U.S. patent number 5,949,491 [Application Number 08/980,413] was granted by the patent office on 1999-09-07 for ultrasound image management system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dicomit Imaging Systems Corp.. Invention is credited to Terrance Callahan, Desmond Hirson, Thomas Little.
United States Patent |
5,949,491 |
Callahan , et al. |
September 7, 1999 |
Ultrasound image management system
Abstract
An image management system for use in conjunction with an
ultrasound machine. The system comprises an input port coupled to
the ultrasound machine for receiving the video output signal
generated for the ultrasound images and a frame buffer for
digitizing and storing the video output from the ultrasound. The
system includes a switch for routing the video output signal or the
video signal generated from the digitized ultrasound images to the
monitor of the ultrasound for display. The system allows the
original video signal to be displayed without introducing
artifacts. The system includes storage-devices for archive and
retrieval of the digitized ultrasound images and playback on the
ultrasound monitor, The system also includes a communication port
for interfacing the ultrasound with a PACS or a networked
ultrasound management system. According to another aspect, the
image management system includes an interface to allow client
machines to access patient information and images stored in the
local archive database via the Internet.
Inventors: |
Callahan; Terrance (Aurora,
CA), Hirson; Desmond (Thornhill, CA),
Little; Thomas (Toronto, CA) |
Assignee: |
Dicomit Imaging Systems Corp.
(Richmond Hill, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
46253851 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/980,413 |
Filed: |
November 28, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
547266 |
Oct 24, 1995 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/442;
707/E17.006; 600/437; 600/443; 709/217; 715/719; 715/718 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S
7/52034 (20130101); G01S 7/003 (20130101); G01S
15/899 (20130101); G06F 16/258 (20190101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01S
7/00 (20060101); G01S 15/89 (20060101); G01S
15/00 (20060101); G01S 7/52 (20060101); G06F
17/30 (20060101); H04N 007/01 (); H04N
007/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;348/442,163,6,12,13,552,553 ;364/413.01,413.19 ;600/437,443
;128/660.04,660.01,660.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Product Brochure for Access Acquisition Module and Image Management
Undated. .
System by Advanced Technology Laboratories Undated. .
Product Brochure for AMICAS Observer System by Autocytgroup, Inc.
Undated..
|
Primary Examiner: Kostak; Victor R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ridout & Maybee
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No.
08/547,266 filed on Oct. 24, 1995.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image management system for use in conjunction with an
ultrasound machine having a scan converter for converting
ultrasonic scan data into a video output signal and a monitor
having an input for receiving a video input signal for display,
said image management system comprising:
(a) an input port coupled to said ultrasound machine for receiving
said video output signal;
(b) a switch for routing a signal for display on said monitor, said
switch having a switch output coupled to the input of said monitor
and a first switch input coupled to said input port for receiving
said video output signal from the ultrasound machine and a second
switch input for receiving a second video output signal, and
wherein said first input comprises a loop-back path for directly
coupling said video output signal from the scan converter for
display on said monitor;
(c) switching control means coupled to said switch for selectively
switching said video output signal and said other video output
signal to said switch output for displaying said selected video
signal on said monitor;
(d) a frame buffer having an input for receiving said video output
signal and having image processing means for processing said video
output signal and generating video output signal at an output
coupled to said second switch input;
(e) said image processing means having means for generating digital
image files corresponding to said video output signal;
(f) storage means for storing and retrieving said digital image
files; and
(g) interface means for interfacing to a network and providing
access for one or more remote clients to the digital image files
stored in said storage means through a server connected to the
network, said interface means comprising a database process module
and a server process module, said server process module including
means for interfacing to the server and means for receiving a
request transmitted to said server by a client over said network,
said database process module including means for processing said
request and retrieving the associated digital image file, and means
for transmitting said retrieved digital image file to said server
for further transmission over the network to the client.
2. The image management system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
interface means includes a compression module for compressing the
retrieved digital image file for transmission on the network.
