Abstract: In a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a method is provided for partial preprocessing of raw image data at an image acquisition workstation connected to the PACS system. The method includes the steps of receiving raw image data from an imaging modality, storing predetermined preprocessing functions applicable to the raw image data, applying at least one and fewer than all of the preprocessing functions to the raw image data to form partially preprocessed raw image data, and transmitting the partially preprocessed raw image data to a PACS network for storage in a preprocessing database. An image acquisition workstation for a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and for partial preprocessing of raw image data is also provided. The image acquisition workstation includes a processing circuit, an imaging modality interface for receiving raw image data, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit.

Abstract: A method, in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), for processing raw image data at a PACS display workstation includes the step of retrieving from a PACS database raw image data delivered from an imaging modality. The method also includes selecting from a PACS database a first preprocessing function for the raw image data delivered from the imaging modality. The method then processes the raw image data at the PACS display workstation by applying the first preprocessing function to the raw image data to create resultant image data, which may then be stored in the PACS database for future retrieval. A PACS display workstation includes a processing circuit, a PACS network interface coupled to the processing circuit, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit.

Abstract: In a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a method for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is presented. The method includes the steps of determining an operator identification of an operator at a display workstation, searching, based on the operator identification, for operator preferences including at least one partially preprocessed raw image data preprocessing function preference, and, retrieving the operator preferences. Once the operator preferences are retrieved, the method applies the operator preferences including the preprocessing function preference to partially preprocessed raw image data. An image display workstation for a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is also presented. The image display workstation includes a processing circuit, a PACS network interface coupled to the processing circuit, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit.

Abstract: A Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) having multi-level image data processing is provided. The system includes imaging a patient with an imaging modality to generate raw digital image data and then sending the raw image data to an acquisition workstation. The acquisition workstation then performs a first level of image data processing to form partially processed raw image data with regard to a predetermined subset of the set of control parameters to form a partially processed image. The subset of control parameters may comprise frequency control parameters or contrast control parameters, for example. The partially processed image may then be sent to an external connection, stored in a database in the PACS, or sent to a display workstation for a second level of image data processing to complete the image processing and display the image.

Abstract: A method for processing images in a Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) is provided. The method includes imaging a patient with an imaging modality to generate raw digital image data and then sending the raw image data to an acquisition workstation. The acquisition workstation then partially processes the raw image data with regard to a predetermined subset of the set of control parameters to form a partially processed image. The subset of control parameters may comprise frequency control parameters or contrast control parameters, for example. The partially processed image may then be sent to an external connection, stored in a database in the PACS, or sent to a display workstation for complete processing and display. A partially processed image that has been stored in a database in the PACS may be retrieved and sent to a display workstation for complete processing and display.