2.7 Systems Requirements

2.7.1 Software Requirements

Dicom Explorer is multi-platform and runs on any operating system including support for:

2.7.2 Java Virtual Machine Plug-in

The computer running Dicom Explorer must have a compatible version of JAVA Runtime Environment (JRE), Pukka-J currently recommend JRE version 1_3_0_02 Dicom Explorer is therefore independent of browser type or version including, Internet Explorer Version 4 and above, Netscape Navigator Version 4 and above.

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2.7.3 Workstation and Notebook Recommendations.

The Dicom Explorer software runs on existing hardware or new hardware. Performance is dependent on hardware specification. Pukka-J can offer recommendations for computer and monitor specifications. The specification of the computer and monitor will depend on the primary use of the equipment i.e. primary reporting terminal or review station and will vary considerably based on the modality and the amount of images you are working with back to top

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2.7.4 Monitors

This is subject to lots of guidelines and research. In the UK it is the MHRA that has responsibility for publishing guidelines. Unlike the FDA in the US, the MHRA does not regulate or 'approve devices' it makes recommendations. These recommendations include the ergonomics, where to locate the monitor - reflected light, ambient light settings etc and the Luminance of the monitor ( the higher the better ). Monitors and display hardware should be routinely checked using a predefined protocol for distortions, drift and artefacts. The graphics card needs to have a minimum capability of 1280 x 1024 True Colour ( 3 or 4 bytes per pixel ) - pretty much any modern graphics card. The display should be a flat panel ( highest luminance available ) and 21" or better.

The American College of Radiologists and the RSNA take a pragmatic approach - their guidelines make it the Radiologists responsibility to decide whether any viewing system whether its film or display is 'diagnostically' adequate. This is in line with modern networked methods and technology.

The PACSnet group, a sub-group of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have published guidelines on Display Protocols including monitor specifications.

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2.7.5 Viewing Conditions

Studies have shown that the environment in which screen reporting takes place can significantly affect operator performance.

If possible try to establish a quite, temperature-controlled environment free from distractions. Ambient lighting should be low and preferably controlled with dimmer switches and blinds over windows. High ambient light reduces perceived contrast.

Desks should be of adequate size to allow for correct siting of monitors and for any supporting documentation that is required in making a clinical decision. Useful Links: PACSnet National Evaluation Team The RCR PACS and Teleradiology Group

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2.7.6 Network Requirements

Dicom Explorer will run over any TCP/IP network. The faster the network, the faster the images are transferred. The minimum recommendation is a 100Mbit LAN to the client workstation off a 1GByte or better backbone.

2.7.7 Servers

Dicom Explorer web server runs on any Windows, Linux or Solaris platform. Dicom Explorer supports any JDBC connectable SQL compliant database including Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL and Postgres. The size of the server required depends on the number of concurrent users. We recommend the minimum server specification based on 10 concurrent users. Expansion can be achieved by adding extra servers for extra users.

Image Servers

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2.7.8 Storage

In practise the number of procedures, the variability in the number of slices means it is difficult to estimate exact disk requirements. For image storage we recommend Network Attached Storage (NAS) with RAID 5, Disk Capacity of at least 1TB. Dicom Explorer allows for additional NAS to be added seamlessly to the overall DICOM storage when required. To upgrade in say 2 years time would be cost effective as the costs would be cheaper for extra capacity.

Storage Hardware

2.7.9 Anti-Virus Requirements

Virus or hacker attacks could compromise the software.

The host computer should always be protected by reputable and effective virus detection software such as Norton Anti-Virus. A firewall should be installed to protect against hacking.

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