Patent Publication Number: US-2007098243-A1

Title: Smart destination image routing system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/731,650, filed Oct. 28, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     COMPACT DISC  
      A compact disc containing codes and information describing a preferred embodiment of the present invention is submitted herewith and is hereby incorporated by reference. The compact disc contains the following files and/or programs:  
                                                       Title   Size in Bytes   Date of Creation                                                        DICOMDestination.txt   7,123   Oct. 27, 2005           DICOMG.txt   30,670   Oct. 27, 2005           DlgMain.txt   122,233   Oct. 27, 2005           frmEditDestination.txt   11,633   Oct. 27, 2005           SmartDestination.txt   13,687   Oct. 27, 2005           SmartDestinationEditor.txt   1,151   Oct. 27, 2005                      
 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to image routing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mammogram image routing system for a mammogram image scanner that enables a user to select and modify the destinations to which scanned mammogram images are sent.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      Recently, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine systems (“DICOM”) have become conventional imaging systems for distributing and viewing medical studies and images. The use of DICOM has, among other things, enabled industry compatibility and improved workflow efficiency between imaging and other information systems located in various healthcare environments.  
      Conventional imaging systems enable a DICOM Service Class User (“SCU”) to send images across a network to other DICOM Service Class Providers (“SCPs”) on the network. Some examples of DICOM SCPs include Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (“PACS”), softcopy workstations, computer-aided diagnosis (“CAD”) systems, DICOM CD/DVD burners, and other network systems known to those skilled in the art.  
      To receive a transmission, the DICOM SCPs generally must be identified within the SCU system prior to transmission. Each SCP is generally identified with a unique Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, Application Entry (“AE”) Title, and port number. The SCPs are typically identified through lines of code in an Extendable Markup Language (.xml) or an initialization (.ini) file. Once the SCPs are identified in the .xml or initialization (.ini) file, the SCPs are generally considered to be “on.” In other words, once an image is transmitted by an SCU system, each SCP that is identified in the SCU system and is “listening” will automatically receive the image or set of images.  
      To turn an SCP on or off, a user generally must open a configuration file, such as an .xml or .ini file, and manually edit the particular line of code for that particular SCP. The change generally does not become effective until the configuration file has been saved and the program has been restarted. This can lead to increased workflow times.  
      In particular situations, however, it may not be desirable to transmit the image or images to every SCP that is identified and defined on the network. This can lead to inefficient management of the SCPs and unnecessary increases in network traffic. In addition, many vendors generally prefer that only qualified individuals have access to certain files for editing. As such, if a user determines that an SCP should be turned on or off, many persons might need to be contacted to turn the SCP off. This can potentially lead to significant turnaround times to send and/or receive scanned images.  
      Because the deficiencies discussed above have not been addressed by conventional image routing systems, there is a current need for a smart destination image routing system addressing the problems and deficiencies inherent with conventional designs.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The smart destination image router of the present invention substantially solves the deficiencies inherent with conventional image routing systems by providing a system that enables a user to quickly turn destinations on or off and by creating criteria for each SCU, thus dictating the default for circumstances under which the destinations will receive the images.  
      A feature and advantage of the present invention is that users need not open and manually edit the code in a configuration file to route images and change destinations. The system according to the various embodiments of the present invention can include a destination configuration editor that utilizes a graphical user interface (“GUI”) through which a user can quickly and easily change the settings.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a system block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a scanner according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a selected portion of a graphical user interface (GUI) according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is another selected portion of a GUI according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is another selected portion of a GUI according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is another selected portion of a GUI according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is another selected portion of a GUI according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  is a scanner GUI page according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The smart destination image router according to the present invention provides increased efficiency and workflow when transmitting DICOM images. The increased efficiency can be achieved by enabling a user to quickly turn destinations on or off and by creating criteria for each SCU, thus dictating the default circumstances under which the destinations will receive the images. Opening and editing configuration code to make destination changes is therefore unnecessary.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , a medical imaging system  100  according to one example embodiment comprises a scanner  110 , a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system  112 , a digital workstation  114 , a picture archiving and communications system (PACS)  116 , and one or more other DICOM-compatible device  118 . Devices  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  are generally mammogram image handling devices, wherein the mammogram images can be hardcopy films, digital mammogram image files, or both, depending upon the function and compatibility of a particular device. System  100  further comprises a network  120  communicatively coupling the devices  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  of system  100 . Network  120  facilitates communications and data exchanges among the devices  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  of system  100  and can comprise, in whole or in part, a wired network, a wireless network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an Intranet system, the Internet, or some other computer, cable, or telecommunications network.  
