IMAGE TRANSFER SYSTEM

In order to effect data transfer at a high efficiency in an image transfer system where medical image data is transferred between a terminal and an image server on a DICOM standard communication system, a relay server is provided between a terminal and an archiver or a data base. When a request for transfer of medical image data is input into the terminal and sent to the relay server, the relay server sends a request for transfer of the medical image data to the archiver as requested from the terminal. The archiver transfers the desired medical image data to the relay server. The relay server stores the medical image data in a cache and transfers the same to the terminal. Thus the terminal can display the medical image data on a CRT or the like.