Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing or combining functional image data and anatomical image data. The invention, which may be carried out through user interaction or automatically, enables composite and clinically valuable images to be generated that display functional and anatomical data acquired with different imaging systems. By identifying fiducial markers on a functional data image and correlating the fiducial markers with anatomical markers or indicia on the anatomical data image, the respective images may be aligned with one another before a composite image is generated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing or combining functional image data and anatomical image data. The invention, which may be carried out through user interaction or automatically, enables composite and clinically valuable images to be generated that display functional and anatomical data acquired with different imaging systems. By identifying fiducial markers on a functional data image and correlating the fiducial markers with anatomical markers or indicia on the anatomical data image, the respective images may be aligned with one another before a composite image is generated.

Abstract: A method for combining an anatomic structure and metabolic activity for an object is described. The method includes acquiring a first set of images by scanning the object using a first modality, acquiring a second set of images by scanning the object using a second modality, fusing the first and second sets of images to form a fused volume, identifying a region of interest (ROI) in the fused volume, the ROI corresponding to an organ of interest of the object, and providing a viewing path through the fused volume at least partially following the ROI.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for analyzing at least one abnormality of an object is described. The method includes obtaining a first image containing an abnormality using a first modality, obtaining a second image containing the abnormality using-a second modality, selecting a first region of interest located within the first image, determining an anatomical size of the abnormality based on the first region of interest in the first image, and determining a relative metabolic activity based on a second region of interest within the second image.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for communications connectivity failure diagnosis that includes receiving a connectivity failure notice at an on-line center indicative of a communications failure between the on-line center and an in-field product, such as a medical diagnostic device. A software-based non-connect test is manually initiated to confirm a communications failure between the on-line center and the in-field product. Once the communications failure is confirmed, the communications failure is diagnosed by isolating the communications failure through use of the non-connect test and identifying a failure type which indicates what portion of the system failed. The method includes reporting the communications failure for repair, and once repaired, the system conducts a series of tests to confirm proper connectivity and logs the results therefrom.