It is pointed out that, in automating patient records, one must consider the conversion of existing paper records, the records generated by various heterogeneous departmental medical information systems, and the different media (graphics, image, and voice) output created by some modern automated medical instrumentations. In an attempt to solve this complex problem, an object-oriented medical record model is adopted. A catalyst solution called the personal medical disk is proposed which allows and induces medical institutions to develop an all-digital medical record system at their own pace. A conceptual model has been implemented on an intelligent workstation as a stand-alone system. It is believed that using an object-oriented approach will allow rapid development, easier modification, and simpler maintenance of software to be achieved.>

A prototype intelligent image database system (IIDS) that is based on a novel pictorial data structure is presented. This prototype system supports spatial reasoning, flexible image information retrieval, visualization, and traditional image database operations. A pictorial data structure, based on 2-D strings, provides an efficient means for iconic indexing in image database systems and spatial reasoning. The modular design of IIDS facilitates its implementation. Further extensions of the prototype system are discussed.>