|
Applet |
A small
application that performs a specific task. For example, Cardfile or
Calculator are applets in Windows. |
|
Application |
A computer
program designed to help people perform a specific type of work. For
example, Word Perfect is a work processing application. |
|
Arrow key |
A set
of 4 cursor (movement) keys labeled with arrows. Arrows are usually
located at the bottom right of the keyboard. An arrow key can move
a cursor up, down, left and right. |
|
ASCII |
(Pronounced
“ASKEE”) American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A uniformly
recognized code used to transfer information from one type of computer
or application to another. |
|
ASCII file |
A text
file that contains only ASCII characters. Useful when sending data
between two computer programs that ordinarily can’t “understand” one
another. |
B
|
|
Background |
The
environment in which tasks are done on one level while another application
is active on another level. Because computers can do more than one
task at a time, the user can work with an application in the foreground
while the computer performs another action in the background. |
|
Bandwidth |
A measurement
of the amount of data that can flow through a communications line
during a specific amount of time. Bandwidth is usually expressed in
kbit/s (kilobytes) or Mbit/s (megabytes). The higher the frequency
of the bit rate, the higher the bandwidth. |
|
Baud rate |
The
number of signal changes (events) on a transmission line during one
second. |
|
Bit |
The
basic unit in a binary numbering system. Binary Digit. |
|
|
|
A single
bit is expressed in the base 2, either on or off. |
|
|
|
Imagine
using bits of data to express gray scale. Progressive levels display
are expressed as increasing powers of 2. |
|
|
|
In a
one bit system (21) there would only be white or black. |
|
|
|
A four
bit system is 24 (16 gray scale levels) where a six bit system is
26 (64 levels of gray). The more gray, the better the picture. |
|
Blitting |
Copying
images, from main memory to the display, usually at high speeds. This
process gives the appearance of an animation. |
|
Byte |
Eight
contiguous bits, the fundamental data “word” of computers. A byte
stores the equivalent of one character. |
C
|
|
Calculation |
An
equation containing more than one or more measurements, for example:
linear, area, Doppler, ejection fraction, etc.) |
|
CD |
Compact
disk. |
|
CD-ROM |
Compact
Disk, Read-Only Memory. A storage medium that uses laser rather than
magnetic technology to read the data on the compact disk. CD-ROMs
can only be read. They cannot be written to unless they are specifically
created for read/write purposes. |
|
Client |
Part
of a network of computers, a workstation with processing capabilities
that can request information or applications from the server. |
|
Client/server architecture |
A design
for applications that run on a network. The bulk of the background
processing, such as performing a patient folder search, takes place
on the server, not on the workstation. The processing that communicates
with the user is handled by smaller programs distributed to the client
workstations. |
|
Clinical data |
All
data with clinical content; includes images, waveforms, measurements,
findings and reports. |
|
Clip |
A piece
of audio or visual multimedia data. Usually clips are heavily compressed.
Clips generally contain reference data rather than diagnostic data. |
|
CODEC |
A coder/decoder
that converts digital/analog or analog/digital. This frequently involves
compression and decompression algorithms. |
|
Computers |
A computer
is a device that processes electronic digital data in strings of on/off
or 1’s and 0’s. |
|
Compression |
A way
to reduce the amount of storage or bandwidth required to store or
transmit digital information. Compression eliminates redundancy in
the data. See also, lossy compression, lossless compression. |
|
Configuration |
The
choices you make when setting up a computer system to meet your needs. |
|
CPU |
Central
Processing Unit. The “brains” of the computer or the main chip that
makes the computer work. |
|
Cursor |
A blinking
character on the monitor display. This character shows where the next
character will appear. The cursor can also appear as an arrow |
D
|
|
DAT |
Digital
Audio Tape; a low cost, mass storage device. |
|
Data |
Factual
information that can be processed by a computer. For example, text,
numbers, sounds and images. |
|
Data communication |
The
transfer of information from one computer to another. |
|
Database |
A collection
of related information about a subject, arranged in a useful manner.
The information in a database provides a base for understanding information,
drawing conclusions and making decisions. |
|
Default |
A predetermined
value an application program uses when you do not specify one. |
|
DICOM |
Digital
Imaging and Communications in Medicine standard developed by ACR-NEMA.
