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DICOM Connector Overview

Introduction

The Flywheel DICOM Connector automatically uploads medical images from Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) or scanners directly to your Flywheel instance via HTTPS. This service streamlines data acquisition by eliminating manual upload steps and ensuring consistent data organization.

Key Features

The DICOM Connector provides:

  • Automatic Data Transfer: Continuously monitors and uploads new DICOM data
  • Flexible Setup Options: Supports both PULL and PUSH configurations
  • Smart Organization: Uses routing strings to automatically organize data into the Flywheel hierarchy
  • Metadata Extraction: Extracts and maps DICOM metadata to Flywheel fields
  • Upload Control: Configurable opt-in or opt-out policies per scanner or study
  • Anonymization: Remove or obfuscates sensitive metadata following rules configured via de-identification profiles

How the DICOM Connector Works

The DICOM Connector operates through a continuous process of:

  1. Monitoring: Scans DICOM nodes (PACS systems or scanners) for new data at regular intervals
  2. Anonymization (Optional): Performs anonymization following rules specified in de-identification profile (if provided)
  3. Metadata Extraction: Reads DICOM headers to understand content and organization
  4. Data Organization: Uses routing strings (format: fw://group/project/subject/session) to determine placement
  5. Upload Process: Transfers complete series to appropriate Flywheel hierarchy containers

Setup Configurations

Connection Methods

PULL Configuration: The Connector pulls images directly from a scanner or PACS system at scheduled intervals.

PUSH Configuration: The scanner sends images to a Flywheel receiver, where the Connector collects and processes them.

Upload Policies

Opt-out Policy: All data uploads to Flywheel by default unless users enter an opt-out string at the scanner console.

Opt-in Policy: Data uploads only when users enter an opt-in string at the scanner console.

Documentation Structure

Select the appropriate guide based on your role and specific needs:

For Scanner Operators and Researchers

User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for configuring scanners and routing data to correct Flywheel projects.

For Site Administrators

Admin Guide covers DICOM peer setup, upload policy configuration, and advanced system management.

For Technical Teams

Technical Reference contains detailed metadata mappings, data flow diagrams, and complete technical specifications.

Getting Started

The basic workflow involves:

  1. Identify Target Location: Determine the Group and Project where data should be uploaded
  2. Configure Scanner: Enter the routing string in the appropriate console field
  3. Begin Scanning: The Connector automatically processes and uploads data
  4. Verify Results: Check Flywheel to confirm data arrived in the correct location

Data Organization

The DICOM Connector uses routing strings to place data within the Flywheel hierarchy:

  • Group: Top-level organization (department, lab, or institution)
  • Project: Specific study or research initiative
  • Subject: Individual participant or case
  • Session: Single scanning session or visit
  • Acquisition: Individual scan sequence or series

Tip

When routing information is incomplete or missing, the system uploads data to default locations (Unknown Group or Unsorted Project) where administrators can manually organize it later.

Support Resources

For additional assistance:

  • Contact your institution's Flywheel Site Administrator for site-specific configuration details
  • Review troubleshooting sections in the role-specific guides above
  • Consult the DICOM conformance statement for technical specifications