A human friendly reporting and database system for brain PET analysis

B-SPID: an object-relational database architecture to store, retrieve, and manipulate neuroimaging data

We propose a hardware and software architecture to respond to crucial problems in the neuroimaging field: storage, retrieval, and processing of large datasets. The B-SPID project, here discussed, concerns the processing of neuroimages and attached components stored in an object-relational multimedia database management system (DBMS). Advanced bioinformation concepts are exploited in this project such as large scale data storage, high level graphical user interfaces and 3D graphical processing and display of data. Our database implementation is based on standard programming components, runs on several UNIX platforms and is written to be evolutive. Queries on this database are designed to obtain and display from neuroimaging data several types of results (pictures, text, or 3D graphical shapes) on heterogeneous systems.

Data base and management system for clinical positron emission tomography (PET) studies

A data base and management system connected to an image analysis system has been developed and utilized for clinical positron emission tomography (PET). This data base system, 1) is based on "GBASE", a general purpose data base, which runs on a UNIX work station, 2) works on a network file system and is connected to PET cameras and other data acquisition devices as well as to an image analysis system "Dr.View", 3) centrally manages the data stored in a data storage unit, 4) is easily modifiable and expandable, and 5) has a human friendly interface which requires minimum operation for registration, retrieval and management. We have been using this system to handle clinical PET data for seven years and have optimized the data base schema. As a result, this system has become a truly practical tool for the daily operation and is well-received by technologists, nuclear physicians and attending physicians.