DICOM 3.0 is the current release. A number of image file format options
with respect to pixel form and format, palette, compression, etc.
that allow medical images to be exchanged between instruments, computers
and hospitals. HP’s digital network interchange supports the following;
DICOM format: 8 or 16 bit palette (B/W or color), non-square pixels,
RLE compressed, non-interlaced. |
|
DICOM Compliant |
HP
adheres to the DICOM media import in release A.00, that is, the DSR-TIFF
header in the DSR file has to be replaced with a DICOM header and
de-interlacing. The DICOM specification allows for palette format,
packBits compression, and non-square pixels. Files with these specifications
are said to comply to the DICOM standard. |
|
DICOM Networking |
The
ability to connect to other servers who also support the DICOM standard. |
|
Digital |
A series
of numbers or codes that represent one or more physical quantity.
These codes make it quick and easy to communicate with the computer. |
|
Digital Network Interface |
A PC
that interfaces to the ultrasound system through a SCSI controller.
The user interface is controlled by the ultrasound system user. The
PC manages the transfer of DSR files to and from the EIMS over a standard
local area network (LAN). |
|
Disk drive |
A storage
device. For example, a floppy disk drive or a hard disk drive |
|
Document |
A
file containing work you have typed. For example, a report, a memo
or worksheet. |
|
Domain |
An
area of a network over which administrative control is exercised.
The primary domain is the file server for all clients. |
|
Download |
To
transfer a file from a one computer to another. |
|
Dpi |
Dots
per inch. The way the image or screen resolution is measured. The
more dpi the higher the resolution and the sharper the image also
the larger the file will be |
|
Drop-down |
A field
in a window that contains a down arrow. Clicking on the |
|
List box |
arrow
displays a list of choices for that field. A drop-down list box provides
a user with options and saves space in the window. For example, if
you click on MEASURE in the menu, a drop-down list box appears with
a list of tasks you can choose. |
E
|
|
Electronic mail |
A way
of sending and receiving messages over a network. Also called E-mail. |
|
Ethernet |
A local
area network hardware, protocol and cabling standard. Originally developed
for Xerox. Can link up to 1,024 nodes on a network. |
|
Export |
Sending
data in a format that another program can read it to that program
for execution. For example, to export an image from one program to
another. |
F
|
|
Fax |
Sending
and receiving printed pages between two locations using a telephone
line. Fax is short for facsimile. |
|
Field |
The
space in a window where you can enter or read data. For example, you
type the MRN in a field in the Create Patient Folder window. |
|
File |
A collection
of information stored as a unit on a disk and given a unique name
so you and the computer can identify it. |
|
File format |
The
patterns and standards that a program uses to store data on a disk. |
|
File name |
A name
assigned to a file when it is first created. Every file on a disc
must have a unique name. File names must have two parts: the name
and the extension. Sometimes, in some programs, when you give a file
name, the extension is automatically added. |
|
File server |
A single,
high powered machine with a very large hard disk that stores the application
programs and data files for workstations on a network. |
|
Flat data |
Flat
data is basically a picture. It contains no special encoding of data
such as velocity, turbulence, text or other information. Flat data
consists of RGB (the red, green and blue components of each pixel
on the screen. No post-processing can be done on flat data. |
|
Floppy disc |
A portable
storage medium that is magnetically coated and flexible, and is covered
with a plastic envelope. Files can be loaded on a floppy disk for
backup or to take to another computer. |
|
Folder |
A
way of organizing information on a computer. Similar to a directory
in DOS, the icon of a folder is used in Windows 95 and in Windows
NT. In the EIMS, the patient folder contains images, studies, and
patient demographics. |
|
Format |
1)
Preparing a disk for use. Formatting deletes everything on a disk,
assigns addresses, creates new sectors, etc. 2) In a document such
as the Report from the EIMS, formatting refers to creating the “look”
of the page: margins, paragraph styles, the fonts used, etc. |
G
|
|
Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
The
part of the program that the user sees on the monitor screen. |
|
Gray scale |
A series
of shades from white to black. The gray scale slider in EIMS controls
the lightness or brightness of an image. Gray scale in the EIMS program
does not affect the image as gray scale post-processing on the SONOS
machine does. |
|
Group |
A collection
of program item icons stored together in a single window in Program
Manager. For example; Accessories, Main or Games. |
H
|
|
Hard copy |
A printed
document. |
|
Hard disk |
A storage
device in a computer that consists of several discs coated with magnetically
sensitive materials and housed in a hermetically sealed mechanism.
