Abstract: A communication system (110) for connecting in real-time an Internet-based network interface (130) to a plurality of backend systems (136), each of the plurality of backend systems having an associated backend communications protocol and requiring an associated backend data format. The system includes a router (112) for receiving a job (124) having a front-end data format and a front-end communications protocol from the Internet-based network interface. The router selects one or more backend systems from the plurality of backend systems as a function of attributes of the job for delivery of the job to the one or more backend systems. The system also includes a plurality of service agents (114, 116, 118), each in communication with an associated one of the plurality of backend systems and configured to translate and reformat the job prior to delivery to the one or more backend systems.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a data object of a data management system. A tracking object is associated with a first data object, the tracking object including a first status data having a first status value representing a status of the first data object. Upon the creation and/or modification of a second data object that is associated with the first data object, the first status data is automatedly updated with a second status value based on the creating and/or modifying of the second data object.

Abstract: An improved system for managing the exchange of information between healthcare systems. The system automatedly processes a healthcare data inquiry to produce a response readable by a requestor. This response may include content data, such as claims attachment data requested in a healthcare claims attachment inquiry. The content data may reside on data stores which the system must access in order to retrieve the necessary content data. The system may use criteria for automatedly interpreting the healthcare data inquiry.

Abstract: An enterprise task management system (24) for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications. System (24) includes a task manager module (60) and a task engine module (62). Task manager module (60) includes two primary graphical user interfaces: a user interface (64) and a system administrator interface (66). User interface (64) includes an enterprise task list (22), a preview text box (96), and an instructions text box (100). Task engine module (62) includes the following sub-modules: ETM system setup (70) and task generation (72). Another aspect of the present invention is a system architecture for centrally managing the creation of tasks. Additional aspects of the present invention include a method of generating data maintenance tasks within an enterprise information system a method of populating task data fields using task templates, and a method of automatically generating and performing tasks within system (24).

Abstract: An enterprise task management system (24) for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications. System (24) includes a task manager module (60) and a task engine module (62). Task manager module (60) includes two primary graphical user interfaces: a user interface (64) and a system administrator interface (66). User interface (64) includes an enterprise task list (22), a preview text box (96), and an instructions text box (100). Task engine module (62) includes the following sub-modules: ETM system setup (70) and task generation (72). Another aspect of the present invention is a system architecture for centrally managing the creation of tasks. Additional aspects of the present invention include a method of generating data maintenance tasks within an enterprise information system, a method of populating task data fields using task templates, and a method of automatically generating and performing tasks within system (24).

Abstract: A document management system is provided for integrating documents generated in an enterprise into an enterprise data store where the documents can be accessed later. Documents in a first format and a specification containing instructions for describing the documents are provided. The documents are received in a second format, along with descriptions of the documents. The documents in the second format are imported into the data store responsive to the descriptions so that they may be located easily. Beneficially, the invention provides simpler and more flexible conversion and indexing processes for users seeking to electronically store and access documents after their creation.

Abstract: In a system for transmitting a three-dimensional (3-D) digital image over a communication network, in response to a client computer generating a request for interaction with a 3-D image stored on an image storage device, a server computer performs two-dimensional sub-band transform decompositions in x-axis and y-axis directions upon the 3-D image, performs a one-dimensional sub-band transform decomposition in a z-axis direction upon a portion of the two-dimensionally transform-decomposed digital image, and progressively transmits to the client computer data representing a region of interest specified in the client request.

Abstract: An image publishing system provides a distribution mechanism whereby images are forwarded automatically to users in accordance with a set of publication rules. The rules determine which images are to be sent to which users. The images are forwarded to users as they become available on an image archive storage device. This overcomes the requirement of users having to manually request the transmission of each individual image they would like to view. Progressive image streaming techniques employing compression are used to transmit images in encoded layers of increasing accuracy and quality. Means is also provided permitting users to view any image queued for transmission at a publication server, regardless of how much of the image has been received by a client computer. This allows images whose data transmission has not even begun yet to be viewed by a user. A user interrupts the normal background process at any time and requests to view a particular image.

Abstract: A data compare and update system (104) that includes a compare/update module (208) that displays a compare/update GUI (500) that allows a user to visually compare incoming data (116) coming into the system to existing target data (108). The compare/update module can be configured to flag variant data within the incoming data relative to the target data and to allow the user to select which, if any, target data to update with the variant data. The system also includes a data match module (208) that allows a user to validate appropriateness of data being compared and to select which incoming data fields to utilize in retrieving the appropriate target data fields for use in the visual comparison. The system contains features that allow a user to configure the system to recognize incoming data of various types and formats.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a data object of a data management system. A tracking object is associated with a first data object, the tracking object including a first status data having a first status value representing a status of the first data object. Upon the creation and/or modification of a second data object that is associated with the first data object, the first status data is automatedly updated with a second status value based on the creating and/or modifying of the second data object.