3. The image management system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
network comprises the Internet.
4. The image management system as claimed in claim 3, wherein said
storage means store patient information together with said digital
image files.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which a claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to reproduction of the patent
document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent Office
patent file or records, but reserves all other rights.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to image management systems, and more
particularly to an image manager for use with an ultrasonic imaging
station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ultrasound imaging machines are a mainstay of modern medical
practice. Ultrasound machines utilize ultrasonic waves, i.e. sonar,
to scan a patient's body. The ultrasound machine produces images
which are viewed by doctors in the diagnosis and care of patients.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for viewing a foetus during
prenatal care in a pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used to view
blood-flow patterns in arteries.
In larger hospitals, the ultrasound machines are networked with a
Picture Archive and Communications System (PACS). The PACS provides
a central library for storing and retrieving ultrasound images.
Typically, a hospital will have one PACS connected to several
ultrasound stations spread throughout the hospital or at remote
locations connected by a communication network. The images
generated by the ultrasound stations are transferred to the PACS
for storage and later retrieval and review. Because of the cost,
PACS are mostly found in the larger metropolitan hospitals.
Although their use is widespread, ultrasound machines are expensive
to purchase and the number of ultrasound machines in a hospital is
limited. Larger hospitals are typically equipped with several
ultrasound machines, while smaller hospitals are limited to one or
two machines. With decreasing budgets hospitals are reluctant to
upgrade or replace their ultrasound equipment and many hospitals
continue to operate with older equipment. This means that many
existing ultrasound machines in use are not compatible with the
newer picture format standards, such as DICOM3 or DEFF. Because
most newer PACS are based on DICOM3 or DEFF standards, this means
that the older ultrasound machines currently in use are also
incompatible and cannot be integrated into a networked ultrasound
management system, e.g. several ultrasound machines networked with
a PACS. For a smaller hospital having one or two ultrasound
machines it is impractical to support a PACS, however, the
additional functionality provided by PACS is still desirable.
With the widespread use of the Internet, and in particular, the
World Wide Web, more and more users are relying on the Internet for
communication and the transfer of information and data. Internet
communication has become a very cost-effective standard for
information distribution. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an
interface to the Internet in order to exploit the communication
capabilities of the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Accordingly, there is a need for image management system for use in
conjunction with an ultrasound machine which provides the
ultrasound machine with DICOM3 or DOFF compatibility. There is a
need for an image management system providing the capability to
interface with a PACS utilizing DICOM3 or DEFF standards. There is
also a need for an image management system which provides an
ultrasound machine with a local archive and retrieve facility, and
the capability to access this information over the Internet.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an image management system which
allows conventional ultrasound machines to be upgraded to advanced
picture formats, such as DICOM3 or DEFF compatibility.
The image manager according to the present invention features a
communication interface to connect the ultrasound to a PACS or a
networked ultrasound management system. The image manager also
provides an ultrasound machine with micro-PACS capability for local
archive and retrieval of ultrasound images. The capability to store
images independently of a Review station eliminates down-time when
the networked system is down.
The image manager according to the present invention gives a user
the capability to display a live or frozen image generated by the
ultrasound machine or captured images stored locally by the image
manager. This allows the ultrasound monitor to be used for
displaying both the ultrasound image and the captured ultrasound
images.
Another feature of the image management system according to the
present invention is the ability to operate in a loop-back mode
without affecting the quality of the original video output signal
generated by the ultrasound machine. Because the interpretation of
ultrasound images depends to a large degree on the skill of an
operator, the subtle features and textures of images generated by
the ultrasound become important to the operator, especially an
operator who has trained on a particular ultrasound machine.
Therefore, it is undesirable to introduce artifacts, for example
due to digitization or analog conversion, into the video input
signal being displayed on the ultrasound monitor, and accordingly,
in loop-back mode, the image manager passes the video output signal
directly to the ultrasound monitor.
The image manager includes impedance matching to maintain
termination integrity for the ultrasound display monitor and
thereby minimize the detrimental effects of noise on image
quality.
