A mobile tele-radiology imaging system with JPEG2000 for an emergency care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to design a tele-radiology imaging system for rapid emergency care via mobile networks and to assess the diagnostic feasibility of the Joint Photographic Experts Group 2000 (JPEG2000) radiological imaging using portable devices. Rapid patient information and image exchange is helpful to make clinical decisions. We assessed the usefulness of the mobile tele-radiology system by measuring both a quantitative method, PNSR calculation, for image qualities, and its transmission time via mobile networks in different mobile networks, respectively; code division multiple access evolution-data optimized, wireless broadband, and high-speed downlink packet access; and the feasibility of the JPEG2000 computed tomography (CT) images by qualitatively assessing with the Alberta stroke program early CT score method with 12 CT image cases (seven normal and five abnormal cases). We found that the quality of the JPEG2000 radiological images was satisfied quantitatively and was judged as acceptable qualitatively at 5:1 and 10:1 compression levels for the mobile tele-radiology imaging system. The JPEG2000-format radiological images achieved a fast transmission while maintaining a diagnosis quality on a portable device via mobile networks. Unfortunately, a PDA device, having a limited screen resolution, posed difficulties in reviewing the JPEG2000 images regardless of the compression levels. An ultra mobile PC was preferable to study the medical image. The mobile tele-radiology imaging systems supporting JPEG2000 image transmission can be applied to actual emergency care services under mobile computing environments.

Fig. 1

The configuration of a mobile tele-radiology imaging system composed of an emergency mobile Web PACS and mobile system with five components; a acquisition modality, b emergency DICOM viewer, c JPEG2000 compress module, d emergency mobile Web service, and e mobile browser as end-user mobile devices.

Fig. 2

The possible service scenario for mobile tele-radiology imaging system between emergency room and remote physicians via mobile networks.

Fig. 3

The ten regions for APSECTS on a brain CT image; M1 anterior MCA cortex; M2 MCA cortex lateral to insular ribbon; M3 posterior MCA cortex; M4, M5, and M6 are anterior, lateral, and posterior MCA territories immediately superior to M1, M2, and M3, rostral to basal ganglia; I insular ribbon; L lentiform; C caudate, and IC internal capsule.

Fig. 4

The application user interface of the designed mobile system; a log-in process, b patients’ name list, c patient’s information, and d patient’s image display.