Active overlay system and method for accessing and manipulating imaging displays

摘要

The present invention is directed in general to imaging technologies and more particularly to medical imaging and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) having an image display wherein system features and functions are provided to a user via active overlays located over displayed images. A system and method are provided to imbed an ability to interact with an image by activating traditional annotations that are displayed in conjunction with an image in a PACS. Users are able to access program functionalities in an improved, quicker, accurate and more intuitive means. More specifically, the present invention relates to providing the capability to customize multiple context menus, and flatten the command hierarchy of an imaging system. The present invention also provides the ability to “overload” current text and graphic annotations that are already displayed within an image of interest.

主权项

1. A computer implemented method providing access to one or more features and functions of a software tool that is utilized for interacting with and manipulating a display of at least one digital image by overloading one or more static annotated fields which are displayed as informational text or graphic overlays on top of the at least one digital image that is displayed using active overlays, the method comprising:
providing one or more annotated fields in an active overlay, said active overlay being utilized as opposed to a static overlay placed on top of the at least one digital image, and wherein said one or more annotated fields correlate to one or more image informational items and provide for the display of the one or more image informational items on the at least one digital image; said one or more image informational items comprising at least one of parameters or values relating to the one or more features and functions of the software tool that interact with and manipulate the underlying display of the at least one digital image; activating one or more of said annotated fields, wherein said activated annotated fields are configured for accepting direct input of an entry related to said correlated one or more informational items; wherein the movement of a cursor over said activated annotated fields provides an indicia to an end user that said activated annotated fields can accept direct input of said entry; and utilizing said entry to directly provide data to the one or more features and functions of the software tool to thereby interact with and manipulate the display of the at least one digital image, wherein the at least one digital image includes a radiology report.