Another feature of the image manager is an interface to allow the
processing of requests from the Internet for images and other
information stored in the local archive or database, which
information is then transferred over the Internet to the requesting
source.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides an image
management system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound machine
having a scan converter for converting ultrasonic scan data into a
video output signal and a monitor having an input for receiving a
video input signal for display. The image management system
comprises: (a) an input port coupled to the ultrasound machine for
receiving the video output signal; (b) a switch for routing a
signal to the monitor, the switch having a switch output coupled to
the input of the monitor and a first switch input coupled to the
input port for receiving the video output signal from the
ultrasound machine and a second switch input for receiving another
video output signal; and (c) a controller coupled to the switch for
selectively switching the video output signal and the other video
output signal to the switch output for displaying the selected
video signal on the monitor.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides an image
management system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound machine
having a scan converter for converting ultrasonic scan data into a
video output signal and a monitor having an input for receiving a
video input signal for display. The image management system
comprises: (a) an input port coupled to the ultrasound machine for
receiving the video output signal; (b) a switch for routing a
signal for display on the monitor, the switch having a switch
output coupled to the input of the monitor and a first switch input
coupled to the input port for receiving the video output signal
from the ultrasound machine and a second switch input for receiving
another video output signal; (c) a controller coupled to the switch
for selectively switching the video output signal and the other
video output signal to the switch output for displaying the
selected video signal on the monitor; (d) a frame buffer having an
input for receiving the video output signal and having an image
processor for processing the video output signal and generating a
video output signal at an output coupled to the second switch
input; (e) the image processor having means for generating digital
image files corresponding to the video output signal; and (f) a
storage device for storing and retrieving the digital image
files.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an image
management system for use in conjunction with an ultrasound machine
having a scan converter for converting ultrasonic scan data into a
video output signal and a monitor having an input for receiving a
video input signal for display, said image management system
comprising: (a) an input port coupled to said ultrasound machine
for receiving said video output signal; (b) a switch for routing a
signal for display on said monitor, said switch having a switch
output coupled to the input of said monitor and a first switch
input coupled to said input port for receiving said video output
signal from the ultrasound machine and a second switch input for
receiving a second video output signal; (c) switching control means
coupled to said switch for selectively switching said video output
signal and said other video output signal to said switch output for
displaying said selected video signal on said monitor; (d) a frame
buffer having an input for receiving said video output signal and
having image processing means for processing said video output
signal and generating video output signal at an output coupled to
said second switch input; (e) said image processing means having
means for generating digital image files corresponding to said
video output signal; (f) storage means for storing and retrieving
said digital image files; and (g) interface means for interfacing
to a network and providing access for one or more remote clients to
the digital image files stored in said storage through a server
connected to the network, said interface means comprising a
database process module and a server process module, said server
process module including means for interfacing to the server and
means for receiving a request transmitted to said server by a
client over said network, said database process module including
means for processing said request and retrieving the associated
digital image file, and means for transmitting said retrieved
digital image file to said server for further transmission over the
network to the client.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying
drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image management system
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the switching control of the
image management system of FIG. 1 in more detail;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a video clamping and buffer stage
for the image management system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the switching control aspect of
the image management system depicted in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is a block diagram an image management system with an
Internet interface according to another aspect of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 which shows an image management
system 10 according to the present invention. In the following
description, the image management system 10 is also referred to as
an image manager 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the image management
system 10 is connected to an ultrasound station 12 and to a
Review/Archive station 14, for example a remote PACS (Picture
Archive Communications System).
The image management system 10 provides the ultrasound station 12
with DICOM3 and DEFF compatibility, i.e. the capability to produce
ultrasound image files in the DICOM3 or DEFF formats. The image
manager 10 also allows the ultrasound station 12 to connect to the
DICOM3 (or DEFF) compatible Review/Archive station 14 through a
communication link or network 16, e.g. Ethernet. In another aspect,
the image management system 10 allows the ultrasound station 12 to
operate independently, i.e. as a stand-alone ultrasound console
located in an examination room of a hospital with a local or
"micro-PACS" capability as will be described in more detail
below.
