A generic concept for the implementation of medical image retrieval systems.

This work presents mechanisms to support the development and installation of content-based image retrieval in medical applications (IRMA). A strict separation of feature extraction, feature storage, feature comparison, and the user interfaces is suggested. The concept and implementation of a system following these guidelines is described. The system allows to reuse implemented components in different retrieval algorithms, which improves software quality, shortens the development cycle for applications, and allows to establish standardized end-user interfaces.