The ACR-NEMA Exchange Media Standards: Progress And Future Directions

Abstract

Working Group V of the ACR-NEMA Digital Imaging and Communications Standards Committee has developed a standard for the exchange of ACR-NEMA formatted data on magnetic tape. This standard makes use of the message structure provided in the ACR-NEMA Digital Imaging and Communications Standard (NEMA 300-1985), and formats it in an ANSI standard label and file structure so as to be compatible with one-half inch magnetic tape systems and software which comply with the ANSI standards. The ACR-NEMA magnetic tape standard has evolved since the preliminary information was presented at the SPIE Medicine XIV/PACS IV in 1986. At present, the standard has been circulated for comment, and will soon be balloted. This paper will present the magnetic tape standard in its final form and will also discuss the future direction of the Working Group. The Working Group is strongly considering the use of a media-independent standard for use with the ACR-NEMA message structure so as to accomodate a diverse set of exchange media.