JP6005951B2 - Backup data storage and data backup system - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a backup data storage and a data backup system.

  In recent years, with the advancement of digital technology, various information is often stored as data. Under such circumstances, for example, a plurality of pieces of information having the same content may be stored redundantly.

  However, storing information with the same contents in duplicate also causes problems in the operating environment, such as a problem in storage capacity and an increase in operation.

  Therefore, for example, in the following Patent Document 1, only the files that can be expected to be de-duplicated are transmitted from the terminal device to the server device (storage device) and stored in the server device, thereby solving the above problem. Further, in Patent Document 2, on the premise that there is already redundantly stored information, the redundantly stored information is used as backup data.

JP 2010-277374 A JP 2009-110319 A

  However, in the inventions shown in the above-mentioned patent documents, the following points are not considered.

  That is, in the case of Patent Document 1, it is premised that “only files for which deduplication can be expected are saved”. If they are different, for example, it is determined that they are different files (data) in units of bytes, and deduplication is not performed properly.

  Further, in the case of Patent Document 2, “use redundantly stored information as backup data” is described. However, when the information to be stored becomes enormous, the information stored redundantly is also the same. However, in order to make all these backup data, for example, it is not appropriate from the viewpoint of storage capacity.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is high in consideration of backup of shooting data generated based on the same standard and restoration again after being backed up. To provide a backup data storage and a data backup system capable of efficiently and reliably eliminating duplicate photographing data.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in backup data storage, data that is information for identifying imaging data from imaging data generated and transmitted under the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard An extraction unit that extracts identification information, a data identification information storage unit that stores data identification information of shooting data stored as backup data, and a backup that serves as a comparison basis based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit A search unit that searches for data and whether or not the transmitted shooting data is data stored for the first time as new backup data are determined, and new backup data is created based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit. A determination unit that determines whether the data is a series of data and a determination unit. New backup data is determined to be the data gathered as series, further when the first time is determined as the data stored as backup data, a storage unit for storing the new backup data, new backup data The backup data having the data identification information similar to the data identification information is identified as the backup data to be compared, and the backup data to be compared is compared with the new backup data to be compared. A deduplication processing unit that eliminates a part of the backup data that overlaps with the backup data serving as a comparison base and stores new backup data in which the duplicated part is eliminated in the storage unit .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the data backup system, the medical image diagnostic apparatus that acquires the photographing data under the DICOM standard, and the photographing data transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus under the DICOM standard are stored. A medical image management system; and a backup data storage for storing backup data of imaging data stored in the medical image management system. The backup data storage is generated in the imaging data generated and transmitted under the DICOM standard. An extraction unit that extracts data identification information that is information for identifying the shooting data from the data, a data identification information storage unit that stores data identification information of shooting data stored as backup data, and data extracted by the extraction unit Based on the identification information, backup data to be compared is detected. And a search unit that determines whether the transmitted shooting data is data stored for the first time as new backup data. Based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit, the new backup data is collected as a series. A determination unit that determines whether or not the data has been stored, and the determination unit determines that the new backup data is data that has been collected as a series, and further determines that the data is stored as backup data for the first time. In this case, the storage unit for storing the new backup data and the backup data including the data identification information similar to the data identification information of the new backup data are specified as the backup data to be the comparison base, and become the specified comparison base New backup to compare with backup data By comparing the Updater to eliminate overlapping with the backup data to be compared based on the new backup data, and a deduplication processing unit to be stored in the storage unit duplicates the new backup data exclude portions.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the data backup system in embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the backup data storage in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the basics of the flow of the data backup in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the basics of the flow of data backup (deduplication processing) in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a data backup when the object of the backup in 1st Embodiment is the data regarding a series. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of data backup when the object of backup in 1st Embodiment is the data put together as a series. It is a flowchart which shows another flow of the data backup in case the object of the backup in 1st Embodiment is the data put together as a series. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the backup data storage in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of restoration of the backed-up data in 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a flow of saving backup data to be saved in the backup data storage while performing deduplication processing will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a data backup system according to an embodiment.

  The data backup system S in the embodiment is mainly composed of three devices (systems) such as a medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, a system 2 constructed in a medical institution, and a backup data storage 3 for backing up data. . The data backup system S can be constructed using, for example, a cloud.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is an apparatus that acquires imaging data that is finally stored and stored in a backup data storage as backup data. The medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is an apparatus capable of generating internal information of a subject as an image, for example, an X-ray CT apparatus (computed tomography) or a magnetic resonance diagnostic apparatus (MRI). imaging). In this embodiment, the type of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is not particularly specified.

