Abstract: A technique for reconciling two or more reads of an image data set. One or more computer implemented routines is employed to provide computer-assisted reconciliation (CAR) including resolution of discrepancies between the two or more reads. The computer-assisted reconciliation may optimally display the discrepancies, the concurrences and any associated information to a human reconciler, may resolve the discrepancies in a partially automated manner, or may resolve the discrepancies in a fully automated manner. The reconciled data may then be provided to an end user.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a dataset generator within an image controller generating a first derived member of a first dataset from an acquired member of the first dataset. The dataset generator further generates a first derived member of a second dataset from an acquired member of the second dataset. Temporal comparators within the image controller compare the first derived member of the first dataset and the first derived member the second dataset and generate a comparison signal therefrom.

Abstract: A technique is provided for analysis of image datasets acquired at different points in time. Computer aided algorithms are implemented for identification and classification of features of interest, and for comparison of such features which have evolved over time as represented by the image data. The algorithms may be specifically adapted to analyze temporal change images. Such algorithms may also be used to efficiently launch temporal change analysis only when particular features of interest are possibly present in the image data.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of computer-assisted data operating algorithms in a medical context. Datasets are compiled and accessed, which may include data from a wide range of resources, including controllable and prescribable resources, such as imaging systems. The datasets are analyzed by a human expert or medical professional, and the algorithms are modified based upon feedback from the human expert or professional. Modifications may be made to a wide range of algorithms and based upon a wide range of data, such as available from an integrated knowledge base. Modifications may be made in sub-modules of the algorithms providing enhanced functionality. Modifications may also be made on various bases, including patient-specific changes, population-specific changes, feature-specific changes, and so forth.

Abstract: A method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector is disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also includes the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further includes the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options.

Abstract: A technique is provided for offering feedback, including feedback for patient care and for training purposes for medical professionals and human operators. The technique includes accessing data, such as image data, for evaluation by a human operator. The data is then analyzed via a computer-assisted data operating algorithm, and the analysis may further include analysis of supplemental data accessed from an integrated knowledge base. Based upon the analysis feedback is provided to the operator, such as for completing or complementing the evaluation, correcting analysis by the human operator, or otherwise informing the human operator of similarities or differences between the analyses.

Abstract: The present technique provides a variety of processing schemes for decomposing soft tissue and bone images more accurately from low and high-energy images acquired from an imaging system, such as a dual-energy digital radiography system using flat-panel technology. In particular, a parameter selection process is provided for automatically computing the decomposition parameters WS and WB to create soft tissue and bone images, respectively. The parameter selection process modifies a default decomposition parameter based on a variety of image and technique variables, such as intensity levels of the low and high-energy images, the patient size, and the collimator filtration setting. The parameter selection process avoids robustness problems associated with image-based algorithms, and the process may operate without any direct user interaction.

Abstract: A temporal image processing system includes a temporal processing controller receiving a first image signal and a second image signal from a scanning unit. The temporal processing controller includes a segmentation module, which isolates at least one region of interest between at least two image signals and generates therefrom a segmentation signal. The temporal processing controller also includes a registration module, which receives the segmentation signal and registers the region of interest and generates therefrom a registration signal. The temporal processing controller still further includes a comparison module, which receives the segmentation signal and the registration signal. The comparison module generates therefrom an adaptive comparison signal of the image signals.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a dataset generator within an image controller generating a first derived member of a first dataset from an acquired member of the first dataset. The dataset generator further generates a first derived member of a second dataset from an acquired member of the second dataset. Temporal comparators within the image controller compare the first derived member of the first dataset and the first derived member the second dataset and generate a comparison signal therefrom.

Abstract: A temporal image processing system includes a temporal processing controller receiving at least two images temporally spaced apart, from a scanning unit. The temporal processing controller includes a registration module, which registers a region of interest within the images and generates therefrom a registration signal. The temporal processing controller further includes a confidence module receiving the registration signal and generating a confidence map therefrom. The confidence map enhances contrast of temporal changes in the object relative to a contrast due to misregistrations.

Abstract: A multilevel network system is provided for exchanging medical-related data. The data may originate from a variety of controllable and prescribable resources, such as at medical institutions. Patient computing devices are also included as clients to the system. Computer-assisted data operating algorithms may provide for identifying trends, including disease trends in a population connected via the network. An integrated knowledge base may be accessed and compiled by virtue of the network links.

