Abstract
Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) provides a flexible means of searching a digital image library based on the description of the desired image. In this paper, we integrate CBIR, RIS, and HIS in PACS to allow retrieving images of similar features. Once the system finds the related images, the embedded CBIR retrieves the radiological reports and medical records of the output images, which can be used to increase diagnostic accuracy. The CBIR system is implemented on a separate server based on multi-resolution image matching. To reduce the retrieval loading on the server and network shanks, a procedure to use copies of images that are temporarily located in some workstations in the PACS is applied. These copies are stored on a temporary database space created on the different workstations. A new image retrieval management server contains image IDs in the database and the IP addresses of the workstations containing temporary images copies. Data on the management server are continuously updated with each addition or retrieval operation. When a display workstation needs a specific image, it sends a request with the required image ID to the management server, which in turn replies with the IP of the workstation containing the inquired image ID.