The Digital Network Interface has a hard disk. |
|
Hardware |
The
components that make up the computer, for example, the monitor, keyboard,
the disk drives, etc. |
|
Hertz (Hz) |
Unit
of signal frequency. One Hertz is equal to one cycle per second. Named
in honor of Heinrich Hertz, first to define sound waves in 1883. |
|
Highlight |
To
display a character, a word or block of text in reverse video. A cursor
is used to highlight text. |
|
Host |
The
computer that performs centralized functions in a network. |
|
Hot key |
A shortcut
that activates a menu command by pressing a specific key or set of
keys, for example, CTL+ALT+DELETE. |
|
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) |
A file
format used to display multimedia content. It is the standard format
for information stored on the WEB. In the EIMS, the report is saved
in HTML format so that it can be easily sent over a network. |
I
|
|
I-beam pointer |
An
I-shaped mouse pointer that usually indicates where text can be inserted
or edited. |
|
Icon |
A symbol
on the screen that represents a program, a file or another computer
function. You can see icons like the Create Patient Folder icon on
the EIMS tool bar. You can also find icons (for example, the disk
icon that symbolizes storing) on the ultrasound system display. |
|
Image compression |
A technique
to reduce the size of a graphic file. |
|
Import |
To
load a file from one program into another. For example, to load an
ultrasound study from the database or from a magneto-optical disk
into the EIMS so that you can review it. |
|
Initialize |
To
prepare the disks to perform a task. Initializing erases all files
on disk, but leaves addresses, sectors, etc. |
|
Input |
Information
entered in the computer for processing. |
|
Input device |
A peripheral
that allows you to put data into the computer, a keyboard, mouse or
stylus, for example. |
|
Interface |
The
connection between two of anything; two hardware devices, two software
programs or the user and an application. |
|
Internet |
A worldwide
system linking computers, the Internet was originally designed to
served educational institutions. Its technology allows almost any
computer to link into it through an electronic gateway. |
|
J
|
|
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) |
A compression
standard for image and video data. JPEG supports lossy compression
of up to 100:1. The DICOM standard includes JPEG as one of its supported
compression standards. |
|
Jukebox |
A digital
storage device which contains an automatic media changer. When the
computer asks for data not stored on the loaded disk, the jukebox
automatically loads it. Jukeboxes are useful for large data archives
like image activities. |
|
Justify |
To
align multiple lines along the left margin, the right margin or both
margins. |
|
K
|
|
Keyboard The most common input device
for all computers. It contains a complete set of alphanumeric, numeric,
punctuation, symbol and control keys. |
|
L
|
|
Labeled measurements |
Measurements
with a specific anatomical name that gives them a unique meaning ,such
as Left Ventricular Internal Dimension at Systole (LVIDs). |
|
Lines |
The
medium by which digital signal are transferred over distances. |
|
Twisted pair: |
Standard
telephone lines. Data transmission rates are limited. |
|
ISDN: |
Integrated
Services Digital Network lines capable of handling 64 kbps. ISDN lines
are special lines adapted for digital data transfer. |
|
FDDI: |
Fiber
Distributed Data Interface is a high-speed (100 Mbps), fault-tolerant
network backbone. |
|
T1: |
Terrestrial
digital carrier capable of transmitting 1.536 mbps of information
(or 24 ISDN lines). Frequently lines are divided such as a half T1
(768 kbps) or a quarter T1 (384 kbps). |
|
T3: |
Digital
carrier line capable of transmitting 45 Mbps of information. |
|
ATM: |
Asynchronous
Transmission Mode that allows for very high bandwidth (lots of data).ADSL:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line is a type of high bandwidth transmission
line adapted for home use. |
|
Local area network (LAN) |
Computers
that are linked by cables so that users can exchange information,
share peripherals and use data and programs stored on a server. Unlike
a Wide Area Network (WAN), a LAN is limited in distance. A LAN could
link computers in a building or a group of buildings. |
|
log on/off |
A process
for starting or stopping a connection with a computer. Often logging
on entails entering a password that identifies you to the computer.
To log off means to close the connection to the computer using a specific
procedure. |
|
Lossless compression |
A compression
process that reduces the size of a file without sacrificing any data;
the reconstructed file is the exact replica of the original file.
