Software automatically converts data between devices
The DICOM Attribute Converter is a software module that solves even complex communication problems.
Advanced technology sometimes brings new problems, for example in the communication between DICOM devices, such as imaging equipment, archives and workstations. Placed between two devices the DICOM Attribute Converter observes their communication and solve these problems. Messages are received, analysed, if necessary filtered or modified, then sent to the communication partner. This ensures the proper interpretation of all message elements, its developer Softgate GmbH reports. ‘The rules for the required modifications are defined in a configuration file. The original software of the devices does not need to be changed, which saves time and cost for implementing the DICOM Attribute Converter and does not affect quality assurance and regulatory authority approvals of the devices.’
The converter is transparent to the communicating devices. It processes received messages online, almost without slow down of the communication, the company adds. ‘The available functions cover numeric and string operations, filters, comparison, as well as auto-generation of messages.’
The converter runs on a stand alone PC in the DICOM network, thus solving existing problems in the DICOM connectivity between two devices, and for imaging equipment for which updates are no longer available, or only with difficulty. ‘Alternatively,’ the firm points out, ‘the DICOM Attribute Converter may be preventatively placed in imaging devices by the manufacturer to have an easy to use tool for later problem solving.’
Details: www.soft-gate.de or Dr Florian Höpfl: phone +49 9131 81270-64. medtech@soft-gate.de
MEDICA: Hall 3, stand 3E83
This article was published on 11/14/2006