      Scanner  110  is operable to scan and digitize x-ray or other hardcopy films for use within or incorporation by other devices of system  110 . In one embodiment, scanner  110  receives a hardcopy x-ray film and produces a DICOM-compatible image file related to the hardcopy film that can be digitally transferred, accessed, or stored. Referring to  FIG. 2 , scanner  110  comprises a film receiver  202 , such as an automatic or manual feeder, hopper, or other input means; a scanner or other film digitizer, such as an optical scanner  204 ; a microprocessor  206  or other control module; a communications module  208  coupling scanner  110  to network  120  and otherwise facilitating incoming and outgoing communications with system  100  and other external devices; and a user interface  210  comprising, in one embodiment, input and output devices such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, display, touchscreen and/or other indicators and devices facilitating control of and communication with scanner  110  by a user, including through a graphical user interface (GUI) hosted and controlled by microprocessor  206 . In one embodiment, scanner  110  comprises a PENSCAN system commercially available from PenRad Technologies, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn., the assignee of the present invention. In another embodiment, scanner  110  is omitted or bypassed, and images are digitally acquired by system  100  directly from an x-ray device or other medical system communicatively coupled to network  120 . More commonly, however, film images will be digitized by scanner  110  for routing within system  100 .  
      CAD system  112  is a partially or fully automated system that assists in the review and analysis of medical data and information, including medical images and X-rays. PACS  116  is a medical image storage system. DICOM-compatible device  118  can comprise a medical information device, an image acquisition or analysis device, a user interface device, or some other relevant DICOM-compatible device. The number and type of devices of system  100  can vary from as depicted in  FIG. 1  in other embodiments. For example, another medical imaging system  100  may comprise a scanner  110 , a CAD station  112 , three digital workstations  114 , and a PACS  116 , or some other number and/or type of compatible medical equipment.  
      According to one embodiment of the present invention, scanner  110  comprises a smart destination image routing system. The image routing system is operable to automate and control the routing within system  100  of image files created by scanner  110 . In one embodiment, the image files relate to mammograms or mammogram studies, although other medical images can also be handled and managed within system  100 . Configuration and editing of the smart destination image routing system are described below with reference to  FIGS. 3-8 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , a destination portion  304  of a GUI  302 , operating as part of user interface  210  of scanner  110 , is depicted. Destination portion  304  provides access to the options for the DICOM images produced by scanner  110 , including the destination settings for scanner  110  and system  100 . To use and configure the smart destination image routing system of the present invention, a user can select destination portion  304 . The particular selection methodology can vary in accordance with the features and functions of scanner  110 , in particular user interface  210 . In one embodiment, a user can select destination portion  304  by tapping on a touchscreen displaying GUI  302  of user interface  210 . In other embodiments, selection can be accomplished using a keyboard, mouse, or other peripheral device.  
      A destination setting portion  402  can then appear on GUI  302 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . Destination setting portion  402  can include a destination editing link  404  and a data field  406  containing a textual identifier of a currently selected destination within system  100 . In one embodiment, the destination identifier is an IP address of a device, such as CAD station  112 , digital workstation  114 , PACS  116 , or device  118 , communicatively coupled to network  120  of system  100 . Data field  406  might or might not have displayed data, depending on whether any destinations have been previously selected.  
      A DICOM destination editor  502  is generally depicted in  FIG. 5 . Destination editor  502  can be reached by selecting destination editing link  404  ( FIG. 4 ). If any available destinations for a user&#39;s system  100  have previously been entered, destination editor  502  will then display the available destinations in a first pane  504  of destination editor  502  and any specific information, e.g., name of the destination, IP address, the port that the destination is monitoring, the AE Title of the destination, etc., for the selected destination in a second pane  506 . If no destinations have previously been entered or selected, panes  504  and  506  will generally both be blank.  
