RU2448421C2 - Method, computer program and computer network for real-time data sharing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: computer network consists of a plurality of computers interconnected by means of a network. Each computer has a conferencing environment. The computer network comprises a data transmitting device 3, specifically a suitable server, which serves to provide said computers with data. Each computer may have data transmitting device for enabling autonomous data uploading and data downloading. Also, each computer has a computation apparatus for parameterisation of any local changes in the data. The parameterisation results are generated locally and are transmitted when the corresponding computer enters a sending mode. In order to synchronise data on all computers engaged in the conferencing environment, each computer has synchronisation apparatus for sharing the local changes in the data among the computers thereby updating the data for all computers logged into the computer conferencing environment.

EFFECT: real-time data sharing in a computer network.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method enabling real-time data sharing in a computer network consisting of a plurality of computers, said method comprising the following steps:

- initialization of the computer conferencing environment for the specified set of computers, in which at least one computer can work in transmit mode and at least one computer can work in receive mode;

- supplying these computers with data.

The present invention also relates to a computer program.

In addition, the present invention relates to a computer network intended for sharing data in real time, consisting of a plurality of computers, wherein said computer network includes:

- computer conferencing environment for the specified set of computers, in which at least one computer can work in transmit mode and at least one computer can work in receive mode;

- a data transmission device for supplying said computers with data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the well-known examples of the method described in the introductory paragraph refers to modern medical practice when a particular clinical case for which a specific treatment plan is proposed, for example, planning a course of radiation therapy, must be considered as part of an independent medical examination. Such clinical cases are usually characterized by a large amount of data, for example, diagnostic imaging data, and / or additional data, such as the calculated configuration of the target site and / or critical areas or volumes, visualization data representing, in particular, the isodose distribution according to the radiation therapy plan, animated data representing the geometry of the radiation beam of a radiation therapy apparatus, such as a linear accelerator. In existing practice, such data is transmitted between the computers of the participants in a medical conference using a standard protocol, namely the digital communication protocol in medicine (DICOM). The DICOM protocol uses structured data lines containing complete patient data. For application in the field of radiation therapy, the DICOM protocol has been finalized in the DICOM RT version, which includes data on the planning of a course of radiation therapy along with the initial patient data.

The disadvantages of the well-known practice of conducting independent examinations include the low speed of communication, due to the fact that a large amount of data must be transmitted over the network whenever there is an update or change in the data of the considered medical history, for example, a different radiation geometry is proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to provide a method for sharing data in real time on a computer network, where local updates of shared data are performed almost instantly on all computers forming a computer conferencing environment.

According to this goal, the method in accordance with the present invention includes the following stages:

- parameterization of local data changes on at least one computer;

- synchronization of local data changes in the computer system by transmitting parameterization data from at least one transmitting computer to the receiving computers.

The technical solution of the present invention is based on the idea that the necessary synchronization, in particular, for desktop applications, can be successfully achieved by transmitting only parametric data describing the processes and changes in the data arrays throughout the network. Due to this, it becomes possible high-speed, preferably instant synchronization. Parametric data is organized in such a way as to represent a local change in data with respect to the entire data array. This allows you to achieve synchronization of a large number of remote computers on the network and maximize the operational speed of existing conference calls. It is noted that the overall quality of work depends on the number of computers and the bandwidth between nodes. Provided that the number of computers does not exceed, for example, two hundred, and the network is organized in a broadband version, the method in accordance with the present invention allows to obtain almost instant data updates.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the number of nodes synchronized via modern Internet connections can be very significant, provided that the amount of data sent over the network is minimal. It was found that even in the case of complex data arrays, such as geological or medical data, including video data and overlay data, such as radiation therapy course planning data, synchronization methods are applicable for high-speed data exchange between remote computers, since only data changes are transmitted.

