Gabriel Howles-Banerji MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Daniel Holstein, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

A radiology-specific multi-touch controller for PACS workstations has been implemented on a consumer tablet.

The traditional computer mouse is the primary tool for operating a PACS workstation, but its use can be cumbersome and is associated with ergonomic hazards. Meanwhile, dramatic advances in trackpad and touchscreen technology have revolutionized the way humans interact with computers, particularly smartphones and tablets. We sought to explore whether contemporary “touch” technologies could be used to operate a PACS workstation. More specifically, we sought to develop a peripheral device with radiology-specific touch controls which might make navigating imaging studies more efficient and less fatiguing.

An application was written for the Apple iPad tablet that displays a collection of touch controls used for operating the PACS workstation. The tablet communicates wirelessly with the PACS workstation and is used as a peripheral device, like a mouse or keyboard. A client application on the workstation executes the commands from the tablet. The device can be used with any vendor’s workstation. The displayed controls allow the radiologist to directly execute common PACS functions. For example, the Window/Level control works by touching the control and then dragging the finger horizontally and vertically to control the displayed window and level, respectively. Harnessing the “multi-touch” capability of the tablet, some controls respond to multiple fingers. For example, the rate at which the Scroll control moves between slices in a CT scan is dependent on the number of fingers used -- one finger for precise scrolling, four fingers for fast scrolling. The collection of the controls can be customized for each type of study. For example, a Cine Loop control is provided for ultrasound studies but not plain films. 

This work demonstrates that a touch control interface can be used for navigating imaging studies on an existing commercial PACS workstation. Having developed a prototype with a suite of radiology-specific controls, the next step is to test the device in routine use to determine what advantages it may offer in the daily work of radiologists.

Howles-Banerji, G, Holstein, D, Multi-Touch Control Device for PACS Workstation Implemented on a Consumer Tablet.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14007493.html