Ultrasound image data archiving and communication techniques

Details Ultrasound image data archiving and communication techniques Ultrasound image data archiving and communication techniques

1998-12-31

2001-05-01

Lateef, Marvin M. (Department: 3737)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation

Reexamination Certificate

active

06224551

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems, and more specifically relates to archiving of data generated by such systems.
Traditionally, ultrasound image data archiving and communication systems are hospital based. Each hospital maintains its own data base of ultrasound imaging data and maintains a local area network for distributing and retrieving such data. Maintaining such a data base is expensive for an individual hospital and requires trained personnel in order to operate the system efficiently and accurately. As a result, there is a need for a way of storing ultrasound image data in a more inexpensive manner which also enables rapid and secure retrieval of the data for an individual patient. This invention solves that need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is useful in an archiving and communication system for ultrasound image data. The data is stored in a data base at a location remote from the locations at which the data is generated. The preferred embodiment includes generating ultrasound first image data at a first location, preferably by a first ultrasound imaging system. At least some of the first image data is stored at the first location, preferably by a first data base storage device. Second image data is generated at a second location different from the fist location, preferably by a second ultrasound imaging system. At least some of the second image data is stored at the second location, preferably by a second data base storage device. At least some of the first image data is transmitted from the first location to the data base at a third location different from the first location and the second location, preferably by a network. At least some of the second image data is transmitted from the second location to the database at the third location, preferably by the network. The first image data written to the data base at the third location is deleted from the first location, preferably by a first controller. The second image data written to the data base at the third location is deleted at the second location, preferably by a second controller. At least some of the first image data is read from the data base, preferably by a central controller. The first image data read from the data base is transmitted to the first location, preferably by the network. At least some of the second image data is read from the data base, preferably by the central controller. The second image data read from the data base is transmitted to the second location, preferably by the network.
By using these techniques, image data generated at the first and second locations can be stored in a data base at the third location and can be retrieved when needed. Thus, the efficiency and accuracy of the system is increased, while the cost is decreased.


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“The Solution Isn't In The System It's In A Service”, Wam!Net Medical, brochure, 1998.
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