Pj. Liepins et al., A BROWSER BASED IMAGE BANK, USEFUL TOOL OR EXPENSIVE TOY, MDedecine et informatique, 23(3), 1998, pp. 199-206
Citations number
4
Categorie Soggetti
Computer Science Information Systems","Computer Science Interdisciplinary Applications","Computer Science Interdisciplinary Applications","Medical Informatics","Computer Science Information Systems
DIBS, the Digital Image Banking System, is a web browser based environ
ment for depositing and withdrawing generic medical images. These can
be annotated or modified on an individual's computer for use in talks
and lectures. DIBS is programmed in 'C', to query and update a databas
e as well as producing web pages on the 'fly'. Images are deposited us
ing an interactive form, minimizing data entry and are received in a d
igital format or are digitized on demand. Three interfaces allow DIBS
to be searched; an image map of the human body presents a simple graph
ical interface, whilst more specific searches can be performed by sele
cting categories from predefined scrolling menus or using a full text
search. When a DIBS search is performed, preview thumbnail images and
descriptions are provided, linked to the full size images that can be
saved locally along with the text description. DIBS offers fast and co
nvenient access to a wide range of medical images, eliminating the tim
e consuming process of producing one's own slides or borrowing from co
lleagues. It is proving to be a useful tool within our Medical School
but some copyright, ethical and image security issues still need to be
resolved.