A picture archiving and communications system featuring multiple monitors using Windows98.
(25/3682)
We present an effective approach to manage, review, and distribute Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images with multiple monitors using Windows98 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA) that can be implemented in an office-based setting. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiographic DICOM images were collected, compressed, and stored using Medweb (Medweb, Inc, San Francisco, CA) software. The Medweb server used the Linux/UNIX operating system on a Pentium 333-MHz processor with 128 MB of RAM. Short-term storage capacity was about 2 weeks with routine usage of an 11-GB hard drive. Images were presented for reading on a dual-monitor Windows98 Pentium display station with 160 MB of RAM using a Medweb/Netscape (Netscape Communications Corp, Mountain View, CA) viewer. There was no significant discrepancy in diagnosis between electronic and conventional film images. Mean reading time for 32 cases was 118 seconds. The Medweb JAVA plug-in viewer loaded the first image within 30 seconds of selecting the case for review. Full uncompressed 16-bit images allowed different window settings to better assess for pathology. Multiple monitors allowed viewing various hanging protocols. Cine viewing was also possible. Key diagnostic images were electronically transmitted to referring physicians. On-call radiologists were able to access images through the Internet. By combining Medweb, DICOM, and web-browser software using desktop personal computers (PCs), an easily accessible picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is available to radiologists and referring physicians. Multiple monitors are easily configured and managed using Windows98. This system can sustain changes and can be extended to provide variable functions using inexpensive PCs. (+info)
Seamless multiresolution display of portable wavelet-compressed images.
(26/3682)
Image storage, display, and distribution have been difficult problems in radiology for many years. As improvements in technology have changed the nature of the storage and display media, demand for image portability, faster image acquisition, and flexible image distribution is driving the development of responsive systems. Technology, such as the wavelet-based multiresolution seamless image database (MrSID) portable image format (PIF), is enabling image management solutions that address the shifting "point-of-care." The MrSID PIF employs seamless, multiresolution technology, which allows the viewer to determine the size of the image to be viewed, as well as the position of the viewing area within the image dataset. In addition the MrSID PIF allows control of the compression ratio of decompressed images. This capability offers the advantage of very rapid image recall from storage devices and portability for rapid transmission and distribution using the internet or wide-area networks. For example, in teleradiology, the radiologist or other physician desiring to view images at a remote location has full flexibility in being able to choose a quick display of an overview image, a complete display of a full diagnostic quality image, or both without compromising communication bandwidth. The MrSID algorithm will satisfy Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) 2000 standards, thereby being compatible with future versions of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard for image data compression. (+info)
Web-based viewing of picture archiving and communications systems images--Part I: Optimal personal computer configuration.
(27/3682)
Now that picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) has matured, our challenge is to make the images available to the referring physician and, in a teaching institution, to make these images available for conferences and rounding. One solution is the distribution of the images using web-based technology. We investigated a web-based add-on to our PACS to determine the characteristics of the personal computer that will make this technology useful and affordable. We found that images can be viewed easily through a web-based system. We found that the optimal system to view these images at a reasonable speed and a reasonable cost is on with a medium-range processor (200 to 300 MHz) and a large amount of inexpensive RAM, at least 64 Mb. (+info)
Web-based viewing of picture archiving and communications systems images--Part II: The effect of compression on speed of transmission.
(28/3682)
Now that picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) has matured, our challenge is to make the images available to the referring physician and, in a teaching institution, to make these images available for conferences and rounding. One solution is the distribution of the images using web-based technology. We investigated a web-based add-on to our PACS to determine the characteristics of the personal computer that will make this technology useful and affordable. We found that images can be viewed easily through a web-based system. We found that the optimal system to view these images at a reasonable speed and a reasonable cost is on with a medium-range processor (200 to 300 MHz) and a large amount of inexpensive RAM, at least 64 Mb. (+info)
The clinical display of radiologic information as an interactive multimedia report.
(29/3682)
We regard the delivery of radiological information as an interactive multimedia report. We use a multimedia report model based on Extensible Markup Language (XML), rather than a traditional workstation model. Others have suggested a similar document-based approach. This display presentation includes image-related and text-based information and may contain interactive components (e.g., window, level and zoom). Using XML as a foundation for this multimedia presentation, we achieve flexibility and platform independence at a lower cost. XML allows for the separation of content and form. Content information, defined as elements (e.g., images, radiologic reports, and demographic information), is treated as independent information objects. The behavior of the elements can be changed for different users and tasks. In addition, by separating format detail from content, the appearance of the elements within the report can be modified. XML does not replace existing standards (i.e., Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine [DICOM], Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol [TCP/IP]). Instead, it provides a powerful framework that is used in combination with existing standards to allow system designers to modify display characteristics based on user need. We describe our application of XML to the clinical display of radiologic information. (+info)
Using commercially available off-the-shelf software and hardware to develop an intranet-based hypertext markup language teaching file.
(30/3682)
This presentation describes the technical details of implementing a process to create digital teaching files stressing the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software and hardware and standard hypertext markup language (HTML) to keep development costs to a minimum. (+info)
MammoWeb continuing medical education (CME): a web-based breast imaging CME program.
(31/3682)
The ubiquity of the world-wide web allows unique educational opportunities for continuing medical education (CME). We have designed a comprehensive breast imaging CME curriculum to permit individual physicians in their homes or offices to use personal computers to ease the burden of this process. Category 1 CME credits can be earned off-hours without having the physician travel out of town. In addition, since the course is computer-based, the overall costs to the participant are substantially reduced. The program can be updated on an ongoing basis to include new technology or to provide additional information requested by the users. (+info)
New picture archiving and communications system plus new facility equals critical path planning challenge.
(32/3682)
The architectural design and construction of a new imaging department is one of the most complex challenges in healthcare architecture. When a client also plans a simultaneous change in basic operating system technology from film-based to filmless imaging, the challenge for both hospital management and the facility/technology design team is even more complicated. A purposeful planning process plus a carefully composed team of internal and external experts are the two essentials for success in executing this difficult conversion of both facility and technology. (+info)