In an example implementation of the method in accordance with the present invention, the synchronization step involves the following:

- launch of the transfer mode on the computer on which there has been a change in data intended for sharing;

- launch of the reception mode on each of the other computers forming the computer conferencing environment;

- transfer of parameterization data from a computer operating in transmission mode to computers operating in reception mode;

- updating data on receiving computers in accordance with the parameterization data.

The connection between the computers that make up the conferencing environment is established when an authorized user starts hosting the conferencing environment, after which other users get the opportunity to enter this application and participate in the conference session. Suitable examples of the communication mode include the transmission and reception of texts, data blocks, audio and / or video signals. After all users are registered in the conference environment, a synchronization session can begin, providing the ability to share data in real time for all network participants.

Initially, data for downloading to computers is provided externally; this data can be downloaded from a suitable server or received from one of the computers that make up the conferencing environment. In the particular case of the invention, it may be necessary to download external data to the network from the server. The method in accordance with the present invention may include an additional step to ensure that all computers in the conference environment have the same data. For example, at the beginning, a computer that acts as a hosting in a conferencing environment downloads data. It tells all the other computers participating in the session what data they should download. After that, other computers can download data from the server themselves, or the data can be uploaded by the server automatically as soon as these computers establish an acceptable connection with it. Depending on the degree of confidentiality of information, the level of protection can be established by introducing authorization rights, as well as, possibly, encoding the transmitted data.

The method in accordance with the present invention is preferably carried out so that the synchronization will remain linear, eliminating the possibility of conflicts due to the nature of the synchronization process. Preferably, the synchronization stage proceeds as follows: the application on the sending computer will be the one on which all other computers on the receiving side are synchronized. Thus, in a network of computers there will always be only one with the so-called input focus. This means that every change in the data state on this computer will be sent out to all other computers. Each computer in the session can take input focus on itself, thereby canceling the input focus on all other computers.

In an example implementation of the method in accordance with the present invention, the first data contains static data. Static data can represent a data structure that remains unchanged over the life of the conferencing environment, such as an application topology. The topology reflects visible windows, their location, active tools, etc. The synchronization of static data using the method in accordance with the present invention is as follows. There is a data array containing all the necessary data, with a sign that is turned on if a value has changed since the last synchronization. When sending data, the array index is also transmitted. This index thus functions as an identifier for the value that has been changed. Therefore, the receiving computer knows what value it takes, and can deal with it accordingly.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the method in accordance with the present invention, the second data comprises dynamic data. Dynamic data are data structures that are variable in size and may or may not exist. For example, when drawing up a radiation therapy plan, an important role is played by establishing the boundaries of the target and critical areas or volumes and the contouring of such areas or volumes. This is an example of dynamic data. In principle, the number of circuits and their constituent variables is not predetermined.

To perform synchronization of local changes in dynamic data, the method in accordance with the present invention involves the following:

- execution of a subroutine to search for changes in dynamic data on the transmitting computer;

- parameterization of changes in dynamic data by creating an array of values on the transmitting computer, while these values refer to local changes in dynamic data;

- synchronization of dynamic data on the receiving computers by transferring the array from the transmitting computer.

Arrays can be created in almost real time, while they can be organized to collect information on new / changed / deleted values and structures. These arrays are populated during the iteration of objects containing essential information performed in order to search for changed values and structures, which are then sent out as described below. First, the size of the array is transmitted to the receiving node, so the node knows how much data to expect in this array. Then all the numerical values of the array are transmitted. After the array is filled on the receiving side, it is placed in the space allotted to it. This array may contain indications as well as variables. For example, an indication of the removal of a particular structure may be sent. Preferably, the data is transmitted over a computer network using an encoded protocol. More preferably, the frequency of the synchronization cycles is adjustable. In an example embodiment of the method in accordance with the present invention, the steps of loading and unloading data are implemented by performing asynchronous operations. This gives the advantage that the user interface is not interrupted during the entire time the method is running.

The computer program in accordance with the present invention contains instructions for the computer on the implementation of the stages of the method described above.