The ultrasound station 12 is a well-known device and comprises an
ultrasound machine 18 and a display monitor 20. The ultrasound
machine 18 uses ultrasonic waves for scanning a patient's body for
medical diagnosis, e.g. prenatal care. The scan signals are
translated into a 2-dimensional digital image which is then
converted into an analog video output signal 22 on video-out port
23 for display on the monitor 20. The analog video output signal 22
includes an associated synchronization signal (not shown).
Ultrasound machines known in the art typically produce a video
output based on the RGB, NTSC or PAL standards as will be
understood by those skilled in the art. The display monitor 20 has
a video-in port 24 for receiving the analog video output signal
22.
Normally on a conventional ultrasound station 12, the video-out
port 23 (and analog video output signal 22) is coupled directly to
the video-in port 24 on the monitor 20 for the ultrasound station
12. According to the present invention, the analog video signal 22
is coupled to a video input port 26 on the image manager 10. In the
image manager 10, the video input port 26 is connected to a
switching stage 28 which is coupled to a frame buffer 30. The
switching stage 28 has an output which forms a video output port
32. The video output port 32 is connected to the video-in port 24
on the ultrasound monitor 20. The frame buffer 30 provides one of
the inputs (output video signal 25) to the switching stage 28 and
the video-out port 23 from the ultrasound machine 18 provides
another input, i.e. the analog video signal 22. The switching stage
28 controls the input source for the ultrasound monitor 20 by
switching between the analog signal 22 or the output video signal
25 generated by the frame buffer 30. The default state for the
switching stage 28 is loop-back mode, i.e. switching the analog
video signal 22 directly to the video-in port 24 on the ultrasound
monitor 20. Because the video signal 22 is looped directly back to
the monitor 20, the image manager 10 minimizes artifacts in the
images displayed on the monitor 20. Artifacts arise from
analog-to-digital conversions, for example, due to quantization
error.
As shown in FIG. 1, the analog video signal 22 is fed to the frame
buffer 30 through a video buffer 34. Similarly, the output of the
frame buffer 30 is connected to the switching stage 28 through
another video buffer 36. The video buffers 34,36 buffer the
respective video signals 22,23 and prevent loading.
The frame buffer 30 digitizes the analog video signal 22 from the
ultrasound machine 28 and stores the digitized ultrasound images or
frames in local memory. The digitized images can be recalled by the
operator for display on the monitor 20. The local memory comprises
resident memory (not shown) in the frame buffer 30 and a mass
storage device and control logic to provide local image archive and
database storage 38. Preferably, the frame buffer 30 comprises one
of the IMAGSCAN.TM. family of products available from Imagraph of
Boston, Mass. The frame buffer 30 preferably includes the
capability to produce ultrasound image scan files in the DICOM3 and
DEFF formats. The configuration of the frame buffer 30 is within
the understanding of one skilled in the art. According to the
invention, the frame buffer 30 is synchronized with the digital
sampling rate, i.e. pixel frequency, of the scan converter in the
ultrasound machine 18.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image manager 10 includes a communications
input/output port 40, for example, based on the industry-standard
Ethernet protocol. The Ethernet standard is preferable for
interfacing to PACS which utilize the same. The communications port
40 allows the image manager 10 and ultrasound station 12 to be
connected to a Review/Archive station 14 and/or networked with an
ultrasound management system, for example, comprising a number of
ultrasound stations and one or more PACS. According to another
aspect of the invention, the image management system 10 includes an
interface for accessing the local archive database 38 via the
Internet as described below with reference to FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 1, the image manager 10 includes other ports for
connecting to a variety of peripherals. The image manager 10 has an
optical drive input/output port 42 for connecting to a Magneto
Optical Drive (MOD) 44. The interface 42 and MOD 44 provide the
manager 10 with a substantial local archive and review or PACS
(Picture Archive and Communications System) capability, thereby
allowing the image manager 10 to be combined with an ultrasound 12
to form a stand-alone ultrasound management system suitable for
smaller hospitals or medical clinics, i,e. storage and retrieval of
ultrasound images in DICOM3 or DEFF format. The local archive and
review capability of the image manager 10 may be further augmented
by a CD ROM device 45. The image manager 10 includes a SCSI (Small
Computer Systems Interface) port 46 which is suitable for use with
a standard digital colour printer 48 and other SCSI compatible
devices. The image manager 10 also includes an auxiliary video port
50. The auxiliary video port 50 comprises a video output 52 for a
colour printer 54; a video output 56 for a video cassette recorder
58; a video output (black and white) 60 for a high definition
multi-format camera 62; and a video output 64 for a black and white
printer 66.
