User-friendly electronic film library for digital imaging modalities

Abstract

A system that provides a simple and reliable means for archiving image data from various digital modalities has been developed and tested. In this system, image data are frame-grabbed from the acquisition device (e. g., CT, MR, or ultrasound) during the normal process of filming cases, in a manner which is essentially transparent to the technologist. Text information is derived from the frame-grabebd data by applying character recognition techniques. This system is adaptable to many types of image-generating devices manufactured by a variety of vendors. It allows for easy review and/or reprinting of previous cases and will eventually allow previous cases to be viewed at full resolution on soft displays. We have demonstrated that the system is feasible alternative to the use of film or magnetic tape for the permanent storage of CT, MR, or ultrasound image data.