Developing a medical image content repository for e-learning.
The integration of medical informatics and e-learning systems could provide many advanced applications including training, knowledge management, telemedicine, etc. Currently, both the domains of e-learning and medical image have sophisticated specifications and standards. It is a great challenge to bring about integration. In this paper, we describe the development of a Web interface for searching and viewing medical images that are stored in standard medical image servers. With the creation of a Web solution, we have reduced the overheads of integration. We have packaged Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) network services as a component that can be used via a Web server. The Web server constitutes a content repository for searching, editing, and storing Web-based medical image content. This is a simple method by which the use of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) can be extended. We show that the content repository can easily interact and integrate with a learning system. With the integration, the user can easily generate and assign medical image content for e-learning. A Web solution might be the simplest way for system integration. The demonstration in this paper should be useful as a method of expanding the usage of medical information. The construction of a Web-based repository and integrated with a learning system may be also applicable to other domains.
Hsiao
Chia-Hung
CH
Computer and Communication Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Hsu
Tien-Cheng
TC
Chang
Jing Ning
JN
Yang
Stephen J H
SJ
Young
Shuenn-Tsong
ST
Chu
Woei Chyn
WC
D016494:Computer Security; D016248:Computer Storage Devices; D003479:Curriculum; D003628:Database Management Systems; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011381:Programming Languages; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012985:Software Design; D018511:Systems Integration; D014584:User-Computer Interface