The ConMod system is a modelling tool for the construction, verification, and communication of user conceptual models. A basic premise behind the research is that consistency at the syntactic and lexical levels cannot counteract conceptual inconsistencies designed into a system, and a working definition of conceptual consistency is maintained in a user-extensible knowledge base. The system designer has the option to test the model for completeness and conceptual consistency based upon high-level knowledge of the types of objects in the model. ConMod also generates conceptual specifications for discussing the model with end users and prototyping and implementation teams. Finally, ConMod allows the conceptual structure of one model to be reused in a different model.

This paper discusses the tasks that a Intelligent Diagnostic Radiology Workstation (IDRW) should be able to perform in addition to serving as an image review station. Included in our discussion are the types of data that an IDRW must handle. It is hoped that this discussion will lead to improved, friendlier, and more intelligent workstations which will be accepted by radiologists.

One area of PACS research at the Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, relates to the user interface of the PACS workstations. Other research areas include network simulation, data compression, digital radiology, image processing, and teaching workstation development. The major focus of this paper is a presentation of a PACS user interface issues, including what should be considered when designing a man- machine interface for a PACS workstation. A brief discussion of PACS requirements is presented, followed by the advantages and disadvantages of various interaction techniques and devices. Next, a set of requirements for a PACS user interface prototyping environment is specified. Finally, the hardware and software components of the Georgetown PACS research environment are presented. Both those components which are applicable to user interface prototyping and those used for other PACS-related projects are discussed.

A PACS must provide a user interface which is acceptable to all potential users of the system. Observations and interviews have been conducted with six radiology services at the Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, in order to evaluate user interface requirements for a PACS system. Based on these observations, a conceptual model of radiology has been developed. These discussions have also revealed some significant differences in the user interface requirements between the various services. Several underlying factors have been identified which may be used as initial predictors of individual user interface styles. A user model has been developed which incorporates these factors into the specification of a tailored PACS user interface.

A workstation model using miniaturized image display as a pictorial directory has been developed using a PIXAR Imaging Computer. The prototype was developed as part of an investigation into the appropriate user interface for a multi-modality PACS workstation. We have found that such a display allows rapid image review in order to determine the clinically significant images for further study. The details of the prototype are presented.

A comprehensive image management and communication (IMAC) network has been installed at Georgetown University Hospital for an extensive clinical evaluation. The network is based on the AT&T CommView system and it includes interfaces to 12 imaging devices, 15 workstations (inside and outside of the radiology department), a teleradiology link to an imaging center, an optical jukebox and a number of advanced image display and processing systems such as Sun workstations, PIXAR, and PIXEL. Details of network configuration and its role in the evaluation project are discussed.

The increased use of digital imaging and data base management technologies has set the stage for the development of comprehensive medical image and information management system for large medical facilities. An image management and communication system (IMACS) can take on a variety of forms depending on specific user needs. In one form or another, the technology of IMACS is a part of radiology's future.