This is the HP compression solution. |
|
Lossy compression |
A compression
process in which some data is deliberately discarded. This creates
very large reductions in file size. This type of compression is usually
used for graphics files where the lost data isn’t noticeable. PK-ZIP
is an example of a lossy compression program. |
|
M
|
|
Macro |
A short
program that runs within an application to execute tasks and keystroke
combinations. Automates tedious and repetitive tasks. An example of
a macro is automatic backup. |
|
Mailbox |
A storage
location that holds messages in electronic mail until a user can access
them. |
|
Media |
Secondary
storage technology used to store and retrieve data. For example, magnetic
disk, magnetic tape or optical disk. |
|
Megabyte (MB) |
One
million bytes. |
|
Memory |
The
computer’s primary storage area. The hardware that keeps some number
of bytes available to the computer for analysis, background operations,
etc. |
|
Menu |
A list
of commands on a computer’s display from which you can choose functions. |
|
Menu bar |
A bar
across the top of the screen (or at the top of a window) that lists
available command choices. |
|
Microsoft Windows NT |
An operating
system It is a 32 bit version of Microsoft Windows; offers true multitasking,
dispenses with DOS, and provides better access to memory than Windows
3.1 and provides higher levels of security than Windows 3.1 or Windows
95. |
|
MOD (Magneto Optical Disk) |
A medium
density, medium cost storage device. Magneto optical disks are available
formatted for various speeds (1X, 2X, 4X disks) depending on the speed
of the drive in which they are used. |
|
Modem |
A device
that converts analog signals transmitted over a telephone line to
digital signals a computer can understand. A modem also converts digital
signals from a computer to the modulated analog signals required for
transmission over phone lines. |
|
Mouse |
A palm-sized
input device with two or more control buttons that signals to the
computer to move the on-screen cursor and activate other functions
such as pop-up windows. |
|
Multiplex |
The
simultaneous communication of two or more messages on the same wire
or channel. |
|
Multitasking |
Using
one or more programs at a time on the same computer. |
|
multi-user system |
A computer
system that can be used by more than one person to access programs
and data at the same time. |
|
N
|
|
Network |
The
physical connection between two or more computers to create a communications
and data exchange system. LANs (local area networks) are the smallest
networks WANs (wide area networks) are larger networks that use telephone
lines or other communications media to link the computers. These computers
can be separated by thousands of miles. |
|
Network Administrator |
The
person responsible for maintaining the network and assisting users.
|
|
Node |
In
a local area network, a connection point that can receive, create
or repeat a message. A node can be a computer or other network device. |
O
|
|
Open study |
In
the EIMS, the study that is currently open for review and modifications.
When a study is open, the other studies in the patient folder are
available for review only. |
|
Output |
The
displayed or printed results of a computer’s operations. A printed
report is output. Text, images, and animation on the screen is also
output. |
|
P
|
|
Parameter |
A value
or option you can change. If you do not change a parameter, a program
will often use a default value. |
|
Parent directory |
In
a tree data structure, a directory above the current subdirectory. |
|
Password |
A security
mechanism to identify authorized users on a computer or a network. |
|
Patient demographics |
Data
considered as relatively constant attributes of the patient. This
can include physical dimensions( height, weight), medications, clinical
observations, tests, etc. |
|
Peripheral |
A device
like a printer or a scanner that is external to the computer but is
connected to it. |
|
Pixel |
A screen
dot. The smallest element that a monitor can display. Images are constructed
of pixels. |
|
Program |
A list
of instructions written in a programming language that tells the computer
what to do. |
|
Pull-down menu |
A menu
of commands that displays on screen after you select the command name
on the menu bar. |
|
R
|
|
RAID |
Redundant
Array of Inexpensive Disks. This device looks like a large, fast,
single disk drive on a network. However, RAIDS are made of an array
of smaller, slower disk drives. Parallelism and redundancy are used
to enhance speed, reliability, and decrease the risk of loosing data. |
|
RAM |
Random-Access
Memory. The temporary storage area used to load program instructions
and to store the files you are currently using. Any changes you make
to data stored in RAM is lost when you turn the computer off. That
is why the computer asks you if you want to save a file before it
lets you turn it off. |
|
Random access |
An
information storage and retrieval technique in which the computer
can access information directly. |
|
Read-only file |
A file
you can display and read but not delete or change in any way. |
|
Reboot |
To
restart the computer. |
|
Refresh |
To
update a window after having edited or changes a graphic or text.
