Diagnostic imaging simplified user interface methods and apparatus

• US 20070214017A1
• Filed: 03/13/2006
• Published: 09/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Robinson, Scott, Virtue, Patrick, Profio, Mark, Hole, Ann, Lee, Sang, McDaniel, Holly, Littlejohn, David, Proctor, Christopher, Stuebe, Susan, Zimmerman, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 9,514,275 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/465 adapted to display user selection data, e.g. graphical user interface, icons or menus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/467 characterised by special input means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/468 allowing annotation or message recording
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/469 for selecting a region of interest [ROI]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/566 involving communication between diagnostic systems
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/20 for handling medical images, e.g. DICOM, HL7 or PACS
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 50/20 for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems

Abstract

Apparatus includes an imaging system with a user interface, and a hospital radiological information system (RIS) coupled to the imaging system such that the user interface allows for bi-directional data transfer between the imaging system and the RIS.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

an imaging system with a user interface; and

a hospital radiological information system (RIS) coupled to said imaging system such that said user interface allows for bi-directional data transfer between said imaging system and said RIS.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface receives from said RIS at least one of a lab value, a patient location, and a patient history.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface receives from said RIS a lab value, a patient location, and a patient history.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface enables a user to edit and group procedure codes and said user interface communicates completion of the editing and grouping to said RIS.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface enables a user to create and edit and select an organ-based protocol.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface enables a user to select a patient from said RIS for a diagnostic imaging (DI) exam.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said user interface configured to receive at least one user annotation and to store the received user annotation and measurements and filters to provide a consistent presentation of images.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said user interface configured to automatically start image processing applications in a background when a user initiates an image review.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said a imaging system comprises a first imaging system in a first modality, said apparatus comprises a second imaging system in a second modality different from the first, said second imaging system including the same user interface as said first imaging system.

10. A method comprising installing a user interface on multiple imaging systems of different imaging modalities.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein the user interface allows for bi-directional data transfer between an imaging system and a hospital radiological information system (RIS) coupled to the imaging system.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein the user interface provides for automation of manual contrast timing procedures.

13. A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein the user interface provides for retrospective prescriptions.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13 wherein the user interface provides for graphical prescriptions.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14 wherein the user interface provides for x-ray dose reduction functionalities.

16. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein the user interface provides a scanner interface for at least one of a contrast management and a contrast injection.

17. A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein the user interface prospectively sets at least one of a window, an algorithm, and a projection based upon an organ interrogation system.

18. A method in accordance with claim 10 wherein the user interface provides automated bolus timing.

19. A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein the user interface prospectively sets at least one of a window, an algorithm, and a projection based upon an organ interrogation system.

20. A method comprising prospectively setting at least one of a window, an algorithm, and a projection based upon an organ interrogation system.