The image manager 10 also includes a video output 68 for a high
resolution laser camera 70. The laser camera 70 is a known device
which generates high definition slides that are viewed with the aid
of a light box. The digital communications port 40 is used to
control the operation of the laser camera 70 and the implementation
of the port 40 will depend on the specifications of the particular
laser camera 70 being utilized, for example, known laser cameras
use an Ethernet interface.
The operation of the image manager 10 is controlled by a
microcomputer. The image manager 10 includes a keypad 72 and a foot
switch 74 for accepting commands from an ultrasound technician or
hospital professional. For example, the operator will use the
keypad 72 to retrieve captured images from the frame buffer 30 for
display on the monitor 20.
Reference is next made to FIG. 2 which shows the switching stage 28
and video buffers 34,36 in more detail. The analog video signal 22
on the video-out port 23 is generated by the ultrasound machine 18
and comprise a RGB, NTSC or PAL standard. For convenience a single
line is shown in FIG. 2. The image manager 10 includes a video
clamp stage 72 which is coupled between the video buffer 34 and the
video-out port 23 on the ultrasound machine 18. The function of the
clamp stage 72 is to clamp or limit the voltage level of the analog
signal 22 in order to protect the analog-to-digital converter on
the input of the frame buffer 30. A video signal is typically 0.7
Volts. The clamp stage 72 clamps the input video signal 22 at
approximately 1.2 Volts. The implementation of the clamp stage 72
is within the understanding of those skilled in the art and shown
in more detail in FIG. 3.
The implementation of the video buffer stage 34 is also shown in
FIG. 3. The video buffer stage 34 comprises video amplifiers
34a,34b,34c for R, G, B, signals comprising the analog video signal
22. The video amplifiers 34a,34b,34c are configured as unity gain
buffers as will be within the understand of those skilled in the
art. A suitable component for the video buffers 34 is the LM6181N
Video Amplifier available from National Semiconductor of Santa
Clara, Calif.
Referring to FIG. 2, the image manager 10 includes a
synchronization logic stage 74. The sync logic stage 74 is coupled
to the sync output 76 on the ultrasound machine 18. The function of
the sync logic stage 74 is to generate a synchronization signal 78
associated with the video output signal 25 produced by the frame
buffer 30 so that the video signal 25 is compatible with the
monitor 20. The sync logic stage 74 is configured to generate SYNC,
Composite Sync (i.e. Horizontal Sync and Vertical Sync), and
Sync-on-Green synchronization signals 78.
The sync logic stage 74 is shown in detail in FIG. 4. The sync
logic stage 74 includes two EXOR logic gates 75a,75b which generate
a composite sync signal 78a from the Horizontal Sync and Vertical
Sync. The sync logic stage 78 also includes an analog adder circuit
77 to generate a sync-on-green signal 78b by adding the sync signal
with the green video signal as will be understood by one skilled in
the art. The sync logic 78 also includes a buffer 79 for buffering
the sync signal 78. The appropriate sync signal 78,78a or 78b is
connected to an input on the switching stage 28 using a jumper. The
signal level, i.e. TTL or 75 Ohm terminated, for the sync signal 78
is also selected using a jumper. The switching stage 28 controls
the source of the sync signal 78, i.e. from the sync out 76 on the
ultrasound machine in loop-back mode or from the frame buffer 30
for the output video 25.
