Abstract: A User Interface system provides a physician with a user-friendly overview of operational and resource information of a Radiology Information System (RIS) and uses rules and hospital knowledge to find and filter RIS information to provide information facilitating making a particular decision. A radiology resource monitoring system comprises at least one repository including, data identifying scheduled procedures, data identifying room and equipment availability and data identifying clinician availability. A patient tracking unit monitors patient status including progress of patient procedures and patient arrival. An information management processor updates a task schedule of a worker in response to a change in patient status indicated by the tracking unit and in response to data derived from the at least one repository.

Abstract: A system facilitates the secure access, transfer and update of patient record information and the creation and navigation of image menus supporting the location and access of desired patient record data by a user. A system provides a user interface for use by a portable processing device for accessing and navigating patient record information. The system receives user identification information for use in authorizing user operation of the portable processing device and initiates display of an image including a plurality of links to a corresponding plurality of individual patients. The system also initiates display of a patient record content index image including a plurality of links to a corresponding plurality of items of patient record information in response to user selection of a link to one of the plurality of individual patients.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optimizing the amount of radiation exposure to a patient. The system and method comprise inputting a set of parameters based on characteristics of the patient, positioning components of a medical imaging equipment, comparing the input parameters and position of the components to computed optimum parameters and positions, and providing an indication of an amount of radiation dosage to be dispensed based on at least one of the input parameters and the position of the components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically setting an X-Ray strength based at least in part on the volume of an object. Lasers are used to measure distances to the object. Using the measured distances, a volume of the object to be X-Rayed is estimated. Using the estimated volume, an appropriate X-Ray strength is determined and an X-Ray machine is adjusted to provide X-Rays of that strength.

Abstract: A system and method in which image processing parameters that are used globally or which change locally within the image are adapted to improve image quality by using the acquisition parameters, image analysis data, and calibration/model data. Image processing parameters are established as a function of the acquisition parameters. The acquisition parameters include one or more of an x-ray tube voltage, a pre-filtration, a focal spot size, an x-ray source to detector distance (SID), and a detector readout mode. Image processing parameters may also be established as a function of local or global image analysis, such as signal-to-noise ratio, as well as a function of predicted signal-to-noise ratio determined from the calibration data and a predetermined model.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system that constantly evaluates and determines optimal image acquisition parameters, such as frame rate and pulse length, based on the application and motion detection during an x-ray acquisition scene, and applies optimal image acquisition parameters accordingly. The x-ray imaging method includes accessing previous image data and accessing present image data. Motion between the present image data and at least a portion of the previous image data is detected and the one or more image acquisition parameters are determined as a function of the detected motion.

Abstract: A system and method is provided directed to improved real-time image guidance by uniquely combining the capabilities of two well-known imaging modalities, anatomical 3D data from computer tomography (CT) and real time data from live fluoroscopy images provided by an angiography/fluoroscopy system to ensure a more efficient and safer intervention in treating punctures, drainages and biopsies in the abdominal and thoracic areas of the human body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visualizing an interventional device in a body using a magnetic resonance (MR) imager. In operation an MR pulse sequence is applied to the body so as to develop MR signals, which are processed so as to acquire one or more images. An operator of the imager uses a hands-free device to control parameters of the applied pulse sequence so as to cause the images to show an intensity distortion artifact in the area of the interventional device that is increased as compared to intensity distortion artifact in conventional MR images; and, after an image distortion which is expected to be produced by the interventional device is seen, the operator changes the applied pulse sequence parameters, in a “hands-free” manner, so that said one or more acquired images show an intensity distortion artifact in the area of the interventional device that is reduced as compared to said increased intensity distortion.

Abstract: An improved system and method for using dual energy techniques for acquiring x-ray images in two and three dimensions is disclosed. An X-ray source and detector are mounted at opposite ends of a movable C-arm. A fast movement mechanism is provided to quickly and precisely move the C-arm and detector in stepped motion about a patient. Low and high energy X-ray images are taken at each discrete step point, followed by fast movement of the source and detector to a next position with respect to the patient. Motion artifacts are eliminated by taking the high and low energy X-ray images while the C-arm is stopped. High and low energy pulses are provided through the use of a filtration arrangement which is synchronized with the frame rate of the detector to thereby optimize image collection.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a set of tasks to be performed by at least one individual to support healthcare delivery employs a method for providing a user interface for processing an event. The event represents a change in circumstances potentially affecting healthcare delivered to a patient. The method involves initiating generation of at least one display image in response to user command. The display image or images support the identification of an event and an associated parameter as well as the designation of a predetermined process associated with the identified event. The display image or images also support user indication of the parameter to be provided to the predetermined process in response to occurrence of the event. The predetermined process comprises a set of tasks to be performed by at least one individual to support healthcare delivery. The display image or images also support designating an executable procedure to be initiated in response to occurrence of the identified event.

