Michael D. Torno DSc, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Eamon Johnson MS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Adam J Starkey, Abstract Co-Author: Contract, YellowDot Innovations, LLC

Paul J. Chang MD, Abstract Co-Author: Co-founder, Stentor/Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV Technical Advisory Board, Amirsys, Inc Research Contracts, Koninklijke Philips NV Medical Advisory Board, lifeIMAGE Inc Medical Advisory Board, Merge Healthcare Incorporated

A portable, cost-efficient radiology application development ecosystem was created for biomedical researchers. Furthermore, low cost hardware coupled with open-source software makes the device a viable solution as a radiology teaching aid and rapid software development platform.

A pocket-size PC utilizing open-source software was created to fulfill the need for a low cost software developer tool and teaching aid for biomedical researchers and educational institutions. The system was designed for “plug-and-play” setup and rapid application creation and deployment. Additionally, the device functions as a teaching instrument demonstrating basic PACS function and software development. A unique user interface with standard or touch screen display integration was designed to facilitate ease of use for users with no programing background.

Hardware includes a credit card size, Linux OS based PC with internet connectivity. Open-source software was modified and compiled specifically for the device and is comprised of (1) a PACS suite;(2) DCMTK library;(3) programing libraries (JAVA,PERL,Python);(4) internet server/services (Apache,PHP,SQL);(5) indexing search engine with anonymized database that allows keyword queries. All data including OS and developer software reside on a removable SD card.

SD card contents are stored as an "image" file which allows for a rapid and efficient backup solution. This equates to no down-time in the event of hardware failure. Also, the image can be cloned on to a new card, creating a multitude of identical devices, and eliminating time needed to reinstall/recompile the OS and developer libraries. Incorporating DCMTK binaries used in conjunction with the most common programing languages and web services provides for a robust and versatile software development environment. Coupled with a locally running PACS and keyword queryable database, applications specific to a researcher’s needs can be written. Additionally, radiology image based studies can be initiated by simply uploading DICOM images and associated radiology, pathology, or similar text data to the device. This data is then processed by the device and accessible via the device’s web interface.

Torno, M, Johnson, E, Starkey, A, Chang, P, A Pocket-Size, Portable PACS and Open-Source Software Development Platform for Biomedical Researchers and Educational Institutions.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14007334.html