  In the data backup system S shown in FIG. 1, two medical image diagnostic apparatuses 1A and 1B are installed. However, the number of medical image diagnostic apparatuses 1 (hereinafter, the two medical image diagnostic apparatuses 1A and 1B are collectively referred to as “medical image diagnostic apparatus 1”) constituting the data backup system S is either singular or plural. There may be, and it is not limited to two.

  An example of a system constructed in a medical institution is a medical image management system (PACS: Picture Archiving Communication System) 2. In this embodiment, PACS is described as a system built in a medical institution. For example, a hospital information management system (HIS), a radiation department information management system (RIS) System) may be used.

  In the data backup system S shown in FIG. 1, two PACS 2A and 2B are shown as components. However, this PACS 2 may be either a single component or a plurality of components of the data backup system S.

  Imaging data acquired by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 is transmitted to the PACS 2. Specifically, the data is stored in the main data storage 2a constituting the PACS2. In addition, for example, an information terminal 2b that refers to shooting data stored in the main data storage 2a is connected to the PACS2. Here, the information terminal 2b is, for example, a work station, a personal computer, or the like. The information terminal 2b can refer to other data stored in the main data storage 2a in addition to the imaging data, for example, information related to the patient. The detailed configuration of the information terminal 2b is not particularly mentioned here, but includes, for example, a control device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an input device, and an output (display) device.

  The PACS 2 receives necessary imaging data among the imaging data captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1. Accordingly, when a plurality of PACS 2 require the same shooting data, the shooting data is received in each main data storage 2a.

  Here, although represented as “main data storage 2a”, the main data storage constituting PACS 2A is “main data storage 2Aa”, and the main data storage constituting PACS 2B is “main data storage 2Ba”. This also applies to the “information terminal 2b”.

  The backup data storage 3 stores shooting data stored in the main data storage 2a of the PACS 2 as backup data. Even if a plurality of PACSs 2 are provided in the data backup system S, the imaging data stored in each main data storage 2a is received and stored as backup data.

  The communication network N connects the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1, the PACS 2, and the backup data storage 3, and enables, for example, exchange of imaging data between them. Examples of the communication network N include a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet. The standard used in the communication network N may be any standard such as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine).

  In the following embodiments, the description will be made on the assumption that the generated shooting data is stored as backup data after the deduplication processing under the same standard. An example of the “same standard” is DICOM. In addition, since the backup data to be compared and the backup data to be newly registered are generated with the same standard, for example, in the deduplication process, the data is arbitrarily divided and compared. Rather, the data delimiters are compared according to the DICOM standard.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the backup data storage according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows only a configuration that is considered necessary in the description of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration that would normally be provided is provided only by omitting the other configurations that constitute the backup data storage 3.

  The backup data storage 3 includes a reception unit 3a, an extraction unit 3b, a cache 3c, a data identification information storage unit 3d, a search unit 3e, a data format conversion unit 3f, a deduplication processing unit 3g, and a determination unit 3h. And a storage unit 3i and a data format information storage unit 3j. The detailed operation of each unit will be described together with the description of the flow of storing the photographic data as backup data in the backup data storage 3.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the basics of the data backup flow in the first embodiment. In the data backup flow described below, two types of data to be backed up are considered: single or multiple pieces of photographing data and photographing data photographed in series units. Here, the “basic” is a flow when performing backup processing on the former, single or plural pieces of photographing data.

  As an assumption that the imaging data is stored in the backup data storage 3, first, imaging data is transmitted from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 to the PACS 2 (ST1). The PACS 2 to be transmitted here may be either a single PACS 2 or a plurality of PACS 2s, and is transmitted via the communication network N to the PACS 2 that requires the photographing data.

  The PACS 2 that has received the shooting data stores the received shooting data in the main data storage 2a (ST2). The information terminal 2b that constitutes the PACS 2 appropriately uses the shooting data stored in the main data storage 2a.

  Thereafter, the PACS 2 transmits the captured data stored in the main data storage 2a to the backup data storage 3 in order to store it as backup data (ST3). Here, the timing at which the photographic data is transmitted to the backup data storage 3 can be arbitrarily set. For example, a method of periodically transmitting at a fixed time every day, or a method of providing a threshold value in the free capacity of the main data storage 2a, and the backup data storage 3 transmitting photographing data when the threshold value is exceeded Etc. are considered.

