as DIGIRAD, to assist in reviewing the movie file 50. The physician can use the software program to create a text file 56 containing markers 58 pointing to frames of interest. In addition, the physician can add relevant comments, information, observations, or the like to particular frames that are saved within the text file. Each frame in the movie file is identifiable using a frame marker. The frame marker can be any type of identifier, such as a time stamp. Similarly, the text in the text file contains a text frame marker that is associated with a particular frame marker. The text frame marker is used to locate the corresponding movie frame marker to identify the selected frames. It should be appreciated that the initial medical review of the movie file 50 can take place at the level of the local computer workstation. Alternatively, the movie file 50 can be transferred via the communications network 22 to a remote computer workstation 36 for analysis. Preferably, the remote workstation is also in communication with the central computer system. The use of a remote workstation advantageously provides for uniform and cost effective analysis of a plurality of movie files at a centralized location. It is contemplated that the remote workstation can be associated with various medical entities, such as a hospital, or clinic, or an independent doctor, or the like. The methodology advances to block 110 and the selected frames in the movie file 50 are identified. For example, the markers 58 in the text file 56 are compared to the movie file frames

52, in order to identify the selected frames 52. The methodology advances to block 115 and the identified frames are converted from an .avi movie format to a DICOM compatible format. Preferably, a conversion software program stored in the central computer system 26 performs the conversion. In this example, the DICOM compatible format is jpeg-2000. The data which represents the .avi frame is read by the converter software program, decoded by a decoder software program, and encoded into a jpg-2000 format data image record. The methodology advances to block 120 and other information is added to the each image record. For example, headers and trailers may be added to each frame. This information may be obtained from the corresponding comments associated with a particular image from the text file. The methodology advances to block 125 and the DICOM image records are merged into a DICOM file containing a series of DICOM images. For example, each image record or frame 62 is sequenced into the file as shown at 60. In this example the sequence reflects the chronological order contained in the time stamp or other identifying marker. The DICOM series file may contain a first record representing a DICOM series file header record 64, which contains certain series related information required by PACS systems. The series file may contain other information as shown at 66, such as an accession number or unique identification number for the file. The methodology advances to block 130 and the DICOM series file 60 is saved on a data storage means 28 associated with the central computer system 26 until needed. The methodology advances to block 135 and a DICOM series file 60 is selected for review at a second local workstation 38. For example, a user selects a DICOM series file 60 stored on the data storage device 28 associated with the central computer system 26. The DICOM series file 60, representing selected images 54 from a movie file 50, is viewable using a PACS system 34 associated with the second local workstation for analysis, as shown in FIG. 5 at 70. It should be appreciated that by using this methodology, dynamic images obtained using a camera device and saved in a movie format are viewable on a PACS compatible system. The PACS system may advantageously be in communication with other PACS systems or other local workstations via the previously described communications network. The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for converting movie frames obtained by a medical imaging device during a medical procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format, said method comprising the steps of: acquiring dynamic imaging data during a medical procedure on the patient using the medical imaging device and saving the imaging data as a movie file in a movie file format on a local computer workstation in communication with the medical imaging device; selecting a frame from the movie file and creating a text file containing a marker corresponding to the selected frame; identifying the selected frame using the corresponding marker in the text file using a central computer system; converting the identified frame from a movie format to a DICOM image record in a DICOM compatible format; adding information to the DICOM image record; merging the DICOM image record into a DICOM series file; and selecting the DICOM series file for review on a PACS system in communication with the central computer system via the communications network.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of reviewing the movie file further includes the steps of reviewing the movie file using a remote computer workstation in communication with the central computer system.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of selecting a frame from the movie file further includes the step of assigning a frame marker to the text file corresponding to the selected frame.

4. A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step of selecting a frame from the movie file further includes the step of adding information to the text file regarding the selected frame and of assigning a text marker to the text information corresponding to the selected frame.

5. A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the frame marker is a time stamp and the text marker is a time stamp.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the DICOM compatible format is jpg- 2000.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of adding information further includes the steps of adding a header and a trailer to each frame, and using the marker to identify information from the text file corresponding to the selected frame.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of saving the DICOM series file on a data storage means associated with the central computer system.

9. A method for converting movie frames obtained by a medical imaging device during a medical procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format, said method comprising the steps of: acquiring dynamic imaging data during a medical procedure on the patient using the medical imaging device and saving the imaging data as a movie file in a movie file format on a local computer workstation in communication with the medical imaging device; selecting a frame from the movie file and creating a text file containing a marker corresponding to the selected frame and text information regarding the selected frame, wherein the marker includes a frame marker corresponding to the selected frame and a text marker corresponding to text information for the selected frame; identifying the selected frame using the corresponding frame marker in the text data file using a central computer system in communication with the local computer workstation via a communications network; converting the identified frame from a movie format to a DICOM image record in a DICOM compatible format; adding information to the DICOM image record; merging the DICOM image record into a DICOM series file; storing the DICOM series file on a database associated with the central computer system; and selecting the DICOM series file for review on a PACS system in communication with the central computer workstation via the communications network.

10. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said step of reviewing the movie file further includes the steps of reviewing the movie file using a remote computer workstation in communication with the central computer system.

11. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the frame marker is a time stamp and the text file marker is a time stamp.

12. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the DICOM compatible format is jpg- 2000.

13. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said step of adding information further includes the steps of adding a header and a trailer to each frame, and using the text marker and frame marker to identify information from the text file corresponding to the selected text file frame.

14. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the communications network is an internet.

15. A system for converting a movie obtained during a medical imaging procedure on a patient to a DICOM compatible format comprising: a medical imaging device for obtaining dynamic images of the patient; a local computer system in communication with said medical imaging device, wherein said local computer system processes the dynamic medical images from the medical imaging device and saves the dynamic medical images in a movie file format; a central computer system in communication with said local computer system via a communications network, wherein said central computer system includes a processor, a memory, a data storage device, a display means, and an input/output means; wherein said central computer system includes a software program associated with said central computer system for converting said dynamic medical images into a DICOM compatible format by selecting a frame from the movie file and associating a frame marker with the selected frame that is stored in a text file, identifying the selected frame from the movie file using the frame marker from the text file, converting the identified frame to a DICOM image record in a DICOM compatible format, adding other information corresponding to the selected frame from the text file using the frame marker, and creating a DICOM series file containing the DICOM image record; and a PACS system for viewing the DICOM series file, wherein the PACS system is in communication with said central computer system via the communications network.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said communications network is an internet.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein said communications network includes an intranet.

18. The system of claim 15' further including a remote computer system for reviewing the movie file and creating the text file, and said remote computer system is operatively in communication with said central computer system via the communications network.

19. The system of claim 15 further including a second local computer system operatively in communication with said central computer system and said PACS system.

20. The system of claim 15 further including a hospital information database operatively in communication with said central computer system via the communications network.