Abstract: A computer database for medical imaging stores and manipulates multimedia data from various sources and reduces misidentification of data. A unique identifier is generated and linked to each data object, preferably at the time the image is generated. A graphical representation of the identifier is incorporated into the image or text when displayed or printed. A detector may be used to read the representation, allowing the identifier to be read and identify the data.

Abstract: In order to interface diverging paging networks, a gateway is established which includes a rules engine for applying rules to received packets. Each rule includes matching, modifying and routing elements for identifying and handling received paging packets. When a packet is received, it is first determined if the packet is matched to a first, matching element of one of a set of previously established rules. If, the packet is matched to the first element of a given rule, it is modified in accordance with the second element of the given rule and forwarded in accordance with the third element of the given rule. However, if the received packet is not matched to a matching element of any of the rules, a default rule is applied during the modification and forwarding procedures. User invokable procedures are provided by which rules can be modified or new rules can be added.