A computer network in accordance with the present invention includes:

- computing tools for parameterizing local data changes on a computer operating in a transmitting mode;

- synchronization tools for sharing local data changes between computers, as a result of which data is updated for all computers registered in a computer conferencing environment.

Other preferred methods for implementing a computer system in accordance with the present invention are indicated in paragraphs 14-23 of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This aspect and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 schematically shows an example of building a computer network in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows an example of building a computer network in accordance with the present invention, where one of the computers is in transmission mode.

Figure 3 schematically shows a computer conferencing environment organized to consider radiation therapy course planning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 schematically shows an example of building a computer network 20 in accordance with the present invention. Computer network 20 consists of a plurality of computers 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, and 18 interconnected by a suitable network 3. Each computer has a computer conferencing environment 2a, 4a, 6a, 8a, 12a, 14a, 16a , 18a, made using appropriate software, enabling the sharing of data within the specified set of computers. The specified network also includes a data transmission device 3, namely a suitable server, which serves to supply these computers with data. It should be noted that the stage of supplying computers 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18 with data can be organized in at least two alternative ways. According to the first, a computer that initializes the conferencing environment, such as computer 2, downloads the corresponding data from server 3, after which it distributes this data to other computers that make up the network. Another option is when the computer initiating the conferencing environment, such as computer 2, sends a corresponding message to other computers so that they can download the necessary data from the specified server on their own.

Each of the computers 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, forming a computer network in accordance with the present invention, may contain a special data transmission device 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b, 12b, 14b, 16b, 18b for Autonomous upload and download capabilities.

In addition, each computer has computing means 2s, 4s, 6s, 8s, 12s, 14s, 16s, 18s, designed to parameterize any local data changes. Parameterization results are generated locally and sent out when the corresponding computer enters transmission mode. To synchronize data on all computers participating in the conference, each computer has 2d, 4d, 6d, 8d, 12d, 14d, 16d, 18d synchronization tools designed to distribute local data changes among other computers, thereby updating data on all computers, registered in a computer conferencing environment.

The operation of a computer network in accordance with the present invention will be further described by examining medical data, namely, radiation therapy course planning data. The methods and computer programs in accordance with the present invention are implemented in a specific embodiment in an application for exchanging medical data in real time in the form of a central server connected to data sources and peer nodes communicating directly with each other and with the specified server. The server requests medical imaging data, preferably in the DICOM format, from data sources such as CT and NMR scanners, PET scanners, or treatment planning systems, and transmits them to peer-to-peer nodes where users can view, supplement or modify information and exchange it with other nodes participating in the session in real time. This data is preferably presented to the user in the windows of the MDI interface (multiple document interface). At the same time, the user can view the data in various ways and change the provided planning data using suitable tools. These features are discussed in more detail with reference to figure 3. To synchronize the application with other users, the user takes the following steps.

First, the user starts the conferencing environment. Other users who will participate in the session are registered in this environment. The next step is taken to ensure that each user downloads the same DICOM data during synchronization. It is possible to download DICOM data from a central server serving the network. In a typical embodiment, only authorized users have the right to download data. Therefore, to register, you must go through the procedure for obtaining permission with the introduction of a username and password. For security reasons, the transmitted data is encoded with the possibility of using cryptographic algorithms of the highest level.

At the beginning of the synchronization process, i.e. starting the presentation of the medical history, only users who have downloaded the same data can participate in this process and assume the function of a transmitting computer, as described above. There may be such users in the communication environment for whom this data is not downloaded, therefore they are not busy in the synchronization process, but participate in the session in one capacity or another due to their knowledge and experience.

