<title>Ultrasound management unit in a distributed PACS service</title>

Abstract

Instead of working on a full-scale PACS environment in one step, we have chosen for an approach of total upgradability. Different PACS islands are integrated. The focus of this paper is the ultrasound (US) management unit. PACS is focused as a communication service. The US management unit is based on a Mac Computer on which an object-oriented user interface is implemented. The database ensures the data consistency locally, but has also SQL query possibilities for other segments. The local architecture is based on a hierarchical storage including erasable optical disks. One or more screens allow an overview image display. Interaction with the RIS is realized through a serial link. The ultrasound units are connected by video signal. An evaluation for wireless connection between the ultrasound unit and PACS environment is taking place for the emergency and intensive care department. This unit in full clinical use is serving as a study base between the radiologist and new types of reporting possibilities offered by PACS. The system proved to be of greater clinical use and less expensive than the traditional system. The system is described with also the knowledge base used for the user interface handling, network, and storage handling.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.