James H. Schimpf

Correlation Methods for Tomographic Images Using Two and Three Dimensional Techniques

The aim of any project which involves the use of radionuclides, is to determine whether or not an organ is functioning correctly. Two areas of great concern at present, are the evaluation of cardiac function and of brain function. Tomographic methods have proved to be very valuable in both cases. The problems encountered have many things in common as well as many differences.

Unified Digital Image Display And Processing System

Our institution like many others, is faced with a proliferation of medical imaging techniques. Many of these methods give rise to digital images (e.g. digital radiography, computerized tomography (CT) , nuclear medicine and ultrasound). We feel that a unified, digital system approach to image management (storage, transmission and retrieval), image processing and image display will help in integrating these new modalities into the present diagnostic radiology operations. Future techniques are likely to employ digital images, so such a system could readily be expanded to include other image sources. We presently have the core of such a system. We can both view and process digital nuclear medicine (conventional gamma camera) images, positron emission tomography (PET) and CT images on a single system. Images from our recently installed digital radiographic unit can be added. Our paper describes our present system, explains the rationale for its configuration, and describes the directions in which it will expand.

Message Protocols For Radiologic Consultations Over A Local Area Network

There has been much discussion of the hardware associated with local area networks (LAN), but little discussion of the practical impact such a system will have on the practice of radiology as we know it today. This paper will address the problems associated with conducting consultations in a networked environment. The first consideration is what messages must be formulated. Questions such as the following arise: can one or more physicians communicate with a digital image source at the time a study is being done to instruct the technologist to obtain another view or to change the window width and level before the film is made; how can the surgeon viewing an image consult with the radiologist to obtain information concerning tumor localization; once the image is on the network in a standard format, what might be the best way to distribute it to two or more different locations in such a manner that consulting can occur effectively; if two physicians are consulting how can a third person either be included in the conversation or prevented from listening in. This paper will focus on the messages which must be exchanged to communicate the necessary information and to control the sharing and cooperative use of this information.

Image Processing Requirements In Hospitals And An Integrated Systems Approach

The full capabilities of digital image producing modalities are rarely utilized routinely. Only a small fraction of the available information may be used in the initial diagnosis, and subsequent review is often severely limited by the use of film recordings which may display less than 5% of the original data. An alternative is presented, as a unified digital image distribution and processing system, linking various digital image sources through a high speed data link and a common image format. The system allows for viewing and processing of all images produced within the complex, from viewing stations at any number of convenient locations. The physical handling of storage media is totally eliminated. Complete archiving, file maintenance, and large scale processing capabilities are provided by a central file server. Provisions for hard copy, and the input and output of external image data are also included. The cost of such a system and its operation for ten years is shown to be approximately

A distribution system for digital images from diverse image sources : Incorporating a local area network in an imaging environment

0.20 per image.

Graphical Aids for Tomographic Image Correlation

This paper proposes a unified image-processing and viewing system as a viewing station and initially as the central file server in a unified digital image distribution and processing network, linking various digital image sources through a high speed data link and a common image format. The network allows for viewing and processing of all images produced within the complex and for locating viewing stations in any number of convenient areas. The system proposed can be slowly expanded to include all the digital images produced within the department or institution.

PACS User Level Requirements

The initial development of graphical aids for correlating tomographic images was intended for the evaluation of patients with neurological disorders. Essential to all analytic comparison of images is the ability to overlay images which show good anatomic resolution such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) images onto images such as those obtained from positron emission tomography (PET) which show physiologic function.

Broadband Coaxial Cable Image Viewing And Processing For Radiology

We discuss the requirements of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for medical, from the user level. Based on the current requirements and current inadequacies with film file rooms, and anticipated future requirements, we suggest a minimal set of operation classes that a working PACS must support. No specific command set is proposed; each class is discussed purely in terms of what functions it provides to the user.

Interfacf Requirements in Nuclear Medicine-Devices and Systems

This paper discusses our implementation plan for a digital image processing and viewing network in a large radiology department. We have selected a broadband coaxial cable network as the transport medium with a partial decentralization of computing facilities. We will also be implementing the system in the department in a series of phases designed to provide a smooth transition from present methods to network utilizing ones. Our reasons for choice of transport medium and a rationale for the phases and their selection will be covered. Potential problems and contingency plans will also be discussed.

A Simple Feasibility Demonstration Of A Local Area Network For A Digital Imaging Department

Interface designs for three nuclear medicine imaging systems, and computer networking strategies proposed for medical imaging departments are presented. Configurations for two positron emission tomography devices (PET III and ECAT) and a general purpose tomography instrument (the UNICON) are analyzed in terms of specific performance parameters. Interface designs for these machines are contrasted in terms of utilization of standard versus custom modules, cost, and ease of modification, upgrade, and support. The requirements of general purpose systems for medical image analysis, display, and archiving, are considered, and a realizable state of the art system is specified, including a suggested timetable.