  Up to this point, preparations for storing the photographing data photographed by the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 as backup data are ready. The backup data transmitted to the backup data storage 3 is received by the receiving unit 3a.

  In the following description, the shooting data stored in the main data storage 2a is referred to as “new backup data” from the time it is transmitted to the backup data storage 3. However, the new backup data does not differ in content from the photographed data at the time when it is transmitted to the backup data storage 3, but only changes its name.

  The backup data storage 3 first stores the received backup data in the cache 3c (ST4). This is stored in the cache 3c in consideration of the use of backup data for future deduplication processing. In this sense, it should be referred to as temporary storage or temporary storage.

  Also, new backup data transmitted from the PACS 2 is input to the extraction unit 3b via the reception unit 3a. The extraction unit 3b extracts information (hereinafter referred to as “data identification information”) that can uniquely identify the new backup data from the received new backup data. In the description of the embodiment, as described above, the medical information of the DICOM standard is described as an example. However, if expressed by the DICOM standard, for example, a unique ID corresponds.

  The extracted data identification information is sent from the extraction unit 3b to the data identification information storage unit 3d and stored (ST5). Therefore, for the backup data stored in the backup data storage 3, data identification information regarding all the backup data is stored in the data identification information storage unit 3d.

  Further, the extraction unit 3b extracts the data identification information, so that the backup data to be stored is the above-described single or plural photographing data, or the photographing is performed in series. It is possible to grasp whether it is data.

  In the first embodiment, the extraction unit 3b directly receives the backup data and extracts the data identification information. For example, the extraction unit 3b receives the backup data directly from the PACS 2. A method of extracting data identification information based on backup data stored in the cache 3c without receiving the data may be adopted.

  Furthermore, the extraction unit 3b informs the search unit 3e that new backup target data has been transmitted from the PACS 2. Therefore, next, the search unit 3e searches for appropriate data (backup data) as a comparison base (ST6).

  Here, when storing the new backup data in the backup data storage 3, the new backup data is compared with the backup data already stored, and the duplicated portion of the new backup data is determined. It will be saved after being eliminated. “Backup data to be compared” is data to be compared with the new backup data in the deduplication processing. Therefore, the backup data serving as the comparison base is the shooting data (backup data) already stored in the storage unit 3i. Then, for the search of the backup data as the comparison base, the data identification information of the new backup data is used. Therefore, the search unit 3e accesses the data identification information storage unit 3d, acquires the corresponding data identification information, and starts the search.

  When new backup data is stored in the backup data storage 3, performing deduplication processing with the backup data that has already been stored is a processing with a heavy load. Therefore, by performing the search process in advance using the data identification information related to the new backup data to be newly saved from the backup data that has already been saved, the load on the deduplication process can be reduced. .

  Based on the data identification information of the new backup data, the search unit 3e searches the backup data stored in the storage unit 3i to search for the backup data that is the target comparison basis. In the embodiment of the present invention, based on the data identification information of “new” backup data, the data identification information of backup data serving as a comparison base is searched. In order to store new backup data in the backup data storage 3, it is necessary to perform processing (deduplication processing) for confirming whether or not there is a portion overlapping with backup data already stored in this data. For this purpose, it is necessary to search from backup data already stored as a counterpart for comparing backup data having data identification information similar to new backup data. Therefore, in order to search for a partner (backup data serving as a comparison base) to be compared efficiently, the search in the search unit 3e uses data identification information of new backup data.

  Note that the standard for shooting data and backup data uses the same standard, for example, DICOM. For this reason, both the backup data as the comparison base and the backup data to be newly saved have the same data structure. Therefore, it is easier to search for backup data serving as a comparison base than when data structures are different.

  In addition, since the new backup data and the backup data to be the comparison base have the same data structure, the search range 3e can be searched as the backup data to be the comparison base by matching to what range, or the similar range is set. Can be done freely. However, if this similarity range is set too wide, the number of cases searched as backup data as a comparison base also increases, and the burden of deduplication processing only increases. For this purpose, it is necessary to set an appropriate search range.

  As a result of the search by the search unit 3e, when it is not possible to search for appropriate backup data as backup data to be used as a reference for determining whether or not to store new backup data (NO in ST7), A search result to that effect is transmitted to the determination unit 3h. That is, the fact that backup data as a comparison basis could not be searched means that new backup data sent from the PACS 2 is data stored in the backup data storage 3 for the first time.

