bmontgom@hvtvm4.vnet.ibm.com (05/16/91)
Here is a file that I have been sent from another list. I thought
that you may like to include it in the Digest.
Yours,
Bryan
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Date: Wed, 15 May 91 06:24:28 EDT
Reply-To: MEDNETS Medical Telecommunications Networks
<MEDNETS%NDSUVM1.BITNET@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU>
Sender: Hospital Computer Network Discussion Group and Data Base
<HSPNET-L@ALBNYDH2.BITNET>
Comments: Resent-From: DFP10@ALBNYVM1.BITNET
Comments: Originally-From: "Allan G. Farman (AGFARM01@ULKYVM.BITNET)"
<AGFARM01@ULKYVM.BITNET>
From: DFP10%ALBNYVM1.BITNET@UACSC2.ALBANY.EDU
Subject: High speed transfer of x-rays over phone lines
At the Telecommunications Research Center of the University of
Louisville/Commonwealth of Kentucky, we have been experimenting with
the high speed transmission of images using direct digital intraoral
radiographs. The potential is great for control of dental insurance
costs by expediting prior approvals and reducing the need for local
experts. Transmission at high speeds is largely dependent upon the
type of telephone service available - the slowest connection being the
deciding factor.
This is a real problem in the USA as there is no central system. While
in France the telecommunications system for Integrated Services
Digital Network is virtually universally available providing a data
transmission potential of 64 kilobits/sec, ISDN is not universal in
the USA at this time. The current ISDN standard in the USA is 56
kilobits/sec. Such rates are faster than achievable with standard
modems; however digital switches capable of sending data files at
these rates are commercially available. Using specially connected high
speed lines it was possible to send dental radiographs to Paris,
France from Louisville, Kentucky last month in less than five seconds
from acquisition at both ends of the connection. This used the high
speed AcuPulse system to the ISDN Acunet system of AT&T, through to
the French ISDN system: Numeris. Special convertion cards were
manufactured to connect the 56kbs system to the 64kbs system.
Initial studies show no loss of image details due to the transmission.
Studies concerning medical teleradiology are taking place at the
Medical Schools of Bowman Gray (NC) and Washington (Seattle). There
are also close to 30 providers of teleradiology "turnkey" systems;
however, these tend to be quite expensive and to require special
terminals for both transmission and reception. The system that I am
using uses an IBM AT/XT, 286 through 486, VGA through XGA, a standard
frame grabber for acquisition, but only a standard graphics program
for reception. For dental radiographs, it has proven perfectly
possible to use the PROFS program linked to an IBM mainframe to
provide a widespread local area network. More long distance E-mail has
proven to be more problematic due to file size limitations and data
"massaging" in the various mainframes along the E-mail route.
I do hope that this rambling message is of use.
Best wishes,
Allan G. Farman (AGFARM01@ULKYVM.BITNET),
Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, University of Louisville School
of Dentistry, Louisville, KY 40292. (TEL: 1-800-334-8635 ext.1241)