System, method and computer instructions for aiding image analysis

Abstract

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system, method and computer instructions for aiding analysis of an image used in a medical examination. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination comprises: an input module configured to input an image; a search module configured to locate information regarding an image that is similar to the input image; and an output module configured to output a link to the located information, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used. For example, in an embodiment, an image analysis system used in a medical examination further comprises a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to output the input image and the located information, and wherein the communication module is configured to receive a responsive communication.

1 . An image analysis system used in a medical examination comprising:
 an input module configured to input an image;   a search module configured to locate information regarding an image that is similar to the input image; and   an output module configured to output a link to the located information, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the located information is accessible on at least one of: a Hospital Information System, a Radiologist Information System and the Internet. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the located information is at least one of: a previous image analysis, an article, a report and a web page. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the search module uses an image recognition algorithm to identify an image that is similar to the input image. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the input module is configured to input image information including at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information, and wherein the search module is configured to restrict a search based on at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a communication module, wherein the communication module is configured to output the input image and the located information, and wherein the communication module is configured to receive a responsive communication. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the output module outputs the link as a visual display to a Picture Arching and Communicating System workstation. 
   
   
       8 . A method for aiding analysis of an image used in a medical examination comprising:
 inputting an image;   locating information regarding an image that is similar to the input image; and   outputting a link to the located information, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the located information is accessible on at least one of: a Hospital Information System, a Radiologist Information System and the Internet. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the located information is at least one of: a previous image analysis, an article, a report and a web page. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein locating information includes using an image recognition algorithm to identify an image that is similar to the input image. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising inputting image information, wherein image information includes at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information, and wherein locating information includes restricting a search based on at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 outputting the input image and located information; and   receiving a responsive communication.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the link is output as a visual display to a Picture Arching and Communicating System workstation. 
   
   
       15 . A computer-readable storage medium including a set of computer instructions for aiding analysis of an image used in a medical examination, the set of instructions comprising:
 an input routine that allows an image to be input;   a search routine that allows information regarding an image that is similar to the input image to be located; and   an output routine that allows a link to the located information to be output, wherein the located information is displayed when the link is used.   
   
   
       16 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , wherein the located information is accessible on at least one of: a Hospital Information System, a Radiologist Information System and the Internet. 
   
   
       17 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , wherein the located information is at least one of: a previously analyzed image, an article, a report and a web page. 
   
   
       18 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , wherein the search routine uses an image recognition algorithm to identify an image that is similar to the input image. 
   
   
       19 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , wherein the input routine allows image information to be input, wherein image information includes at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information, and wherein the search routine allows a search to be restricted based on at least one of: modality information, body part information and contrast agent information. 
   
   
       20 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , further comprising a communication routine, wherein the communication routine allows the input image and the located information to be output, and wherein the communication routine allows a responsive communication to be received. 
   
   
       21 . The set of computer instructions of  claim 15 , wherein the output routine allows the link to be output as a visual display to a Picture Arching and Communicating System workstation.