  The determination unit 3h further determines whether or not the new backup data is shooting data (backup data) related to the series (ST8). This is determined based on the data identification information of the new backup data. As a result, when the new backup data is not data related to the series (NO in ST8), the determining unit 3h stores the new backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c in the storage unit 3i (ST9). ).

  In addition, information related to the data format of the new backup data is stored in the data format information storage unit 3j. In the data format information storage unit 3j, for example, information related to the data format is stored in association with data identification information of new backup data.

  Further, since the new backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c is stored in the storage unit 3i, the determination unit 3h deletes the backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c from the cache 3c (ST10). ).

  The flow of newly saving shooting data (backup data) that has not been saved in the backup data storage 3 until now has been described.

  Next, a deduplication process performed when new backup data is stored and backup data similar to the new backup data is already stored will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the basics of the data backup flow (deduplication processing) in the first embodiment. In step ST7 of FIG. 3, when the search unit 3e searches the storage unit 3i, when the data identification information of the backup data that is similar to the data identification information of the new backup data and is searched for (ST7) YES), a search result to that effect is transmitted to the determination unit 3h. Next, the determination unit 3h determines whether or not the new backup data is backup data related to the series (see ST21 in FIG. 4).

  As a result of the determination, when the new backup data is not backup data related to the series (NO in ST21), the search unit 3e has the data identification information based on the searched data identification information and serves as a comparison basis backup. Data is acquired from the storage unit 3i (ST22).

  Whether the backup data is related to the series or not is different from the backup data deduplication process related to the series and the backup data deduplication process related to single or multiple shot data. Because. Therefore, the fact that the new backup data is not the backup data related to the series means that the backup data for which it is determined whether or not to newly become the target of the backup processing is the backup data related to the shooting data consisting of one or a plurality of images. is there.

  After that, the search unit 3e transmits the new backup data and the searched backup data as a comparison basis to the data format conversion unit 3f. The data format conversion unit 3f aligns both data formats (ST23).

  Here, the process of aligning the data format is, for example, when the image constituting the photographic data (backup data) is compressed, the compressed image is expanded into uncompressed data. It is also conceivable that hash values are further obtained after expansion. Further, for example, when there is a difference in byte order such as big endian and little endian in both data to be compared, for example, processing for unifying backup data as a comparison base is included in the processing for aligning the data format.

  The new backup data in which the data format is aligned and the backup data serving as the comparison base are transmitted from the data format changing unit 3f to the deduplication processing unit 3g, and the deduplication processing unit 3g compares them (the duplication part). (ST24).

  The de-duplication processing is processing for determining whether or not there is an overlapping portion when shooting data newly transmitted from the PACS 2 is stored in the backup data storage 3. If there is a portion in the new backup data that overlaps with the backup data already stored in the backup data storage 3, the overlapping portion is excluded and stored. Thus, by not storing a portion that overlaps already stored data, the capacity in the backup data storage 3 can be used without waste.

  As a deduplication processing method, for example, when new backup data to be compared is image data, a hash value of each image data is obtained and compared with this hash value. This is because the image data has a large capacity, and if the comparison is made as it is, a large load is applied to the processing. On the other hand, for example, in the case of small data such as text data, the comparison is performed without processing the data.

  As a result of the de-duplication processing performed by the de-duplication processing unit 3g, if there is an overlapping part (difference) in the new backup data (YES in ST25), the de-duplication processing unit 3g extracts the difference and The difference is fully stored in the storage unit 3i as backup data (ST26). At that time, information related to the backup data used as a comparison base is also stored in association with the deduplication process. Such information is also stored together with new backup data in which differences are stored when there is a read request for the new backup data stored after deduplication processing as described later. This is because it needs to be restored (reconstructed) back to a complete form.

  Further, the original data format of the new backup data to be compared is also stored in the data format information storage unit 3j (ST27). The original data format of the new backup data is saved because the new backup data is reconfigured using this data format when there is a request to read out the new backup data, which will be described later. is there.

  On the other hand, as a result of the deduplication processing being performed in the deduplication processing unit 3g, if there is no overlapping portion (difference) in the new backup data (NO in ST25), the new backup data is the backup data serving as a comparison basis. Will be the same data. Therefore, in this case, new backup data is not saved in the storage unit 3i. However, since the backup data has the same content as the already stored backup data, information indicating that the backup data has been deleted by deduplication processing and information related to the backup data as a comparison basis are stored.

