Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that enables an efficient worklist query to be sent to a remotely located device. A user-interactive menu is provided which allows the user to select one or more search fields and enter search criteria for each field. The search is initiated by clicking on a virtual representation of a Search key on the worklist menu. The software also allows the system operator to control which data in the retrieved worklist data is displayed on the worklist menu. The system user can transfer the information in any entry on the retrieved worklist to the new patient menu by simply clicking on that entry. That information will be included with each image stored in image files on the hard disk for that job.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for configuring computer tasks which construct data objects. The system user is able to configure these tasks by the simple expedient of clicking on a toggle switch displayed on a user interface screen or menu. In response to operation of the toggle switch, a selected one of a pair of attribute control files associated with the particular task will be utilized during object construction. The menu contains a list of the activated configured remote devices for the particular imaging system. Next to each device name is a virtual toggle switch (defaulted to OFF). In the OFF state, the task will be configured in accordance with the first attribute control file which is compliant with a first communications standard. If the user toggles the switch for a particular device to ON (this can be done on a per device basis), then the task will be configured in accordance with the second attribute control file which is compliant with a second communications standard.

Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured remote devices. The imager is programmed with multiple configurable DICOM tasks, each task being configurable in accordance with configuration data of a respective remote device entered on a Device Configuration menu. Configuration of a DICOM task occurs only after a configured remote device has been activated. Each remote device can be activated by clicking on an activation field on a respective page of the Device Configuration menu. Alternatively, all configured remote devices can be activated and de-activated from a Device Activation menu having a respective activation field for each configured device.

Abstract: An imaging system which constructs multiple DICOM objects substantially simultaneously for image transfer to multiple remotely located devices via a network. The imager is programmed with multiple DICOM tasks, each task constructing DICOM-formatted data objects using image data and attribute data. In response to pressing of an image transfer button which is configured for multiple remote devices, a corresponding multiplicity of DICOM tasks will be started substantially simultaneously. These concurrently running tasks are performed using conventional multi-tasking principles.

Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured devices. For each job selected for transfer to a remote device, an element is added to a linked list which forms a virtual queue, each element incorporating a respective pointer (i.e., the file name) identifying each stored image to be included in that particular job. Each element identifies the image frames included in the job and the destination remote device for that job. An interactive display menu enables the operator to easily redirect queued jobs from one destination remote device to another.

Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image files (data objects) to be sent to multiple remotely located devices via a network. The imager is programmed with multiple configurable DICOM tasks, one task for each configured remote device. Each task is configured to format image files into DICOM objects acceptable to a particular remote device. Each DICOM object is constructed from image frame data and attribute data. Each DICOM task queries an Attribute Control Engine, which instructs that DICOM task concerning which attributes and what attribute values to include in the DICOM objects being constructed by that task. The Attribute Control Engine in turn reads the attribute information from an Attribute Control File. A respective Attribute Control file is provided for each configured remote device.

Abstract: A computerized ultrasound imager is programmed with software that enables a “Live Imaging” mode. “Live Imaging” refers to the ability to keep a network association (between the imager and a remote device) open throughout the course of an examination of a patient. Each time the operator presses a Print/Store button configured to a storage device, the frozen image will be automatically sent to the remote device via the open connection. The “Live Imaging” association is closed when the system operator presses an “End Exam” button on the keyboard. In the case where the remote device is a printer configured to receive multi-image film sessions, pressing the “End Exam” button also forces the transfer of any partially filled film session from the imager to the printer.

Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image frames (objects) to be sent to one or more remotely located devices selected from a list of configured devices. For each job selected for transfer to a remote device, an element is added to a linked list which forms a virtual queue, each element incorporating a respective pointer (i.e., the file name) identifying each stored image to be included in that particular job. Each element identifies the image frames included in the job and the destination remote device for that job. Elements for failed jobs are transferred to a Holding Queue. An interactive display menu enables the operator to easily redirect the failed jobs to a secondary remote device by clicking on the menu.