Data distribution is carried out by a computer in transmission mode. The state array contains all static values along with a flag for each value. The flag turns on if a value has changed since the last synchronization. These values show which viewing systems are open, the position of open viewing systems, the position of cameras in the system, which tools are activated, as well as the characteristic parameters of the tools. This sum of values is predefined. The size of the state array will remain unchanged for the entire duration of the application. Thus, this array represents static data, as described above. Using a special function, iterates through the state array, and the value of the variable in the array is compared with the current value of the variable in the application. If the values are not the same, the value in the state array is made equal to the current value in the application, and the flag is turned on.

To synchronize dynamic data, there are separate functions that iterate over objects containing essential information in order to search for modified data. The array returned after this contains the data to be sent. The same is true for other data, such as transparency and color, used in 3D rendering. These values also represent dynamic data.

When sending data, the iteration function over the state array is first called. Then the updated state array is iterated, and all variables marked with the sign are sent. The first is the index of the state array, which is the identifier, and after it the value itself. Upon completion of the iteration, an index of -1 is sent as an identifier informing the receiving nodes that the iteration of all the static data is complete. All signs are removed. Following this, all functions are called to fill the arrays with dynamic data and are sequentially sent as follows. First, the size of the array is transmitted, then the array is iterated, and all values are sent. It may turn out that the array is empty, and then only zero is sent.

Data is received by all computers in receive mode. When receiving static data, each first value received is an index in the state array relative to the value following it. Therefore, each adopted changed value is placed in the space allocated to it in the state array. As soon as the receiving node receives the value -1 as an identifier, the iteration is interrupted and the process continues to receive dynamic data. First, the node receives the number of values in an array. The node iterates with this quantity, getting one value for each iteration cycle and adding it to the given array. After receiving all the data, a function is called that iterates through all the arrays, places all the variables in their places and follows certain instructions that may be contained in the data, for example, about canceling a command for a certain contour. At the end of the synchronization cycle, it can be repeated at a set time interval, which in this case can happen automatically. Alternatively, synchronization can be manually initiated by any user registered in the conference environment.

The synchronization cycle can be repeated at a set time interval. If this interval is too short, it may turn out that by the beginning of a new synchronization the previous one is not completed yet. This may result in ambiguity in synchronization. To avoid any conflicts of this kind, the following form of connection management is used.

When the computer is in transmit mode (transmitting side), it sends data to other computers in the conference that are in receive mode (receiving side). In this case, all data to be distributed is generated first, i.e. Static data with features is generated and modified dynamic data is collected. Then a thread is launched for each receiving party, while the identification of the streams is stored in the array. When the receiving side is fully synchronized, it sends a return signal to the transmitting side. As soon as the transmitting side receives this signal, the stream responsible for the delivery of data to this receiving side is terminated, and the identification of this stream is removed from the array.

Before starting synchronization, an array with thread identification is checked for pending threads. If the latter are present, this synchronization cycle is skipped to prevent ambiguous synchronizations.

Figure 2 schematically shows an example of building a computer network 40 in accordance with the present invention, where one of the computers is in transmission mode. Suppose computer 54 is in transmit mode. The synchronization device (not shown) of the computer 54 sends local parameterization data related to the changes made in the static and / or dynamic data. In a first preferred embodiment, the parameterization 54a is directed almost simultaneously to each computer in reception mode. Preferably, the computer network 40 in accordance with the present invention is arranged such that only one computer is allowed in a conference mode in a conference communication environment. If such a computer is detected, the conference routine, preferably automatically, puts all other computers 42, 44, 46, 48, 52, 56, 58 into receive mode. In accordance with the technical solution of the present invention, the receiving computers are organized to update their data in accordance with the obtained parameterization data. It should be noted that although the described embodiment is preferred, it is also possible for the transmitting computer 54 to first transmit the parameterization data 54c to the original host computer 42, which will then send this data to all other receiving computers.

