Telepathology: design of a modular system

Although telepathology systems have been developed for more than a decade. they are still not a widespread tool for routine diagnostic applications. L acking interoperability, software that is not satisfying user needs as well as high costs have been identified as reasons. In this paper we would like to demonstrate that with a clear separation of the tasks required for a te lepathology application, telepathology systems can be built in a modular wa y, where many modules can be implemented using standard software components . With such a modular design, systems can be easily adapted to changing use r needs and new technological developments and it is easier to integrate mo dular systems into existing environments.