Methods for transmitting digitized images

Abstract

Methods for transmitting digitized x-ray radiographs are disclosed. Digitization may be carried out through use of a digital camera or through digital radiography. After digitization is complete, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the digitized x-ray radiograph is encrypted. In other embodiments, a virtual private network is established. In still other embodiments, either before or after generating a digitized x-ray image, written notice to a human subject concerning the identity of one or more authorized intended recipients may be provided. All embodiments include transmission of the digitized x-ray radiograph.

1 . Generating a digital image of an x-ray radiograph; 
 encrypting the digital image of the x-ray radiograph to create an encrypted digital image that is accessible to a first computer; and    transmitting the encrypted digital image to a second computer.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising establishing one or more authorized intended recipients before the transmitting step.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising limiting decryption of the encrypted digital image to one or more authorized intended recipients.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the x-ray radiograph is a dental x-ray radiograph.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising providing written notice to a human subject concerning the identity of one or more authorized intended recipients.  
   
   
       6 . A workstation for transmitting medical images securely over a network comprising: 
 means for generating a digital image of an x-ray radiograph;    a first workstation with a central processor and memory means which also includes a means for encrypting the digital image of the x-ray radiograph to create an encrypted digital image file and means for transmitting the encrypted digital image; and    making annotations on the digital image of the x-ray radiograph.    
   
   
       7 . The workstation of  claim 6 , further comprising means for establishing one or more authorized intended recipients before the transmitting step.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising limiting decryption of the encrypted digital image to one or more authorized intended recipients.  
   
   
       9 . The workstation of  claim 8 , wherein the x-ray radiograph is a dental x-ray radiograph.  
   
   
       10 . The workstation of  claim 9 , further comprising means for providing written notice to a human subject concerning the identity of one or more authorized intended recipients.  
   
   
       11 . A transmission method comprising the steps of: 
 generating a digital image of an x-ray radiograph;    encrypting the digital image of the x-ray radiograph to create an encrypted digital image that is accessible to a first computer; and transmitting the encrypted digital image a second computer.    
   
   
       12 . A transmission method comprising the steps of: 
 generating a digital image of an x-ray radiograph showing features of a human subject;    establishing one or more authorized intended recipients for transmission of the digital image of the x-ray radiograph;    providing written notice to the human subject concerning the identity of the one or more authorized intended recipients; and    Transmitting the encrypted digital image of the x-ray radiograph and providing written notice to a human subject concerning the identity of one or more authorized intended recipients    
   
   
       13 . A transmission method comprising the steps of: 
 generating a digital image of an x-ray radiograph by digitally rendering a representation from a film based radiograph;    encrypting the digital image of the x-ray radiograph to create an encrypted digital image that is accessible to a first computer; and    transmitting the encrypted digital image to a second computer.