2005 Scientific Session Abstracts
Stand-alone Integrated Gross Image Acquisition Platform Utilizing Inexpensive, Standard Parts and an Open Interface
Vincent Ko, M.D , ( vko@partners.org) , U lysses J. Balis, M.D. Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Pathology Informatics and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
Context : Although there is an increasing trend towards integration of image capture functionality directly into anatomic pathology information systems (APLIS), current offerings are often functionally limited in three distinct areas: 1) Implementation functionality often lacks domain-specific operational knowledge, 2) Integration into the core APLIS schema is limited or absent, owing from third party restrictions or limitations in accessing the core schema in question, and 3) the image acquisition hardware repertoire is limited, owing to architectural constraints in hardware selection criteria and hardware interface contexts.
Technology : The Powerpath 2000 application (Impac Medical Systems, San Jose, CA), in place as the referential anatomic pathology information system at MGH, was used as the primary data source. Visual Basic 6.0 and .NET development systems (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) were selected as the development platform for creation of an open-source library of routines and overall stand-alone application. Data integration with Powerpath was carried out via use of the standard Active Data Object (ADO) model, for maximal compatibility with any open-schema information system.
Design : The Powerpath Application is noteworthy for its open schema architecture, allowing for direct query of key application tables, making end-user, stand-alone applications a possibility. As one example instantiation of an open-source hardware interface construct, real-time digital display connectivity was implemented with a Canon Powershot G5 5 megapixel camera, allowing for full controls of all salient camera features form the graphical user interface. This included control of zoom, macro-photography mode, flash, exposure compensation and shutter actuation. Additionally, integration with the APLIS schema allowed for seamless identification and integration of images with cases. The user interface was designed with minimization of active tasks as the overriding goal, given the intended goal of simplifying gross image capture in an extremely busy surgical pathology service.
The final integrated architecture realized the goal of making key interconnectivity steps (digital camera and APLIS) fully modular, representing a minimum implementation burden for any new imager or information system interface. The open source aspect of the architecture similarly ensures that implementation costs can be held at a minimum, free of licensing or royalty fees.
Results : The integrated system was placed into production, completely replacing the use of a conventional 35mm camera. Within the first four months of use, over 1100 gross images were acquired with images being correctly associated with the proper accession numbers in all cases. With increasing use, user familiarity with use of the system allowed for simplified and rapid entry of images.
Conclusion : Open source architecture in concert with a rational and modular implementation strategy allowed for the creation of a highly portable and easily deployable digital gross image capture platform, with full APLIS integration, at a fraction of the cost associated with commercial products.