The smis2dias program is used for converting the SMIS *.sur images to the DICOM format and archiving them into the CABI Digital Image Archiving System (DIAS). The program runs on SUN workstations. The procedure for running the program is as follows:
(1) To start the program type smis2dias at the UNIX prompt. If "command not found" or a similiar message appears, then the program is not in your "path". In that case, contact the system administrator. When the program starts successfully, the two windows shown in Fig. (1) will appear on the screen.
(Fig. 1a)
(Fig. 1b)
(2) Enter the patient information in the "Patient Information Window" (Fig. 1b) and click the "Register" button. Note that DIAS will not accept unreasonable information (e.g. a 1000-year-old patient!). If you need to update or correct any information in this window, the "Patient Info" button on the "smis2dias" window (Fig. 1a) will bring back the window.
(3) Click the "Load" button on the "smis2dias" window (Fig. 1a). This will bring up the "SMIS File Selector" window. In this window, select the series of SMIS images that you would like to archive and click OK. Note that you can only archive *.sur files reconstructed from a single MRD file. To archive images from another MRD file, this procedure must be repeated. Once the *.sur files are selected, the "Acquisition Information Window" (Fig. 2) will appear. Most of the entries in this window are read automatically from the *.sur files. If the information is correct, click OK, if not, you should input the correct information. If you need to update or correct any information in this window at a later time, the "Acquisition Info" button on the "smis2dias" window (Fig. 1a) will bring back this window.
(4) When you start the program, the current system time and date will be display in the "smis2dias" window (Fig. 1a). This date and time will be recorded in the DICOM format. They will also be used to construct unique image identifiers, a part of DICOM protocol. You can change these entries manually if needed.
(5) Fill in the "Study ID" and the optional image "Description" fields in "smis2dias" window.
(6) Click "Send" to send the images to DIAS or "Save" to save the images locally in DICOM format. When sending images to DIAS, a series of messages will be generated. You should check these messages to ensure that the operation has been successful.
Please contact Babak Ardekani for further information about this program.