Figure 3 schematically shows a computer conferencing environment 60, including a computer node, organized to consider planning a course of radiation therapy. The local computer 61 is registered in the corresponding conference environment (not shown). Computer 61 has a corresponding input device 61b and a corresponding display 61b. The computer 61 controls the conference environment 62, in which the results of planning a specific treatment 64 can be visualized. Preferably, the treatment plan 64 contains a collection of individual windows 66, which can be considered as statistics that have been used up to now. More preferably, windows 66a, 66b, 66c display clinically relevant reference material, for example, typical projection planes, namely transverse, sagittal, and coronary sections. More preferably, each individual view 66a, 66b, 66c is represented with respective configurations 66a ', 66b', 66c 'superimposed on the corresponding diagnostic images (not shown). Although in each window 66a, 66b, 66c only one configuration is shown (so as not to clutter up the image), it is necessary to note the possibility of displaying any necessary combination of configurations and volumes for each individual view. Individual windows 66 may further comprise a general view window 66d, for example, a set of coronary slices of transverse images for contouring radiation therapy areas. Treatment plan 64 also includes a window 68 with necessary alphanumeric information, such as patient identification 68a, medical history data, such as information about support courses, and planning input data 68a with information about the type of radiation therapy course, such as type and radiation energy . Also, data on the geometry of the irradiation regions can be presented in window 68b. In addition, treatment planning system 64 may include images of diagnostic imaging 69, such as magnetic resonance imaging, CT data, PET scan images, or any appropriate combination thereof.

In the conference environment 62, each user is allowed to change the data, be it visualization data, such as contouring, or beam data, such as power, type of radiation, and geometry of the irradiated area. As the input device 61, a keyboard or mouse-type pointing device can be used. It is also possible to execute the display 61a using a touch screen, when the user can change the configuration of the outlines on the screen in real time. This function is especially important because the conference participant can get important information about the parameters of the target or critical area, which should be taken into account during the planning and implementation of the course of radiation therapy. In addition, the user can get permission to place text comments in any active window 66. If the user has entered his suggestions on possible changes to the case under consideration, in particular regarding the definition of areas and treatment method, the locally entered data is synchronized with other parties participating in the conference, in in accordance with the examples given with reference to figure 1.