  The original data format of the new backup data is stored in the data format information storage unit 3j (ST27). The main part of the data is not saved for deduplication because it is the same as the backup data used as the comparison base, but if the data format is not saved, the new backup data is requested to be read. This is because new backup data cannot be reconstructed.

  In addition, since the new backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c is stored in the storage unit 3i, the determination unit 3h deletes the backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c from the cache 3c. (ST28).

  By performing the above procedure, the data that needs to be saved as the backup data can be saved only in the necessary data while avoiding duplication with the already saved backup data. It is possible to avoid wastefully reducing the storage (memory) capacity.

  Next, a case where new backup data to be subjected to deduplication processing is shooting data (backup data) related to the series will be described. In other words, this is a case where new backup data and comparison backup data are backup data related to the series. In the following description, it is assumed that backup data is deduplicated in series. However, for example, backup data may be stored in studies. In this case, backup data is stored in studies. Deduplication processing will be performed.

  When storing backup data related to a series, deduplication processing is performed in consideration of the characteristic that a large number of shooting data (image data and various data accompanying the image data) are included in the series.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of data backup when the backup target is data related to the series in the first embodiment. That is, in step ST21 shown in FIG. 4, backup data serving as a comparison base similar to the new backup data is searched, and the determination unit 3h further determines that the new backup data is data related to the series. The case (see YES in ST21) is assumed.

  In this case, based on the data identification information of the new backup data, the search unit 3e acquires backup data related to a series that serves as a comparison base similar to the data identification information from the storage unit 3i (ST41). After that, the search unit 3e transmits the new backup data and the searched backup data as a comparison basis to the data format conversion unit 3f. The data format conversion unit 3f aligns both data formats (ST42). The processing for aligning the data format is as described above.

  The new backup data in which the data format is aligned and the backup data serving as the comparison base are transmitted from the data format changing unit 3f to the deduplication processing unit 3g, and the deduplication processing unit 3g compares them (the duplication part). (ST43).

  Regarding the data deduplication processing related to the series, it is necessary to consider that the amount of backup data to be compared becomes very large. Therefore, for example, the following method is adopted.

  First, for example, tags or tag groups storing information such as patient information are compared. Here, the “tag” is an item of imaging data in the DICOM standard, and corresponds to, for example, “patient name”, “date of birth”, “imaging device”, and the like. The “tag group” is a collection of “tags” with common contents, such as “a group of patient information”.

  Here, first, the areas considered to be common data in both the new backup data and the backup data to be compared are first compared. Since these data are likely to be the same at the time of comparison, if it is confirmed that they are the same data, these tags or tag groups will not need to be compared in the future, and other parts Deduplication processing is sufficient.

  On the other hand, since there is a high possibility that there is some difference in the image data and the like, for example, hash values are obtained and compared for these data. In this case, for example, a specific one piece of backup data as a comparison base (for example, the first piece of data in the series) is set as a basic one piece, and the data included in the new backup data is based on this one piece. Compare each. When the comparison is completed, the second data in the backup data serving as the comparison base is further specified as a specific data, and the data included in the new backup data are compared in the same manner.

  As a result of the deduplication processing performed in the deduplication processing unit 3g, if there is an overlapping part (difference) in the new backup data (YES in ST44), the deduplication processing unit 3g extracts the difference and The difference is permanently stored in the storage unit 3i as backup data (ST45). In this case, it is a matter of course that information regarding backup data as a comparison base is also stored.

  Then, the original data format of the new backup data to be compared is also stored in the data format information storage unit 3j (ST46). The reason why the original data format of the new backup data is stored is that the new backup data is reconstructed using this data format when there is a request to read the new backup data, which will be described later. is there.

  On the other hand, as a result of the deduplication processing being performed in the deduplication processing unit 3g, when there is no overlapping portion (difference) in the new backup data (NO in ST44), the new backup data is the backup data serving as a comparison basis. Will be the same data. Therefore, in this case, new backup data is not saved in the storage unit 3i. However, since the backup data has the same content as the already stored backup data, information indicating that the backup data has been deleted by deduplication processing and information related to the backup data as a comparison basis are stored.

  In addition, since the new backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c is stored in the storage unit 3i, the determination unit 3h deletes the backup data temporarily stored in the cache 3c from the cache 3c. (ST47).

  By going through the above procedure, new backup data related to the series that needs to be saved as backup data can be saved only in necessary data while avoiding duplication with the backup data related to the series already saved. Therefore, it is possible to avoid reducing the storage (storage) capacity of the backup data storage 3 unnecessarily.