Abstract: An improved system for managing the exchange of information between healthcare systems. The system automatedly processes a healthcare data inquiry to produce a response readable by a requestor. This response may include content data, such as claims attachment data requested in a healthcare claims attachment inquiry. The content data may reside on data stores which the system must access in order to retrieve the necessary content data. The system may use criteria for automatedly interpreting the healthcare data inquiry.

Abstract: A communication system (110) for connecting in real-time an Internet-based network interface (130) to a plurality of backend systems (136), each of the plurality of backend systems having an associated backend communications protocol and requiring an associated backend data format. The system includes a router (112) for receiving a job (124) having a front-end data format and a front-end communications protocol from the Internet-based network interface. The router selects one or more backend systems from the plurality of backend systems as a function of attributes of the job for delivery of the job to the one or more backend systems. The system also includes a plurality of service agents (114, 116, 118), each in communication with an associated one of the plurality of backend systems and configured to translate and reformat the job prior to delivery to the one or more backend systems.

Abstract: A direct scheduling system (100,300) that permits automatic appointment scheduling in a computer network environment (304). The system includes a scheduler (108,320) that utilizes scheduling parameters (124,336) to schedule appointments (104) of various types. A user interface (112,324) allows a requester to request that the scheduler schedule an appointment by identifying, among other things, the type of appointment so that a digital appointment identifier (172,332) is created. A mapper (116,328), located between the user interface and scheduler, is configured to map each appointment requested to the corresponding one or more scheduling parameters that the scheduler needs to schedule an appointment of the desired type.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (400) for automatically handling health care claim status requests (228) and responses (232). The system includes a health care software application (246) that provides patient invoice functionality relating to health care claims submitted to various payers (216), e.g., insurance companies. A claim status transaction software module (258) includes a routing software sub-module (282) that intelligently routes responses received from payers within the system so that a variety of follow-up activities may be performed. The routing software sub-module routes the responses as a function of information contained in the responses. The system also includes a pre-checking software sub-module (272) that performs a variety of checks on each claim status request prior to the system sending that request. If a request fails a pre-check, the response can be automatically placed onto a follow-up list (296) for follow up.

Abstract: A system (20) for generating tasks related to electronic image files. System (20) includes an electronic document manager (EDM) (22) that is in communication with a task engine (24). EDM (22) receives electronic image file (EIF) batches (26) generated by a scanning device application (28) and scanning device (30) and third-party generated EIF batches (32). As discussed further below, EDM (22) shares information derived from EIF batches (26) and (32) with task engine (24). In turn, task engine (24) generates EIF-related tasks. Another aspect is a method (170) that sorts or filters the electronic image files stored in EIF database (80) and returns either a list or images of the sorted or filtered files to first portion (120) of graphical user interface (90) for display to a user. Another aspect is a method (180) of generating tasks related to electronic image files.

Abstract: An enterprise task management system (24) for managing data maintenance tasks across multiple applications. System (24) includes a task manager module (60) and a task engine module (62). Task manager module (60) includes two primary graphical user interfaces: a user interface (64) and a system administrator interface (66). User interface (64) includes an enterprise task list (22), a preview text box (96), and an instructions text box (100). Task engine module (62) includes the following sub-modules: ETM system setup (70) and task generation (72). Another aspect of the present invention is a system architecture for centrally managing the creation of tasks. Additional aspects of the present invention include a method of generating data maintenance tasks within an enterprise information system, a method of populating task data fields using task templates, and a method of automatically generating and performing tasks within system (24).

Abstract: A method and system for automatically indexing electronic image files generated by a scanner (38) and scanner control application (24) with records in a computerized record keeping system application (22) having an association module (23). The method includes designating a presently selected record (62) by selecting a specific record within computerized record keeping system application (22), generating an electronic image file (60) of a document by scanning the document using scanner (38) controlled by scanner control application (24), and automatically associating electronic image file (60) with presently selected record (62) using an automated routine stored in association module (23). A system for automatically sharing data between scanner control application (24) used for controlling scanner (38) during the generation of electronic image files (60) and computerized record keeping system application (22) used for creating and maintaining records.