Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to providing automated, custom displays of images and tools for manipulating the images. Certain embodiments include a method for providing an automated user interface for healthcare workers. Certain embodiments of the method employ a network to execute the steps of retrieving an image from an image archive, processing the image to generate image-specific information, identifying data related to the image, mining the data related to the image, and displaying the image along with a custom selection of user interface tools.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for collaboration between systems in a healthcare environment. Certain embodiments provide a collaboration framework enabling electronic communication in a healthcare environment. The framework includes a plurality of communication abstraction layers, each of the plurality of communication abstraction layers defining interface functionality for a communication method. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of communication abstraction layers includes a general set of features and actions. In certain embodiments, the general set of features and actions is representative of features and actions for a specific protocol or technology. The method includes transmitting data from a first system to a second system, abstracting data format and/or protocol to a general format and/or protocol and receiving the abstracted data at the second system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for hanging protocol generation using gesture recognition. Certain embodiments provide a method for creating a hanging protocol based on gesture input in a clinical environment. The method includes specifying a hanging protocol specification using gesture-based input. The method also includes translating the gesture-based input into a hanging protocol. The method further includes facilitating display of clinical information based on the hanging protocol. Certain embodiments provide a gesture detection system. The system includes a sensor surface configured to detect gesture-based input made on the sensor surface. The gesture-based input specifies a hanging protocol layout. The system also includes a processor configured to identify the gesture-based input and translate the gesture to a corresponding hanging protocol definition for display of image and clinical data.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for free text searching of electronic medical records. Certain embodiments provide a system including an interface configured to accept search criteria and display search results and a search engine accepting a free text search query from the interface. The free text search query is based on search criteria entered via the interface. The search engine communicates with a search crawler, which searches electronic medical record data based on the free text search query and provides search results. In certain embodiments, the system may de-identify patient/physician data from the search results. Certain embodiments provide a system for retrieving EMR search results. The system includes an interface configured to accept search criteria and display search results, a database interface adapter for interfacing with an electronic medical record database to transmit and receive data and a formatter for formatting search results.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for image sharing and display. The method includes selecting an image, establishing a context with a peer workstation, and displaying an image on the peer workstation based on the established context. The context may include an image sharing coordinate system, the displayed data types, the coordinates of displayed data types, and lookup tables for image data types. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for image sharing and display. The system includes a master workstation and a peer workstation. The peer workstation includes a display device adapted to display an image based at least in part on information received from the master workstation. The information received from the master workstation may include an image sharing coordinate system, the displayed data types, the coordinates of displayed data types, and lookup tables for image data types.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for automatic prioritizing and ranking of patients in a medical center. The method includes acquiring medical information associated with a patient, prioritizing and ranking the patient based on the acquired medical information, and routing the patient's medical information to an appropriate practitioner based on the priority and rank of the patient.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for synchronizing a view of a patient image with an atlas image. Certain embodiments provide a method for synchronizing a patient image with an atlas image. The method includes retrieving an image atlas including at least one atlas image, registering an atlas image to a patient image and synchronizing a view of the atlas image to a view of the patient image. In certain embodiments, the method further includes registering a plurality of atlas images to a plurality of patient images. In certain embodiments, the step of synchronizing further includes synchronizing at least one of orientation, zoom level, window level and pan of the atlas image to the patient image.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for automatic prioritization and routing of exams for patients in a medical center based on image classification. The method includes capturing an image and digitizing it, automatically classifying the image based on its content, prioritizing the image based on its classification, and routing the image based on its prioritization and classification to the appropriate medical practitioner.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for hanging protocol generation using eye tracking and/or voice command and control. Certain embodiments provide a method for creating a hanging protocol based on at least one of eye tracking and voice command and control input in a clinical environment. The method includes specifying a hanging protocol specification using input including at least one of eye tracking and voice command and control. The method also includes translating the input into a hanging protocol. The method further includes facilitating display of clinical information based on the hanging protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for processing data on user interactions with a workstation. The system comprises an information system that includes a data storage device. An audio microphone capable of capturing workstation user voice data is linked to the information system. An eye-tracking device capable of capturing workstation user eye-movement data is linked to the information system. A display screen capture routine capable of capturing video display data from a workstation display is linked to the information system. A user input capture routine capable of capturing input data entered into the workstation by the workstation user is linked to the information system. The voice data, eye-movement data, video display data and input data for the workstation user are captured simultaneously and the data are recorded on the data storage device with time information that allows synchronization of the data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the presently described invention provide a method for visually representing associations among data and/or events presented on one or more timelines. A user is provided with the ability to select a filter that can be used to determine a plurality of data/events that are associated or related to one another according to the rule(s) defined by the filter. Once the associated data/events are determined, the association among the data/events is graphically presented to the user.