Referring to FIG. 2, the switching stage 28 comprises a switch 80
for switching the video signal source and a switch 82 for switching
the sync signal source. The switching stage 28 includes a pair of
switches 84,86 for impedance matching with the ultrasound monitor
20. The switches 80 to 86 are implemented using a bank of relays as
shown in FIG. 4.
The switching stage 28 is coupled to and controlled by a
microcomputer through a digital control interface 88. Preferably,
the digital control interface 88 is coupled to the microcomputer
bus as a memory-mapped peripheral. The implementation of the
digital control interface 88 is within the understanding of one
skilled in the art and shown in more detail in FIG. 4.
Referring to FIG. 2, the first switch 80 controls the video source
to the ultrasound monitor 20. One input 80a of the switch 80 is
connected to the video-out port 23 of the ultrasound 18 and
receives the analog video signal 22. The other input 80b of the
switch 80 is connected to the output of the frame buffer 30 through
the video buffer 36 and receives the output video signal 25. The
second switch 82 controls the sync signal source for the ultrasound
monitor 20. One input 82a of the switch 82 is connected to the
sync-out port 76 on the ultrasound machine 18 and receives the sync
signal associated with the analog video signal 22. The other input
82b of the switch 82 is connected to the output of the sync logic
stage 74 and receives the sync signal 78 associated with the output
video signal 25. In response to user commands (e.g. via the
keypad), the microcomputer through the digital control interface 88
activates the switches 80,82 to change the video/sync source for
the monitor 20. The default state for the switches 80,82 is
loop-back mode, i.e. the analog video signal 22 and sync signal is
looped directly back to the video-in port 24 and sync-in port on
the ultrasound monitor 20. This ensures that should the image
manager 10 or network go dowm, the ultrasound station 12 can
maintain normal operation.
The third and fourth switches 84,86 provide impedance matching for
the ultrasound monitor 20. Because the ultrasound images are used
for medical diagnosis, it is critical that the integrity of the
analog video signal 22 and video output signal 25 be maintained.
Impedance matching is important for maintaining the signal
integrity and minimizing noise in the loop-back mode. As shown in
FIG. 2, the switch 84 is coupled to a resistor 90. The resistance
value for the resistor 90 depends on the specifications of the
monitor 20. The switch 86 is also coupled to a resistor 92. In the
loop-back mode, the switch 84 couples the resistor 90 to the
video-in port 24 so that the monitor 20 sees a 75 Ohm impedance.
The other switch 86 couples the output of the video buffer 36 to
ground through the resistor 92 in order to minimize noise which may
be coupled by the video-in port 24 and corrupt the video signal 22
being switched to the ultrasound monitor 20.
In operation, a medical technician uses the ultrasound station 12
to scan a patient, for example, an expectant mother. During the
scan, the ultrasound 12 generates the video output signal 22, and
in loop-back mode the video output 22 is displayed on the monitor
20. The video output signal 22 is also fed to the frame buffer 30
through the video buffer 34 and digitized in the background by the
image manager 10. During the scanning session, the medical
technician uses the keypad 72 to switch between the display of the
image produced by the ultrasound station 12 or the digital images
stored in the frame buffer 30. Once the session is completed, the
medical technician may direct the digital images from the image
manager 10 to any one of the peripherals, e.g. the laser camera 70
or for long-term storage and retrieval to the MOD 44 or archive
station 14 in a networked system.
It is a feature of the image manager 10 that in loop-back mode, the
analog video output signal 22 is routed directly (i.e. without
passing through the frame buffer 30) to the video-in port 24 on the
monitor 20 in order to maintain the integrity of the ultrasound
image. This is important because the interpretation of ultrasound
images depends largely on an operator's ability to distinguish
subtle textures and features in the image being displayed on the
ultrasound monitor 20 and changes introduced to the image may
affect the operator's interpretation.
Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which shows an image management
system with Internet access 100 according to another aspect of the
present invention. The image management system 100 together with a
web server 120 provides remote computers 130, i.e. clients, with
the capability to access the local archive and database image files
38 via the Internet (i.e. the World Wide Web) 140. or other wide
area network, e.g. the Intranet. Advantageously, the image
management system 100 provides a "client-server" arrangement which
allows the remote clients 130 to use the cost-effective Internet
140 to easily access digitized patient images in the local archive
database 38. The remote clients 130, shown individually as 130a,
130b, . . . 130n in FIG. 5, comprise computers at remote locations
which use the Internet to access the, local archive database 38 via
the web server 120 and the Internet interface module 110. Each of
the clients 130 includes a web browser 132. The web browser 132
comprises a computer program which allows a user, i.e. client, to
access the web server 120 over the Internet 140. Web browser
software includes the industry standard Netscape Navigator.TM. and
microsoft's Explorer.TM. browser programs.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image management system with Internet
access 100 comprises the image management system 10, the local
archive and database images file 38 and an Internet interface
module 110. The image management system 10 and local archive and
database 38 are as described above, and the local archive database
38 is shown separately for the interface module 110.
The Internet interface module 110 provides the interface between
the web server 120 and the local archive database 38. (The local
archive database 38 stores digitized patient images which are
generated by the ultrasound system 10 by digitizing the video
signal 22 produced by the ultrasound-unit 12 as describe above. In
addition, the local database 38 may store other patient
information.) The Internet interface module 110 comprises a
database process 111 and a web server process 112. The interface
module 110 also includes a compression engine 113. The web server
process 112 comprises a software module which processes requests
for patient information and images received from clients 130 via
the web server 120. The processed requests are then passed from the
web server process 112 to the database process 111. The database
process 111 comprises a software module which interprets the
requests from the web server process 112 and retrieves the
requested patient information and/or images from the local archive
database 38. A source code listing for the database process 111 is
provided as an Appendix. The retrieved patient information and/or
images are then passed to the compression engine 113. The
compression engine 113 comprises a software module which utilizes
known algorithms to compress the patient information and images.
The known JPEG and MPEG standards are suitable for compressing the
images. The interface module 110 preferably also includes
encryption software for encrypting the retrieved images and patient
information and thereby protecting the integrity of the data. The
encryption software or algorithm is selected according to the
industry standard or specification.
The web server 120 takes the compressed patient information and
images and transmits the data to the browser 132 of the client
machine 130 which initiated the request to the web server 120. The
web server 120 preferably includes software for managing
connections with multiple browsers simultaneously.
In operation, the user, i.e. client, provides the web browser 132
with the address or URL ("Uniform Resource Locator") for the web
server 120. The web browser 132 then opens a connection with the
web server 120, and the web server 120 sends a web page in HTML
(Hyper Text Markup Language) format to the web browser 132. The web
browser 132 is designed to interpret the HTML information and
present a screen display to the user. For this application, the web
page comprises information fields which are filled in by the user
in order to access images from the local archive database 38.
Preferably, the information fields include secured passwords to
ensure the confidentiality of the patient images stored in the
database 38. The web page may also include hypertext links, for
example, a doctor can have a hypertext link for each patient. In
reply to the request from the client 130, the interface module 110
retrieves the requested patient information and/or image files from
the local archive database 38. The retrieved data is compressed,
and preferably encrypted, and passed to the web server 120. The web
server 120 then transmits the data over the Internet 140 to the
client 130 which made the original request (for example, the
patient's doctor).
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. While the subject invention has been described with
reference to an ultrasound system which generates an analog video
output, certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will
be obvious to those skilled in the art, for example, utilizing an
ultrasound machine which produces a digital output. Therefore, the
presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative
and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by
the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
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