      Depending on the length of the information, pane  504  can display the name of a selected destination, the IP address of the destination, the port that the destination is monitoring, the AE Title of the destination, the AE Title of the system software if the destination is enabled, and whether there are any criteria set. If the information is not visible, pane  504  can be selected to display configuration editor settings  508  in second pane  506  of destination editor  502 .  
      Configuration editor settings  508  enable a user to quickly and easily change various settings of the smart destination image router of the present invention. These settings include, but are not limited to, a name of the destination  510 , an IP address of the destination  512 , a port of the destination  514 , an AE Called indicator  516 , an AE Calling indicator  518 , an indicator  520  of whether the destination is for presentation, an indicator  522  of whether the destination is enabled, and any criteria for the destination  524 . Name  510  is a name or short description of a destination. Port  514  is a port that the destination listens to for DICOM. AE Called indicator  516  is an AE title of the destination. AE Calling  518  is an AE title of scanner  110 . Indicator  520  is a true/false indicator of whether images sent, as determined by the destination, are presentation or for processing. “True” indicates presentation format, and “False” indicates processing format. Indicator  522  turns the destination of scanner  110  on or off; “True” indicates on. Criteria  524  are smart destination criteria, including filters for the routing of studies to particular destinations.  
      Destination editor  502  can also include an “Add” button  526  to enable addition of a new destination and “Remove” button  528  to enable removal of a destination. To add a new destination, a user can tap or otherwise select the button  526 , and a generic new destination with default settings will then be created by the imaging routing system of scanner  110 . The user can then enter and save the desired name and settings for the new destination.  
      A destination can also be disabled or removed entirely from the system. In a disabled state, the destination settings will remain in the system, but the system will inhibit any studies or images from being sent to that location associated with the destination and its settings. To disable the destination, a user can change enabled field  522  to “False”. The destination can be enabled at a later date, thus eliminating any need to re-enter all the settings associated with the destination. If a destination is in a “disabled” state (Enabled=False) in the configuration editor, a user can temporarily override the system and enable the destination simply by selecting the destination as described in more detail below with reference with  FIGS. 7 and 8 , without having to directly edit the configuration file. That destination will remain enabled until the program is shut down and restarted. Upon restart, the program will read the configuration file, and the destinations will be “on” or “off” based on the settings in the configuration file. To remove a destination, a user can select the destination  28  and then select “Remove” button  528 . All configuration settings can then be removed from the system.  
      Advantageously, and as mentioned briefly above, configuration editor settings  508  enable a user to avoid having to open and manually edit the code in a configuration file of microprocessor  206 . To view or change the settings of a current destination of scanner  110 , a user can select a desired destination  530 . Configuration editor settings  508  for that destination  330  will then be displayed in pane  506 . In one embodiment, some or all of fields  510 - 524  can be free text fields, although fields  522  and  544  can also comprise drop-down menus. To make a change in any of the fields, a user can place a cursor in or otherwise select a desired field, delete the previous entry, and enter any new data. To edit fields  522  and  524 , a user can select the drop-down menu and make the selection from the provided options. The newly selected option will then be displayed in that field.  
      Referring to  FIG. 6 , a Destination Criteria editor  602  of GUI  302  is depicted. The present invention can further provide the ability to create “smart” destinations. Destinations can be configured to be “smart,” requiring that special or specified criteria be met for a study or image to be sent to the destination. Referring again to  FIG. 5 , Criteria field  524  contains a separate window for configuring its settings. A user selecting Criteria field  524  will display a link to Destination Criteria editor  602 , as depicted in  FIG. 5 .  
      In one embodiment, Destination Criteria editor  602  includes fields and options for establishing or changing criteria related to “smart” destinations within system  100 . Criteria can include a study date  604 , a physician  606 , and an exam type  608 , as well as other criteria for filtering, sorting, and differentiating images. Study date  604  can be specified in days, months, or years. For example, a user can specify 30 days, 3 months, or 2 years. Study date  604  is often used to determine whether an image should be sent to CAD station  112 . Typically, older or previous studies are not sent through CAD, therefore setting a 30-day criterion, for example, would prevent any study older than 30 days from being transmitted to that destination.  