In the EIMS, pressing the Refresh button on the SEARCH FOR STUDIES
window, updates the list studies. |
|
Resolution |
A measurement
(dpi) of the sharpness of an image on a monitor or on the printed
page. The higher the resolution the sharper the image. |
|
Rich data |
Unlike
flat data, rich data is encoded. It contains information such as velocity,
turbulence, text, and other data such that it can be manipulated after
being stored. Rich data can be post-processed. Color flow can be turned
on and off; colorization can be enabled or changed; color maps can
be changed. HP data on the EIMS is rich data. |
|
ROM |
Read
only memory. A form of permanent memory in which the information can
only be read by the computer. This information is usually encoded
into a computer chip. |
|
S
|
|
SCSI |
Small
Computer System Interface. A specific type of interface used to connect
a computer to peripherals like printers, scanners, disk drives and
CD-ROM players. |
|
Server |
A computer
used primarily for processing large amounts of data used by “client”
computers. See client/server architecture. |
|
Software |
System,
utility or application programs written in a programming language. |
|
Sort |
Rearranging
data in alphabetical or numerical order. |
|
Status |
The
state of a study in the EIMS. A study can be in one of five states:
ordered, in progress, unread, preliminary, or final. |
|
Storage |
The
retention of data and programs in the computer. |
|
Streaming |
The
ability to transmit data streams from SONOS in continuous streams
of any length in real time. |
|
Study |
On
the EIMS a single ultrasound exam. Contained in the study is all data
pertaining to that study, including images, measurements, diagnostic
codes, reports and clips. |
|
Study type |
Denotes
the study category in the EIMS. There are four types of echo studies:
adult, pediatric, TEE, and stress. In the EIMS the study type determines
which report template is used. |
|
Subdirectory |
A directory
that is created under another directory. Subdirectories can contain
files and other subdirectories. |
|
Sweeps |
A sweep
is the act of starting a scan at one location and then angling the
probe through various anatomic planes. This is done in an attempt
to view a large portion of the heart or as part of a 3D acquisition.
A sweep is basically a finite length image snippet. Because CCLR has
increased memory capacity, the digital network interface will be able
to store a snippet up to 10 seconds or 10 cardiac cycles. |
|
T
|
|
Telemedicine |
Telemedicine
can be described as a new technology medium which allows two or more
health care providers to consult with each other, educate, or otherwise
interact across a wide range of distances. These interactions could
take place as remote diagnosis, consultation, or even involve telesurgery
or tele-education. |
|
Terminal |
An
input/output device consisting of a keyboard, a monitor and a keyboard.
It interacts with a centralized computer. If the terminal has no CPU
(central processing unit) and disk drives, it is called a dumb terminal.
If the terminal has some processing circuitry and a disk drive, it
is called a smart terminal. |
|
Text |
Alphanumeric
characters. |
|
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) |
A bit-mapped
(the image is formed by a pattern of pixels) graphics format for graphics
for scanned images with high resolutions. The Tiff format simulates
gray scale shading. |
|
Tiled windows |
Two or more active windows placed next to each other on the computer
screen. The bar at the top of a display
that contains the title of the active window. |
|
Title bar |
|
Tool bar |
A bar
across the top of the application screen that contains icons signifying
various functions one can perform using the application. |
|
Toolbox |
A group
of tools related to a specific function in an application. |
|
Trackball |
An
input device with a ball embedded in a base. Gives a little more flexibility
when using a cursor. |
|
Tree structure |
A way
of organizing information into a hierarchical structure with a root
and branches. |
U
|
|
Undo |
To
reverse your last action. For example, UNDO will replace text that
you just deleted. |
|
Unlabeled measurements |
In
the EIMS these are generic, unspecified values that are know tothe
system only as 2D lengths, Doppler velocities, etc. All measurements
which come from SONOS to the EIMS are unlabeled. |
|
User interface |
All the features of a computer or of a program that govern the way
people interact with the computer. A software
program that performs specific, limited functions. For example, a
backup program is a utility. |
|
Utility |
|
V |
|
VGA |
Virtual
Graphics Array. A graphics standard that offers 640X480 resolution,
the current minimum standard for color monitors. |
|
Video adapter |
A board
inside the computer that makes it possible to display text and graphics
on a monitor screen. |
|
Video RAM |
Random-access
memory the video adapter needs to build and maintain a full-screen
image on a high resolution monitor screen. |
|
Virus |
Software
that has been designed to sabotage or damage a computer or files. |
W,X,Y,Z
|
|
Warm boot |
Restarting
the system using keystrokes (CTRL+ALT+DEL) after it has been powered
on and operating. A warm boot is considered a restart: a restart clears
the memory and reloads the operating system. In a warm boot, the hard
drive doesn’t stop and start as it does in a cold start when the system
is actually powered on and off. |
|
Wild card |
Characters
that stands for any other characters that may appear in the same place.
For example, the asterisk in “*.tif” tells the computer to look for
any file that has a .tiff extension. “*.*” refers to any file, no
matter what the extension might be. Wildcards are usually used when
searching for files. |
|
Window |
A rectangular
frame on the screen through which you can see a document, drawing
or worksheet. You can have one or more windows on a screen. An application.
can have multiple windows. |
|
Workstation |
A terminal or a desktop computer on a network that runs software programs
and serves as a way to access the network. |
|
Write protect |
To
prepare a disk so that one can not erase or edit the data on the disk. |
|
WYSIWYG |
What
You See Is What You Get. An acronym that means that what you see on
the screen is exactly what it will look like when it is printed out. |
