ENHANCING WEB APPLICATIONS IN RADIOLOGY WITH JAVA - ESTIMATING MR-IMAGING RELAXATION-TIMES

Java is a relatively new programming language that has been used to de velop a World Wide Web-based tool for estimating magnetic resonance (M R) imaging relaxation times, thereby demonstrating how Java may be use d for Web-based radiology applications beyond improving the user inter face of teaching files, A standard processing algorithm coded with Jav a is downloaded along with the hypertext markup language (HTML) docume nt. The user (client) selects the desired pulse sequence and inputs da ta obtained from a region of interest on the MR images. The algorithm is used to modify selected MR imaging parameters in an equation that m odels the phenomenon being evaluated. MR imaging relaxation times are estimated, and confidence intervals and a P value expressing the accur acy of the final results are calculated. Design features such as simpl icity, object-oriented programming, and security restrictions allow Ja va to expand the capabilities of HTML by offering a more versatile use r interface that includes dynamic annotations and graphics. Java also allows the client to perform more sophisticated information processing and computation than is usually associated with Web applications. Jav a is likely to become a standard programming option, and the developme nt of stand-alone Java applications may become more common as Java is integrated into future versions of computer operating systems.