Abstract: A technique is provided for offering feedback, including feedback for patient care and for training purposes for medical professionals and human operators. The technique includes accessing data, such as image data, for evaluation by a human operator. The data is then analyzed via a computer-assisted data operating algorithm, and the analysis may further include analysis of supplemental data accessed from an integrated knowledge base. Based upon the analysis feedback is provided to the operator, such as for completing or complementing the evaluation, correcting analysis by the human operator, or otherwise informing the human operator of similarities or differences between the analyses.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.

Abstract: A multilevel network system is provided for exchanging medical-related data. The data may originate from a variety of controllable and prescribable resources, such as at medical institutions. Patient computing devices are also included as clients to the system. Computer-assisted data operating algorithms may provide for identifying trends, including disease trends in a population connected via the network. An integrated knowledge base may be accessed and compiled by virtue of the network links.

Abstract: A technique for reconciling two or more reads of an image data set. One or more computer implemented routines is employed to provide computer-assisted reconciliation (CAR) including resolution of discrepancies between the two or more reads. The computer-assisted reconciliation may optimally display the discrepancies, the concurrences and any associated information to a human reconciler, may resolve the discrepancies in a partially automated manner, or may resolve the discrepancies in a fully automated manner. The reconciled data may then be provided to an end user.

Abstract: An integrated knowledge base of medical-related data is accessed by a variety of users and resources for providing data on user-specific, function-specific and similar bases. The integrated knowledge base may be located physically at a range of disparate locations, as may the users and resources. Based upon factors such as the user identification, the user type, the user function, the user environment, and so forth, the system can provide specifically-adapted interfaces for interacting with the integrated knowledge base. Similarly, controlled access may be provided on similar bases such that some but not all of the data or functionality of the integrated knowledge base is offered to the specific user. Interfacing with resources, such as diagnostic equipment and systems is also provided, and can be similarly customized and access-controlled.

Abstract: Access, analysis and processing medical-related data in an integrated knowledge base is initiated by one of a plurality of initiating events, such as a user query, the occurrence of a medical event, a change of state of data within the knowledge base, and a system-generated initiating event, such as based upon attaining various triggering levels or expiration of. The integrated knowledge base may be physically located in quite disparate locations, and processing strings may occur on one or more computer system. The triggering events begin specific processing based upon algorithms which can respond to the specific triggering event, or can analyze data in manners not necessarily requested by the triggering event. The technique thus permits analysis of a wide range of medical-related data for user-related purposes, patient-related purposes, as well as to identify and discover particular medical care needs or relationships between data to enhance diagnosis, treatment, institutional performance, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for receiving and processing patient-related data in a medical environment. The patient data is collected prior to and during patient contact, such as in a physician's office, clinic or hospital. The data is processed in conjunction with data from an integrated knowledge base to provide recommendations and information to enhance efficiency of the provision of medical care and diagnosis. The recommendations may include additional procedures to be performed prior to or during the patient contact. Patient-specific information, including procedures and educational information, may be crafted based upon the patient's data and the additional data from a variety of resources. Reports and guidance may be provided prior to, during or following the patient contact both for the patient, an institution, and physicians and clinicians.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of computer-assisted data operating algorithms in a medical context. Datasets are compiled and accessed, which may include data from a wide range of resources, including controllable and prescribable resources, such as imaging systems. The datasets are analyzed by a human expert or medical professional, and the algorithms are modified based upon feedback from the human expert or professional. Modifications may be made to a wide range of algorithms and based upon a wide range of data, such as available from an integrated knowledge base. Modifications may be made in sub-modules of the algorithms providing enhanced functionality. Modifications may also be made on various bases, including patient-specific changes, population-specific changes, feature-specific changes, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for developing a model of medical conditions and situations from medical data. The data is accessed from an integrated knowledge base or from resources of both clinical and non-clinical nature. The data is analyzed to establish relationships between the data, and a computer-assisted data operating algorithm is modified based upon the identified relationship. The algorithm may include a wide range of functions, such as feature detection, diagnosis, data acquisition, data processing, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for planning resources in a medical context. Clinical and non-clinical data is stored in and accessed from an integrated knowledge base. The data is derived from a variety of controllable and prescribable data resources of different modalities and types. Projection data is generated based upon analysis of the accessed data, with projections being made for resources of various modalities and types needed for rendering medical services. The technique permits short, medium and long-range forecasting of resource needs based upon both clinical and non-clinical data.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a computer-assisted data operating algorithm. Data from a controllable and prescribable resource for medical data is accessed and analyzed in accordance with a specified operating algorithm. An operating algorithm, either the same or a different algorithm, is then modified based upon the analysis. The algorithm may operate on data from different resource types or modalities. Modifications may be made which affect various sub-modules of the modified algorithms. The modifications may be made on a global basis, a population-specific bases, a patient-specific bases, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique for independently reviewing the detection or classification of features of interest within a set of image data. A computer implemented CAD module is used to independently classify features of interest identified by a human agent or to independently identify and classify features of interest. Discrepancies between the computer implemented feature identifications or classifications and the human determinations may be reconciled by a computer assisted reconciliation process.