Abstract: A data switching system, having a switch processor, directs requests to initiate a new operation session of an executable application. The switch processor parses received data representing a received universal resource locator (URL) to identify whether the received URL is associated with a request to initiate an operation session of an executable application. If the received URL is associated with a request to initiate an operation session, the switch processor initiates a data access request at a second URL address hosted by a particular server. In response to receiving a response indicating success of the data access request at the second URL address hosted by the particular server, the switch processor directs the request to initiate the operation session of the executable application to the particular server.

Abstract: A system inhibits alert monitoring during a predefined time period such as system maintenance by suppressing automatic communication of false alert messages to systems, on call personnel and availability reports and enables future scheduling of planned maintenance events, as well as real-time suppression of alerting during a chosen period. A system supports maintenance of one or more processing devices. The system includes a display processor for initiating generation of data representing at least one display image enabling a user to, select a processing device from multiple different processing devices intermittently receiving maintenance and schedule a time period for suppression of communication of alert messages indicating a failure condition of the selected processing device.

Abstract: A system updates a portable processing device with the latest version of customized data collection forms and associated data for use in acquisition of particular types of data for communication to a remote clinical information database. A system for providing forms for use in data collection by a portable processing device includes a form creator for creating an electronic form for use in collecting data, in response to user command. The system includes a repository of created electronic forms and a form version detector for detecting whether a newer version of a form currently stored in a portable processing device is available. A communication processor initiates communication of data representing a newer version form derived from the repository to the portable processing device in response to detection of availability of the newer version.

Abstract: A system dynamically maps (and translates) codes and identifier values of any type to corresponding codes and identifiers of other entities. A method for determining a specific identifier code for an object associated with a plurality of identifier codes by a corresponding plurality of entities involves receiving a first message including at least a first identifier code identifying an object. The first identifier code is extracted from the received first message and a second message is generated incorporating the extracted first identifier code. The second message is used for initiating a search of an identifier code database mapping an identifier code associated with a first entity to a corresponding identifier code associated with a second entity. A second identifier code corresponding to the first identifier code is received in response to communicating the second message for initiating a search of the identifier code database.

Abstract: A system uses a digital photographic camera attached to a radiation therapy device to create an overlay of radiation beam information comprising data identifying treated patient anatomical region data and supporting determination of cumulative radiation treatment information from multiple treatment overlays. A system records a treatment beam landing area on the anatomical body surface of a patient for use in radiation or other therapy. The system includes an input processor for receiving data representing an image of the surface of a portion of the anatomy of a patient. A data processor provides beam landing position data relative to the image by calculating a position of a treatment beam landing area relative to the image using received input data indicating projection characteristics of a treatment beam used in treating the portion of the anatomy of the patient. A storage processor stores the beam landing position data in a record associated with the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for processing data to be stored in a document-imaging system that includes a posting processor programmed for receiving at least one object containing the data; a bursting processor programmed for bursting the object to create at least one bursted object; an index extraction processor programmed for extracting indexing information on the bursted object; and a communication processor programmed for transmitting the transformed bursted object and the indexing information to the document-imaging system. The invention may further include a transformation processor for transforming the bursted object and a user interface for configuring the system.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method supports voice communication using a mobile communication device employing a single user associated identification code in different relatively remote locations. A mobile communication device communicates a registration message to an access system at a first remote location using a wireless communication mode responsive to a user registration command via a displayed user interface image. The registration message includes a user associated identification code and security information. The registration message enables the access system to identify the user and to divert voice communication from a first telephone number, linked with a physical address of a second remote location that is associated with the user associated identification code, to the mobile communication device at the first remote location.

Abstract: A system and associated communication protocol enables network compatible applications to be integrated into any process involving concurrent operation of applications. A system for use in a first application concurrently operating together with a plurality of network compatible applications includes an entitlement processor. The entitlement processor enables user access to the first application in response to validation of user identification information. The system also includes a communication processor for intermittently communicating an activity indication to a managing application within a timeout window and the activity indication is communicated sufficiently often to prevent an inactivity timeout of the first application. The managing application receives activity indications from multiple concurrently operating applications sufficiently frequently to prevent an inactivity timeout of the individual applications and maintains corresponding activity monitoring indicators.

Abstract: A user interface system supports flexible user navigation and item selection and manipulation in a hierarchical data structure representation. The user interface system facilitates selection of a plurality of items from a display of hierarchically organized items. The user interface system includes a user interface image generator for providing data representing a displayable image showing a hierarchical organization of user selectable icons visually identifying whether the selectable icons are currently selected. The hierarchical organization of icons links a parent icon representing a first group of data items with multiple child icons representing corresponding data items of the first group and an individual one of the child icons links to a second group of grandchild icons representing a corresponding second group of data items.

Abstract: A method and a system are for supporting therapy planning when creating a training program. The method involves a capability profile for a patient and also a first and a second database being provided. The first database contains a plurality of skills and an allocation of minimum prerequisites for capabilities required for the respective skills. The second database contains a plurality of skills with expert rules relating to the selection of exercises and/or of capabilities to be treated and also their order and/or weighting for the purpose of acquiring the respective skills taking into account existing capabilities and capability deficits.