      Additional criteria can specify that only images associated with a specific referring physician would be sent to a particular destination within system  100 , or that only certain exam types, such as screening mammograms or diagnostic mammograms, be sent to the destination. For physician criteria  606 , a user can enter a physician&#39;s information. Exam type criteria  608  is a free text field, and multiple words can be entered into this field of Destination Criteria editor  602 . Some examples include screening, diagnostic, and other exam types known to those skilled in the art. The smart destination image router of the present invention will then search the exam type field of each image or study processed for any of the words entered in this field. If, for example, the destination includes exam type criterion  608  of “screening,” only studies that contain the word “screening” in the name of the exam type would be sent to the corresponding specified destination.  
      To select any of destination criteria  604 ,  606 , or  608 , a user can put a check mark in the corresponding respective check boxes in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 . Alternate selection methodologies and options can be used in other embodiments of the invention. Preferably, any combination of criteria  604 ,  606 , and  608  can be selected. For example, setting exam type criteria  608  to “Diagnostic” and study date criteria  604  to “30 days” would send any diagnostic study less than or equal to 30 days old to the corresponding selected destination. Any diagnostic studies older than 30 days or any screening studies can then be sent to a different viewing workstation. In this case, both criteria  604  and  608  would need to be met for the destination to be enabled.  
      Additional criteria can also be added. A specific calendar date can be used, such that any study before or after that date would be sent to a particular destination. Using calendar dates would also allow a criterion to be configured to accept a date range, such that any study falling within that date range would be sent to a specific destination. Another criterion might depend on the patient&#39;s age or another demographic factor. This criterion would be beneficial when a facility is participating in a clinical study, such as monitoring breast cancer for a specific age group. An additional criterion can be based on gender.  
      Available destinations within system  100  can also be specified. After a study image is scanned by scanner  110  and the demographic information of the patient associated with the image is verified, available destinations within system  100  can be displayed in a Destinations pane  702  on GUI  302  of scanner  110 . Destinations pane  702  comprises a portion of a main screen  802  of GUI  302  of scanner  110 , one example of which is depicted in  FIG. 8 . A destination listed in pane  702  but differentiated, such as by a differently colored text print, font, or format, indicates that the selected study did not meet the specific criteria for that destination. The study can still be sent to that destination by manually overriding the criteria for that destination, if desired. To override the criteria, a user can select or deselect a desired destination listed in Destination pane  702 , regardless of whether the destination met the criteria. In one embodiment, a manual override will remain in effect until a user restarts scanner  110 .  
      After a film or study has been checked for quality control and the destination verified in screen  802 , a user can select the desired study in a study listing pane  804  and select accept  806  to begin processing and transmission. Once the destination (or destinations) has responded to scanner  110  indicating that the image or study has been successfully received, a log window  808  will indicate the study has been successfully processed.  
      A method of processing and routing images and studies within system  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention is depicted in the flowchart of  FIG. 9 . After an image is scanned and ready to be transmitted at step  902 , a user determines if all the user&#39;s desired destinations are selected at step  904 . This determination can be made in one embodiment by consulting GUI  302  of scanner  110 . In general, the smart destination image routing system of scanner  110  will look at each of the destinations under selected criteria and automatically pre-select certain destinations meeting the criteria prior to or as part of step  904 . Any destinations not meeting the criteria will not be selected.  
      If, after reviewing the pre-selected destinations, a user determines that of all user&#39;s desired destinations have been selected, the user can then instruct the system to send the image(s) onto network  120  at step  906  to be picked up by the appropriate devices. If a user determines at step  908  that not all of the desired destinations have been selected by the system, however, even though the unselected destinations do not meet the criteria, the user can override the system and select or de-select the desired or undesired destinations at steps  910  and  912 . Once the user has verified that all of the desired destinations are selected, the user can prompt the system to send the image(s) onto network  120  at step  906  to be picked up by the appropriate devices.  
      The smart destination image routing system of the present invention, implemented in one embodiment by a microprocessor of a scanner in a medical imaging system, therefore provides an intuitive and convenient system for handling and managing medical images and studies. The smart destination image routing system offers many advantages, including enabling a user to easily edit destinations within the medical imaging system or to set up image routing criteria without having to open and manually edit the code in a configuration file of the microprocessor. While compatible with imaging systems in general, such as medical studies and images including medical or dental x-rays, or non-medical images, the invention is particularly suited for and has been described with reference to mammography images.  
      Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.