Message Parser

The Message Parser is a software component used within a DICOM Protocol Processor. Its primary function is to analyze incoming DICOM network messages, such as C-STORE, C-FIND, and C-MOVE requests and responses, validating their syntax according to the DICOM standard. The parser decomposes these messages into their constituent data elements, command fields, and datasets, making them available for further processing by the system. This component is essential for ensuring that DICOM messages are correctly interpreted and that the data they contain is accurately extracted for use in medical imaging workflows. The parser operates by sequentially reading the binary or encoded data stream of a DICOM message. It identifies the message structure, including PDU types like A-ASSOCIATE and Data Sets, and applies the DICOM transfer syntax rules to decode data elements, including their Value Representation (VR), length, and value. The parsed information is then mapped into an internal structured object model, such as a tree or dictionary of tags and values, which the DICOM Protocol Processor can utilize for application logic, validation, and routing. Key parameters for this component include a message throughput of 1000–5000 messages per second, parsing latency of 1–10 milliseconds for typical DICOM messages, and support for DICOM version 3.0 (ISO 12052). It supports UTF-8 character encoding (RFC 3629) and also ASCII. memory footprint is 50–200 MB, software size is 10–50 MB. The component complies with the IHE PDI integration profile. All values are reference ranges and must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application. The component is intended for integration into DICOM processing systems and is not a standalone medical device.

The Message Parser reads the binary or encoded data stream of a DICOM message sequentially. It identifies the message structure, including PDU types such as A-ASSOCIATE and Data Sets, and applies DICOM transfer syntax rules to decode data elements, including VR, length, and value. The parsed information is mapped into an internal structured object model, such as a tree or dictionary of tags and values, which the DICOM Protocol Processor can use for application logic, validation, and routing.