Abstract: A technique is provided for offering feedback, including feedback for patient care and for training purposes for medical professionals and human operators. The technique includes accessing data, such as image data, for evaluation by a human operator. The data is then analyzed via a computer-assisted data operating algorithm, and the analysis may further include analysis of supplemental data accessed from an integrated knowledge base. Based upon the analysis feedback is provided to the operator, such as for completing or complementing the evaluation, correcting analysis by the human operator, or otherwise informing the human operator of similarities or differences between the analyses.

Abstract: An integrated patient knowledge base is compiled based upon data from controllable and prescribable resources. The knowledge base may download the data or provide links to it, and permits a patient to access and manage medical care. Greater integration of data resources permits the patient to obtain useful information and insights into results of care decisions for improved management of the underlying data and of the patient health.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for processing in vitro test sample data. The in vitro test sample data is accessed and additional data may be accessed, such as from an integrated knowledge base, from a plurality of controllable and prescribable data resources. Analysis of the data is performed, such as via an automated computer-assisted data operating algorithm to identify features of interest available or possibly available from the in vitro test data. Processes are performed, either on the data or upon an in vitro sample based upon the analysis. Results of the processing may include acquisition of additional test samples, modification of processing of test samples or of sample data, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for analyzing patient-related information and other information in an integrated knowledge base to arrive at recommendations for follow up procedures for patient care. The data may include clinical and non-clinical data, such as data relating to facility or other resources which directly interact with the patient. Thus, follow up procedures and measures may be scheduled or taken automatically based upon the analysis. The analysis may also include computer-assisted analysis of data from the integrated knowledge base, as well as computer-assisted processing of the data. Again, the result of the processing or analysis may be recommendations for subsequent procedures, thereby enhancing patient care.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating tomographic mammography data and processing the data using a computer aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, feature extraction, and feature classification. The acquired data may be processed in parallel by the CAD algorithm such that information derived from one processing path may be used to enhance or alter the processing of data in a parallel processing path. The processed data may be used to provide an enhanced mammographic image with features of interest marked for inspection by a radiologist. The features of interest may also be classified to aid the inspection by the radiologist.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating tomographic mammography data and processing the data using a computer aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, feature extraction, and feature classification. The acquired data may be processed in parallel by the CAD algorithm such that information derived from one processing path may be used to enhance or alter the processing of data in a parallel processing path. The processed data may be used to provide an enhanced mammographic image with features of interest marked for inspection by a radiologist. The features of interest may also be classified to aid the inspection by the radiologist.

Abstract: A method and system for of defining, or identifying, regions of interest for exposure management in a digital x-ray imaging system, and especially in the case of multiple consecutive image acquisitions. According to the most basic embodiment of the present invention, simple geometric shapes arranged in a matrix configuration are used to aid an operator in identifying a region of interest for a diagnostic x-ray image. Each region of interest is selectable from a low-dose preshot image and may be corrected, or processed, in order to enhance the results of a subsequent diagnostic image. The processing of the preshot image allows the system to automatically make predictions for the diagnostic image exposure requirements, thereby avoiding unnecessary multiple images.