  Next, a case where new backup data for which it is determined whether or not to be stored as backup data is data related to the series will be described. However, the data to be subjected to the determination here, that is, the deduplication processing is a plurality of data included in the backup data related to one series. Therefore, backup data relating to a similar series as backup data serving as a comparison base is not retrieved and used as a comparison partner.

  As described above, the backup data related to one series includes, for example, about 100 pieces of photographing data photographed in one inspection operation. Therefore, in order to perform deduplication processing on data in these series, for example, a method described below can be adopted.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of data backup when the backup target in the first embodiment is data collected as a series. First, backup data serving as a comparison base is specified from the data in the series (ST61). That is, for example, in order to determine whether or not 100 pieces of data relating to the series are stored as backup data (deduplication processing), backup data serving as a comparison basis is required. Therefore, for example, the first piece of data is specified as backup data to be a comparison basis. Based on the identified data, the other 99 data are compared (ST62).

  However, it takes time to perform deduplication processing on all the remaining 99 data based on the basic (comparison base) first backup data. In addition, since it is a deduplication process between data related to the same series, there is a high possibility that the identified first backup data and other backup data are similar. Therefore, instead of comparing all the other 99 sheets of data, the comparison is made with the first sheet of backup data that serves as a comparison basis specified up to a predetermined number.

  When the comparison is completed up to a predetermined number (hereinafter, the number is represented as “n”) (YES in ST63), a data area having the same contents that can be grasped by the comparison so far is extracted (ST64). Since this is a comparison between backup data in the same series, it is considered that there are many data areas having the same contents. Therefore, deduplication processing is first performed only for the remaining areas except these areas (ST65). By adopting such a method, it becomes unnecessary to perform deduplication processing by comparing a large amount of backup data one by one.

  When the difference is extracted as a result of the deduplication processing, the deduplication processing unit 3g stores the extracted difference in the storage unit 3i together with the basic backup data (which is a comparison base) (ST66). . Further, the data format information is stored in the data format information storage unit 3j (ST67).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, backup data having the same content as the backup data (first backup data) as a comparison base is not saved in the storage unit 3i because the difference cannot be obtained (NO in ST65). The data format information is stored together with the information related to the first backup data as a comparison base.

  Then, it is determined by the determination unit 3h whether or not the comparison with the backup data as the comparison base has been performed on the data in all the series (ST68). The deduplication process continues after returning. On the other hand, if it can be determined that all comparisons (duplication elimination processing) have been completed, the determination unit 3h deletes other backup data in the series to be compared (ST69).

  On the other hand, a method different from the above-described method can be adopted for the de-duplication processing for data related to the series. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another flow of data backup when the backup target in the first embodiment is data grouped as a series.

  First, data items common to all data included in the series are confirmed (ST71). Here, the “data item” corresponds to the above-described “tag” in the DICOM standard, for example, “patient name” or the like. However, in the case of deduplication within a series, many items match, so a certain amount of data chunks can be handled together as one item, tag group.

  The confirmed common data item is extracted (ST72), and then, for the data other than the extracted data item, first, backup data as a comparison base is specified (ST73). This is because it is necessary to determine basic backup data for storing the data related to the series as backup data in the storage unit 3i. Then, the backup data serving as the specified comparison basis is compared with all backup data included in the series (ST74).

  The deduplication processing unit 3g performs comparison (deduplication processing) by the method as described above, and saves the specified backup data as the comparison basis and each extracted difference in the storage unit 3i (ST75). Further, data format information relating to the series is stored in the data format information storage unit 3j (ST76). After that, the backup data related to the series subjected to the de-duplication processing stored in the cache 3c is deleted (ST77).

  By adopting the method described above, when taking backups of shooting data generated based on the same standard, high-efficiency and reliable duplication of shooting data is eliminated with consideration given to restoring again after backup. A backup data storage and a data backup system can be provided.

  In particular, the number of medical image information captured and acquired at medical sites has been enormous and has increased in the future due to improvements in the performance of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 1 and the progress of computerization in medical institutions. It is thought to do. Under such circumstances, it is a concern how to properly operate the limited data storage capacity. By performing the above-described deduplication processing, various information including medical image information can be obtained. It also leads to a reduction in the total capacity of backup data storage for storing various information.

