| Popis: |
Electronic exchange of digital images among health care sites can be accomplished rapidly and economically. Data communications computers attached to existing municipal CATV cable systems can provide transfer of images to remote locations for viewing and archiving. A broadband image communication network has been constructed in the Lansing, Michigan area linking a central image display and interpretation center at Michigan State University to 3 Computed tomography (CT) scanners located in separate community hospitals up to eight miles away. Reconstructed compressed CT images are automatically transmitted from the hospitals to the central viewing site in a few seconds. An electronic mail facility provides for user communications among all network sites. Key to the economic and operational feasibility is the availability of leased channel bandwidth (3MHz total) supplied by two local CATV companies and a university cable service which are all interconnected. Channel characteristics and experience to date with such a complex cable network is reviewed. This demonstration of a metropolitan area image communication network opens new opportunities for expanded relationships and services among hospitals, outpatient clinics, and associated professional groups. |
