Abstract: A 3D volumetric display system is configured to generate 3D diagnostic displays of 3D volumetric data acquired from a patient by an imaging system in a virtual-reality environment and to permit a user to conduct diagnostic interpretation of images in the virtual-reality environment and to permit the user to interact with the 3D diagnostic displays.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to display 3D volumetric data acquired from a patient by an imaging system comprises a 3D volumetric display system configured to generate a 3D diagnostic display of the 3D volumetric data. The 3D volumetric display system includes a graphical user interface (GUT) configured to permit a user to access, view, and manipulate the 3D volumetric data. The GUI includes a haptic toolbox having a plurality of icons, one of which is configured to permit the user to conduct measurement in a virtual-reality environment.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to display a 3D image comprises a 3D display system. The 3D display system is configured to display a 3D data set in the form of a real-time 3D image, and to display a haptic tool having a virtual lens configured to navigate through the 3D data set to generate a cross sectional image of the 3D image in a virtual-reality environment.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is configured to facilitate storage of an electronic communication session generated between a first networked workstation and a second networked workstation and regarding a medical image. The graphical user interface includes a storage function configured to store the communication session in a computer-readable format which is also used to store the medical image, and to associate the communication session with the medical image so that the communication session is capable of being accessed from the medical image.

Abstract: A method and system which may be used to display a number of computer-detected regions of pathological interest using interactive CAD markers are presented. In one embodiment, a layer of uniquely identified CAD markers corresponding to computer-detected regions of pathological interest of an anatomical feature may be simultaneously displayed with an image of the anatomical feature. Each individual CAD marker may be configured to incorporate viewable classification data entered by a user and may further be configured to visually indicate the probability of cancer determined by the CAD algorithm. Each individual CAD marker and the information associated therewith may also be saved with the image such that it may be incorporated into, for example, a structured reporting system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for consolidating the workflow of various devices into a wireless, voice-enabled workflow. The method includes establishing a connection between a wireless, voice-enabled device and a data system using an interface and accessing the data system using voice commands via the connection between the wireless communication device and the data system. Voice commands may be used to facilitate data acquisition, data retrieval, order entry, dictation, audio playback, voice over IP conferencing, paging, and/or data analysis, for example. In an embodiment, a plurality of connections may be established between the wireless, voice-enabled device and a plurality of data systems. Bluetooth or WiFi wireless technology, for example, may be used to facilitate hands-free hygienic, centralized operation of a plurality of data systems using the wireless, voice-enabled device and the interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an input device is configured for use with a processing unit in communication with the input device and a touch-sensitive monitor. The input device includes a main body having a distal operative end, and a rollerball positioned within a bearing at the distal operative end. The bearing retains the rollerball so that the rollerball is capable of rolling within the bearing. Movement of the rollerball is detectable by the processing unit so that digital data is input into the monitor through the rollerball.

Abstract: A system for hygienic input of data into a medical information system is provided. In one embodiment of the system, a computer terminal, a mobile wireless input tray, a mobile wireless interactive visual display system, and a wireless headset are used. During a medical procedure, the mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be positioned in an operating room near a surgeon or other medical practitioner. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be used to access patient medical information through the computer terminal. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate amongst and between each other through wireless communication links. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate with the computer terminal through wireless communication links.

Abstract: The present technique provides a novel method and apparatus for generating a multi-media patient summary which integrates patient information including a wide range of information having disparate formats and originating from isolated systems. The multi-media may be delivered to care providers and patients for use in medical diagnosis and care. The contents of the multi-media patient summary may be tailored to meet the needs of the specific care provider, and may include, for example, clinical data, patient demographics, and reference materials. The summary may be a digital file that encapsulates patient information having formats, such as text, images, sound files, video, waveforms, hypertext links, and so forth. The file may be encrypted and require a proprietary or non-proprietary reader to view. Additionally, the flow of information may be bi-directional between the multi-media patient summary and users of the summary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique and is particularly useful in medical imaging, although a number of fields may benefit from its application. In one aspect of the technique, a user identifies anomalies or, more generally, features in at least two different comparable images either by computer aided techniques or by manual identification. Once the features are identified they are numbered, sized, and a key location for the feature, such as the middle of an anomaly, may be estimated. Once this location is determined, a location marker is used to perform registration of the images. When comparisons are to be conducted, then, the registration is used to effectively anchor the images with respect to one another to facilitate paging between the images and reduction of eye movement.

Abstract: Film-based images can be scanned in a conventional manner, then digitally designated and “cut” from the digital file resulting from the scan. These selected images can then be collated and registered as individual images, or slices in certain contexts, allowing them to be assembled in various presentations, such as in stack mode with digitally-acquired images. The resulting collated files can then be stored by the user as a new series of images. The technique thus greatly facilitates the access and comparison of the images regardless of the originating medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel technique designed to provide a front-end graphical user interface for voice interaction, displaying a list of voice commands that can be used within a control scope of a medical system and that change depending on where the user is in the system. The user is presented with a quick reference guide to available commands without being overwhelmed. “Contextual voice cues” (CVC) provide a non-intrusive dynamic list of available commands to the user which automatically pop-up and change depending on the screen or mode the user is in. An indicator, such as a feedback light, may show whether a voice command is accepted. The technique may be utilized with medical information and diagnostic systems such as picture archival communication systems (PACS), ultrasound modalities, and so forth. Implementation of the technique should increase clinician adoption rates of voice recognition control and thus advance improvements in clinician workflow.

Abstract: A wireless device, such as a Bluetooth mobility pin is coupled to a biometric device, such as a thumb scanner, providing for wireless communication with a system to which access is desired. The thumb scanner provides a reliable and secure signal based upon biometric measurements, the signal being provided to the pin, which is then uniquely coded to the accessed system. When a workstation or other device having a compatible antenna receives the signal from the pin, the workstation accesses identification data and allows for login of the user based upon the highly secure biometric measurements, and the wireless connection between the pin and the system. The pin will not send the required code unless the coded user of the pin succeeds in scanning the thumbprint or other biometric measurement basis.

Abstract: Some configurations of the present invention provide a method for reducing eye fatigue that includes adjusting an intensity of an essentially white light source behind a display device to set an ambient light level in a room behind the display device, and adjusting an intensity of a blue light source disposed beside the display device to dilate pupils of the eyes of a viewer of the display device.