Prediction and analysis of PACS performance with the simulation tool MIRACLES

Since the construction of image information systems appears to be extremely difficult in practice, BAZIS has decided to use computer modelling and simulation as decision support tools. In order to support the construction of simulation models, the simulation package and modelling environment MIRACLES (Medical Image Representation, Archiving and Communication Learned from Extensive Simulation) has been developed by BAZIS. This paper describes modelling and simulation techniques in general, as well as the benefits of simulation within the scope of designing Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). In order to illustrate the theory, results of a concrete yet simple PACS, which has been simulated with MIRACLES, will be described and discussed.