ISO 12052-Compliant DICOM File Generation and Sharing Software Delivered in 4 Months

Summary

INNERLUXES created the technical design and built a DICOM file generation and sharing module for a medical device maker's ultrasound scanner software. The solution fully meets the requirements of the ISO 12052 standard.

About the Client

The Client is a medical device manufacturer that provides ultrasound devices and complementary imaging solutions for clinicians.

While developing the desktop software for its portable ultrasound device, the Client needed a back-end module to convert ultrasound scans into the DICOM image format and share the resulting DICOM files with a PACS (picture archiving and communication system). To deliver the module on time and without costly rework, the Client sought a technology partner proficient in healthcare IT, medical imaging, and the DICOM standard, and engaged INNERLUXES for the project.

Discovery Phase and Development of the DICOM Software Module

The project began with a discovery phase. Three of INNERLUXES's lead healthcare software engineers assessed the feasibility of the requirements and timeframes and confirmed the functionality could be delivered on time and at the desired scope.

To recommend the optimal tech stack, the team evaluated market-available DICOM image generation toolkits and frameworks and selected the Fellow Oak DICOM toolkit as the best fit for the Client's needs and fully compliant with ISO 12052. The Client's tech team approved the approach and gave the green light to proceed.

To build the module, INNERLUXES assembled a self-managed team of a project manager, a senior .NET developer, and a mid-level .NET developer. Early in development, the Client's tech lead ran a knowledge-transfer session, sharing the ultrasound device specifics and its image generation process. Throughout the project, the teams maintained regular communication, including twice-monthly sync meetings and monthly project demos.

The Functionality of the DICOM Software Module for Ultrasound Scanners

The Client's technical team developed the desktop software for the ultrasound scanners and implemented the integrations between the back end, the scanners, and the PACS, while INNERLUXES was fully responsible for the low-level programming of the DICOM image generation and sharing module. Four months after launch, the Client had working DICOM file generation functionality:

• The module receives an ultrasound scan (in the default image format) and metadata (e.g., patient ID, image parameters).
• The scan is converted into a DICOM file according to the ISO 12052 standard.

INNERLUXES then developed the DICOM file-sharing functionality (interaction with the PACS), covering:

• Sharing generated DICOM files with the PACS.
• Verifying DICOM file accuracy after generation and upload (checking that metadata is correct, the file name follows the required format, the file uploaded successfully, and so on).

During development, the team identified and resolved DICOM file generation and uploading issues, such as incorrect file metadata and improper image bit depth. The full DICOM file generation and sharing module was completed fully in line with the Client's release schedule.

Key Value for the Client

• An optimal technical design for the module, based on the market-available Fellow Oak DICOM toolkit, leading to cost and time savings.
• Delivery of the DICOM file generation module in just four months.
• The ability to launch the module within the initially planned release schedule, thanks to mature project management and DICOM proficiency.
• Full ISO 12052 compliance of the solution.

Technologies, Tools, and Standards

.NET 6.0, .NET MAUI / WinUI 3, Fellow Oak DICOM toolkit, DICOM, ISO 12052.