Macro-data: A new approach for the development of tele-expertise applications

The aim of this paper is to present new methods for tele-expertise applications design, based on an original concept of macro-data representation, modeling and management. A macro-data is an aggregation of several data types, including signals and images, their semantic and syntactic representation, as well as the syntax of their presentation. It may encapsulate existing standards like RTF, SCP-ECG and DICOM, and may be represented using the XML language for electronic data interchange The macro-data model-based design facilitates and speeds-up the filling of the patient records, and allows to preserve data presentation at the target site. Using the UML notation, we present a complete software architecture model integrating user-specific macro-data models management. The result is the development of an application, based on generic object components, called "Expert-Assist".