  In addition, for medical image information, many standards are generated in accordance with a single standard such as DICOM. Therefore, by performing deduplication processing only on information based on the same standard, Medical image information can be stored efficiently.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components is omitted because it is duplicated.

  In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a process of reading backup data already stored in the backup data storage 3 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the backup data storage 3 according to the second embodiment. In the backup data storage 3 shown in FIG. 8, only components having functions necessary for performing backup data read processing (reconfiguration processing) in the second embodiment are shown. Further, since the components described in the first embodiment and shown in FIG. 8 perform the same function, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The operation of each unit of the backup data storage 3 will be described together with the description of the flow of read processing (reconstruction processing).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of restoration (reconstruction) of backed up data according to the second embodiment. First, the backup data storage 3 receives a read request for backup data stored in the backup data storage 3 from the information terminal 2b of the PACS 2 (ST81). The read request received by the receiving unit 3a is transmitted to the search unit 3e, and the search unit 3e confirms the backup data that is the target of the read request (ST82).

  Further, the search unit 3e also confirms the data identification information of the backup data that is the target of the read request (ST83). Since this data identification information is information that can uniquely identify the backup data to be read, the search is performed in the storage unit 3i based on the data identification information (ST84).

  The data searched by the search unit 3e from the storage unit 3i are “backup data to be compared” and “difference data” that constitute backup data to be read by the read request. The backup data that is the comparison base is searched because deduplication processing is performed when the backup data is saved, and the backup data that is the target of deduplication processing is compared with the backup data that is the comparison base. The overlapping part is excluded from the fact that the backup data as the comparison base is already stored, and only the non-overlapping part is stored.

  Therefore, as described above, “backup data to be compared” and “difference data” are searched. However, if the backup data is the first saved data, and then the backup data is the backup data that is the target of the read request, the difference data does not exist. Only this “backup data as a comparison base” is searched.

  Further, the search unit 3e acquires information on the original data format of the backup data that is the target of the read request from the data format information storage unit 3j (ST85). As described above, in the process of performing the deduplication process, the backup data serving as the comparison base and the backup data to be newly stored have the same data format in order to facilitate the deduplication process. Therefore, there is a possibility that the data format of the backup data that is the target of the read request has been changed.

  Normally, the information terminal 2b that issues a backup data read request issues a backup data read request having a data format that can be displayed by itself. However, as described above, there is a possibility that the data format of the backup data that is the target of the read request has been changed during the deduplication process. Therefore, the backup data storage 3 needs to restore the backup data according to the original data format in order to respond to the read request.

  Therefore, in the search unit 3e, in addition to the backup data and the difference data as the comparison base regarding the backup data that is the target of the read request, the search unit 3e also searches the data format that the backup data that is the target of the read request originally has.

  In the search unit 3e, the “backup data serving as a comparison base” and “difference data” searched from the storage unit 3i and the “information related to the data format” searched from the data format information storage unit 3j are collectively stored in the backup data reconstruction unit 3k. (ST86).

  Further, the search unit 3e sends a signal to the time measuring unit 3l that there is a read request, and starts a timer (ST87). The reason why the time measuring unit 3l measures time is to check the storage period of the reconstructed backup data. Based on the data storage capacity of the backup data storage 3, the backup data requested to be read cannot be stored and read out indefinitely after reconfiguration. Therefore, the storage capacity of the backup data storage 3 is prevented from being occupied by the backup data that is the target of the read request, because it is possible to read only for a predetermined period after a read request is made in advance. Needless to say, the predetermined period during which reading can be performed can be arbitrarily set.

  The backup data reconfigured in the backup data reconfiguration unit 3k is temporarily stored in the cache 3c (ST88). As described above, it is considered that the reconstructed backup data based on the read request is not stored permanently, but is only temporary. Therefore, the reconstructed backup data is stored not in the storage unit 3i but in the cache 3c.

  The reconstructed backup data stored in the cache 3c as described above may be transmitted via the transmission unit 3m to the information terminal 2b that has issued a read request from the backup data storage 3, or The information terminal 2b may be notified of the completion of the reconfiguration processing, and the backup data storage 3 may be accessed from the notified information terminal 2b to acquire the reconfigured backup data.

  In the backup data storage 3, the time measuring unit 3l measures the storage period of the reconstructed backup data in the cache 3c. If the predetermined period has not elapsed (NO in ST89), the timer 3l keeps it in the cache 3c. Save the reconstructed backup data.

