A browser based image bank, useful tool or expensive toy?

DIBS, the Digital Image Banking System, is a web browser based environment for depositing and withdrawing generic medical images. These can be annotated or modified on an individual's computer for use in talks and lectures. DIBS is programmed in 'C', to query and update a database as well as producing web pages on the 'fly'. Images are deposited using an interactive form, minimizing data entry and are received in a digital format or are digitized on demand. Three interfaces allow DIBS to be searched; an image map of the human body presents a simple graphical interface, whilst more specific searches can be performed by selecting categories from predefined scrolling menus or using a full text search. When a DIBS search is performed, preview thumbnail images and descriptions are provided, linked to the full size images that can be saved locally along with the text description. DIBS offers fast and convenient access to a wide range of medical images, eliminating the time consuming process of producing one's own slides or borrowing from colleagues. It is proving to be a useful tool within our Medical School but some copyright, ethical and image security issues still need to be resolved.