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for clinical workflow using gesture recognition. Certain embodiments provide a method for gesture-based interaction in a clinical environment. The method includes detecting a gesture made on a sensor surface. The method also includes determining a pressure applied to make the gesture. The method further includes mapping the gesture and the pressure to a healthcare application function. The pressure modifies the healthcare application function corresponding to the gesture. Certain embodiments provide a gesture detection system including a sensor surface configured to detect a gesture made. The system further includes a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure applied when making the gesture on the sensor surface. The system also includes a processor configured to identify the gesture and translate the gesture to a healthcare application function.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for improved clinical workflow using gesture recognition. Certain embodiments provide a method for gesture-based interaction in a clinical environment. The method includes detecting a gesture in a thin-air display space. The method also includes identifying the detected gesture. The method further includes translating the identified gesture to a corresponding healthcare application function. Certain embodiments provide a gesture detection system. The system includes a thin-air display space defined by at least one sensor configured to detect a gesture performed in the thin-air display space. The system also includes a processor configured to identify the gesture and translate the gesture to a corresponding healthcare application function.

Abstract: Application workflows can be improved using gesture recognition. Interpreting non-functional attributes of gestures, such as relative sizes and/or positions and/or locations, can indicate relative degrees of functionality of the gesture. Thus, gesture inputs trigger proportionate functionality at an application, whereby the gesture input can include a gesture component and at least one of a size component and/or a position component modifying the gesture component.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for triple region image segmentation. Certain embodiments provide a method for triple region image segmentation on a picture archiving and communication system. The method includes forming an initial contour for an image including three regions using principal component analysis and a support vector machine. The method also includes segmenting the image into three regions using a single level set function based on the initial contour. Certain embodiments provide an image processing system facilitating triple region segmentation of an image. The system includes a pattern classifier including a support vector machine, the pattern classifier forming an initial contour for an image including three regions using principal component analysis and the support vector machine. The system also includes a triple region segmenter segmenting the image into three regions using a single level set function based on the initial contour.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for using gaze detection to improve information display in a healthcare environment. Certain embodiments of a system include an eyewear headset for detecting a location of a user's gaze and a display for displaying information. Information on the display, such as images and/or data, is customized for the user based on the user's gaze. In an embodiment, the eyewear headset viewer projects information into the user's oculars for an individual information display. The system may also include a conflict resolution module for determining priority and control of the display among a plurality of users. In an embodiment, a function at the display may be triggered using a voice command, a gesture, and/or a gaze, for example.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and computer instructions for manipulating an image used in a medical examination. For example, in an embodiment, an image manipulation system used in a medical examination comprises: an input module configured to input an image and image information, and an analysis module configured to select an image manipulating function based on the image information. For example, in an embodiment, image information includes an imaging procedure and a body part that is the focus of the imaging procedure, and the image manipulating function is a lookup table. For example, in an embodiment, image information includes information regarding an input image and information regarding manipulation of a previously examined image, and the selected image manipulating function corresponds to an image manipulating function that was applied to the previously examined image.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and computer instructions for aiding analysis of an image used in a medical examination. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination comprises: an input module configured to input an image; a search module configured to locate information regarding an image that is similar to the input image; and an output module configured to output a link to the located information, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination further comprises a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to output the input image and the located information, and wherein the communication module is configured to receive a responsive communication.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for exam prioritization including a priority indicator and a database. The priority indicator is assigned a priority level selected from at least three available priority levels. The at least three available priority levels represent categories of patient acuity. The database is adapted to store an association of the priority indicator and a medical exam. In certain embodiments, the priority indicator is adapted to by dynamically adjusted.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for just-in-time training in software applications including tracking usage of an application by a user, determining a task the user is attempting to perform based at least in part on the tracked usage, and offering training content to the user based at least in part on the task. The training content is offered substantially when the user is attempting to perform the task.