Abstract: Access, analysis and processing medical-related data in an integrated knowledge base is initiated by one of a plurality of initiating events, such as a user query, the occurrence of a medical event, a change of state of data within the knowledge base, and a system-generated initiating event, such as based upon attaining various triggering levels or expiration of. The integrated knowledge base may be physically located in quite disparate locations, and processing strings may occur on one or more computer system. The triggering events begin specific processing based upon algorithms which can respond to the specific triggering event, or can analyze data in manners not necessarily requested by the triggering event. The technique thus permits analysis of a wide range of medical-related data for user-related purposes, patient-related purposes, as well as to identify and discover particular medical care needs or relationships between data to enhance diagnosis, treatment, institutional performance, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of computer-assisted data operating algorithms in a medical context. Datasets are compiled and accessed, which may include data from a wide range of resources, including controllable and prescribable resources, such as imaging systems. The datasets are analyzed by a human expert or medical professional, and the algorithms are modified based upon feedback from the human expert or professional. Modifications may be made to a wide range of algorithms and based upon a wide range of data, such as available from an integrated knowledge base. Modifications may be made in sub-modules of the algorithms providing enhanced functionality. Modifications may also be made on various bases, including patient-specific changes, population-specific changes, feature-specific changes, and so forth.

Abstract: An integrated knowledge base of medical-related data is accessed by a variety of users and resources for providing data on user-specific, function-specific and similar bases. The integrated knowledge base may be located physically at a range of disparate locations, as may the users and resources. Based upon factors such as the user identification, the user type, the user function, the user environment, and so forth, the system can provide specifically-adapted interfaces for interacting with the integrated knowledge base. Similarly, controlled access may be provided on similar bases such that some but not all of the data or functionality of the integrated knowledge base is offered to the specific user. Interfacing with resources, such as diagnostic equipment and systems is also provided, and can be similarly customized and access-controlled.

Abstract: A technique for reconciling two or more reads of an image data set. One or more computer implemented routines is employed to provide computer-assisted reconciliation (CAR) including resolution of discrepancies between the two or more reads. The computer-assisted reconciliation may optimally display the discrepancies, the concurrences and any associated information to a human reconciler, may resolve the discrepancies in a partially automated manner, or may resolve the discrepancies in a fully automated manner. The reconciled data may then be provided to an end user.

Abstract: A technique is provided for receiving and processing patient-related data in a medical environment. The patient data is collected prior to and during patient contact, such as in a physician's office, clinic or hospital. The data is processed in conjunction with data from an integrated knowledge base to provide recommendations and information to enhance efficiency of the provision of medical care and diagnosis. The recommendations may include additional procedures to be performed prior to or during the patient contact. Patient-specific information, including procedures and educational information, may be crafted based upon the patient's data and the additional data from a variety of resources. Reports and guidance may be provided prior to, during or following the patient contact both for the patient, an institution, and physicians and clinicians.

Abstract: An integrated patient knowledge base is compiled based upon data from controllable and prescribable resources. The knowledge base may download the data or provide links to it, and permits a patient to access and manage medical care. Greater integration of data resources permits the patient to obtain useful information and insights into results of care decisions for improved management of the underlying data and of the patient health.

Abstract: A technique is provided for developing a model of medical conditions and situations from medical data. The data is accessed from an integrated knowledge base or from resources of both clinical and non-clinical nature. The data is analyzed to establish relationships between the data, and a computer-assisted data operating algorithm is modified based upon the identified relationship. The algorithm may include a wide range of functions, such as feature detection, diagnosis, data acquisition, data processing, and so forth.

Abstract: A technique is provided for analyzing patient-related information and other information in an integrated knowledge base to arrive at recommendations for follow up procedures for patient care. The data may include clinical and non-clinical data, such as data relating to facility or other resources which directly interact with the patient. Thus, follow up procedures and measures may be scheduled or taken automatically based upon the analysis. The analysis may also include computer-assisted analysis of data from the integrated knowledge base, as well as computer-assisted processing of the data. Again, the result of the processing or analysis may be recommendations for subsequent procedures, thereby enhancing patient care.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for processing in vitro test sample data. The in vitro test sample data is accessed and additional data may be accessed, such as from an integrated knowledge base, from a plurality of controllable and prescribable data resources. Analysis of the data is performed, such as via an automated computer-assisted data operating algorithm to identify features of interest available or possibly available from the in vitro test data. Processes are performed, either on the data or upon an in vitro sample based upon the analysis. Results of the processing may include acquisition of additional test samples, modification of processing of test samples or of sample data, and so forth.