Specific embodiments of the invention are described above, however, it should be noted that the invention may be implemented differently than indicated. The above descriptions are for illustrative purposes and are not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the invention described above without departing from its scope as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. The method of sharing data in real time in a computer network consisting of a set of computers, while this method provides for the following stages:
initialization of the computer conferencing environment for the specified set of computers, in which at least one computer can work in transmit mode and at least one computer can work in receive mode;
supplying these computers with data;
parameterization of local data changes on at least one computer;
synchronization of local data changes in a computer system by transmitting parameterization data from at least one transmitting computer to at least one receiving computer. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the synchronization step includes:
starting the transfer mode on the computer on which the data to be shared has changed;
launching a reception mode on each of the remaining computers forming a computer conferencing environment;
sending parameterization from a computer working in transmission mode to computers working in reception mode;
updating data on receiving computers in accordance with the parameterization. 3. The method according to claims 1 and 2, in which the data contains static data, and a computer network including a transmitting computer and a set of receiving computers, where the stage of synchronizing local changes in static data on the transmitting computer includes:
parameterization of changes in static data by creating an array of values on the sending computer, while the specified values relate to the specified static data;
marking each change in the array by setting the attribute at the index of the variable value in the array;
synchronization of static data on computers by sending the modified array along with the index from the sending computer to the receiving computers. 4. The method according to claims 1 and 2, in which the data contains dynamic data and where the stage of synchronization of local changes in dynamic data includes:
executing a subroutine to search for changes in dynamic data on a computer operating in transmission mode;
parameterization of changes in dynamic data by creating an array of values on a computer operating in transmission mode, while these values refer to local changes in dynamic data;
synchronization of dynamic data on receiving computers by transferring an array from the transmitting computer. 5. The method according to claim 1, in which the frequency of the synchronization cycles is adjustable. 6. The method according to claim 1, in which the loading and unloading of data is implemented by performing asynchronous operations. 7. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program product including instructions for the processor, the execution of the instructions by the processor resulting in operations that provide for the sharing of real-time data in a computer network consisting of a set of computers by:
initializing a computer conferencing environment for a specified set of computers in which at least one computer can operate in transmission mode and at least one computer can operate in reception mode;
supplying said computers with data;
parameterization of local data changes on at least one computer;
synchronizing local data changes in a computer system by transmitting parameterization data from at least one transmitting computer to at least one receiving computer. 8. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, in which the synchronization stage includes:
starting the transfer mode on the computer on which the data to be shared has changed;
launching a reception mode on each of the remaining computers forming a computer conferencing environment;
sending parameterization from a computer working in transmission mode to computers working in reception mode;
updating data on receiving computers in accordance with the parameterization. 9. The computer-readable storage medium according to claims 7 and 8, in which the data contains static data, and a computer network including a transmitting computer and a set of receiving computers, where the stage of synchronizing local changes in static data on the transmitting computer includes:
parameterization of changes in static data by creating an array of values on the sending computer, while the specified values relate to the specified static data;
marking each change in the array by setting the attribute at the index of the variable value in the array;
synchronization of static data on computers by sending the modified array along with the index from the sending computer to the receiving computers. 10. The computer-readable storage medium according to claims 7 and 8, in which the data contains dynamic data, and where the stage of synchronization of local changes in dynamic data includes:
executing a subroutine to search for changes in dynamic data on a computer operating in transmission mode;
parameterization of changes in dynamic data by creating an array of values on a computer operating in transmission mode, while these values refer to local changes in dynamic data;
synchronization of dynamic data on receiving computers by transferring an array from the transmitting computer. 11. The computer-readable storage medium according to claims 7 and 8, in which the frequency of the synchronization cycles is adjustable. 12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the loading and unloading of data is implemented by performing asynchronous operations. 13. A computer network (20, 40) for sharing data in real time, consisting of a set of computers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18), while this computer network includes:
computer conferencing environment (2a, 4a, 6a, 8a, 10a, 12a, 14a, 16a, 18a) for the specified set of computers in which at least one computer can operate in transmission mode and at least one the computer can work in receive mode;
a data transmission device (3) for supplying computers with data, while at least one computer includes:
computing means for parameterizing local data changes on a computer operating in a transmitting mode; and
synchronization tools for sharing local data changes between computers, as a result of which data is updated for all computers operating in receive mode registered in a computer conferencing environment. 14. A computer network (20, 40) according to claim 13, in which the synchronization means on at least one computer (54) include:
utility for transferring computer (54) to transfer mode;
utility for sending parameterization (54a) to computers operating in receive mode. 15. The computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the data includes first data and second data, wherein the first data contains static data including a transmitting computer and a plurality of receiving computers, where the computing means of the transmitting computer are further organized for:
generating an array of values corresponding to the specified static data;
marking each change in the array by setting the attribute at the index of the changed value in the array;
the synchronization means of the transmitting computer are further ordered to send the modified array of values along with the index to the receiving computers. 16. A computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, in which the data contains dynamic data including a transmitting computer and a set of receiving computers, where the computing means of the transmitting computer are additionally organized for:
executing a routine to search for changes in dynamic data;
generating an array of values on a computer operating in transmission mode, while the indicated values refer to changes in dynamic data;
at the same time, the means of synchronization of the transmitting computer are additionally ordered in order to send the array over the network;
synchronization means of the transmitting computer are ordered to update the data on the receiving computer in accordance with the parameterization. 17. A computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, in which the synchronization means of at least one computer are arranged to send data over a computer network using an encoded protocol. 18. A computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, in which the frequency of synchronization cycles is adjustable. 19. A computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, in which the loading, unloading and updating of data are implemented by performing asynchronous operations. 20. The computer network (20, 40) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the data contains medical data, preferably planning data for a course of radiation therapy.

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