A proposal of an off-line PACS based on a personal database

Problems with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are focused and an off-line PACS of practical value is proposed in this paper. This system is based on the personal database where each patient has his/her own recording medium. This medium files all medical information as well as images of value, and is carried with a patient through hospital. Advantages over the conventional or on-line PACS communicating through a network are discussed and a possibility of practical use is analysed showing a prototype system. The biggest advantage of this system is quick and easy access to the images of concern and a small amount of cost for initial investment. It is also pointed out that the format of the data recording on the disk has to be standardized so that this system could be used for a medical care system over a wide area.