Internet based tele-diagnostic interface for breast pathology

Abstract

This paper presents our development of a multimedia tele-diagnostic interface for breast pathology via Internet. To enhance telepresence capabilities, our interface is comprised of an anthropomorphic arm/hand equipped with haptic and tactile sensing, ultrasound imaging capabilities, a physician interface capable of rendering both haptic and tactile information, and two-way audio and video. This multimedia interface was tested via the Internet and enables tele-diagnostics. Preliminary experiments had demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed multimedia tele-diagnostic interface. That is, it will greatly enhance and improve the diagnostic performance as well as promote the tele-diagnostics of breast pathology in remote areas a reality.