  On the other hand, after a predetermined period has elapsed, a signal to that effect is transmitted from time measuring unit 3l to search unit 3e (YES in ST89). The search unit 3e that has received the signal performs a process of deleting the reconstructed backup data stored in the cache 3c (ST90). Thus, even if the backup data is reconfigured based on the read request, the storage period of the backup data is limited to a certain period, so that the load on the data storage capacity of the backup data storage 3 can be minimized.

  By reconstructing the backup data that has already been saved by the method described above, it is highly efficient and reliable, taking into account that the backup of the shooting data generated based on the same standard is restored after being backed up. Therefore, it is possible to provide a backup data storage and a data backup system that can eliminate photographing data overlapping with each other.

  Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 Medical diagnostic imaging equipment 2 PACS
2a Main data storage 2b Information terminal 3 Backup data storage 3a Reception unit 3b Extraction unit 3c Cache 3d Data identification information storage unit 3e Search unit 3f Data format conversion unit 3g Deduplication processing unit 3h Judgment unit 3i Storage unit 3j Data format information storage unit 3k Backup data reconstruction unit 3l Timekeeping unit 3m Transmitter

Claims (8)

An extraction unit that extracts data identification information that is information for identifying the imaging data from the imaging data generated and transmitted under the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard;
A data identification information storage unit for storing the data identification information of photographing data stored as backup data;
Based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit, a search unit that searches for backup data serving as a comparison base,
It is determined whether or not the transmitted shooting data is data stored for the first time as new backup data, and the new backup data is collected as a series based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit. A determination unit for determining whether the data is data;
A storage unit for storing the new backup data when the determination unit determines that the new backup data is data collected as a series, and further determines that the data is stored as backup data for the first time. When,
The backup data having data identification information similar to the data identification information of the new backup data is specified as backup data to be compared, and the new backup data to be compared with the specified backup data to be compared Deduplication processing for comparing data with each other, eliminating a portion of the new backup data that overlaps with the backup data serving as the comparison basis, and storing the new backup data in which the duplicate portion is removed in the storage unit And
A backup data storage characterized by comprising: The backup data storage according to claim 1, further comprising a data format information storage unit that stores information on a data format related to the new backup data. Claims the deduplication processing unit when executing the process of deduplication, characterized in that it includes a data format conversion section for aligning the form of new backup data to be compared with the backup data serving as the comparison group Item 3. The backup data storage according to item 1 or item 2 . When reading the backup data, the difference data constituting the backup data to be read from the storage unit, and the backup data to be compared group relates to new backup data is the read target from the data format information storage unit The backup data storage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a data reconstruction unit that reads the data format and reconstructs the backup data to be read. A medical image diagnostic apparatus for acquiring imaging data under the DICOM standard;
A medical image management system for storing the imaging data transmitted under the DICOM standard from the medical image diagnostic apparatus;
A backup data storage for storing backup data of the imaging data stored in the medical image management system,
The backup data storage is
An extraction unit for extracting data identification information, which is information for identifying the shooting data, from the shooting data generated and transmitted under the DICOM standard;
A data identification information storage unit for storing the data identification information of photographing data stored as backup data;
Based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit, a search unit that searches for backup data serving as a comparison base,
It is determined whether or not the transmitted shooting data is data stored for the first time as new backup data, and the new backup data is collected as a series based on the data identification information extracted by the extraction unit. A determination unit for determining whether the data is data;
A storage unit for storing the new backup data when the determination unit determines that the new backup data is data collected as a series, and further determines that the data is stored as backup data for the first time. When,
The backup data having data identification information similar to the data identification information of the new backup data is specified as backup data to be compared, and the new backup data to be compared with the specified backup data to be compared Deduplication processing for comparing data with each other, eliminating a portion of the new backup data that overlaps with the backup data serving as the comparison basis, and storing the new backup data in which the duplicate portion is removed in the storage unit And
A data backup system comprising: The data backup system according to claim 5, further comprising a data format information storage unit that stores information on a data format related to the new backup data. The backup data storage is
Claims wherein the deduplication processing unit when executing the process of deduplication, characterized in that it includes a data format conversion section for aligning the format of the new backup data to be compared with the backup data to be compared group The data backup system according to claim 5 or 6 . The backup data storage is
When reading the backup data, the difference data constituting the backup data to be read from the storage unit, and the backup data to be compared group relates to new backup data is the read target from the data format information storage unit The data backup system according to any one of claims 5 to 7 , further comprising a data reconstruction unit that reads the data format and reconstructs the backup data to be read.

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