Internet image database: development and implementation

The widespread acceptance of World Wide Web (WWW) hypermedia protocols allows rapid cross-platform development of database interfaces. Using the WWW as the interface promotes easy integration of databases with other publicly available Internet resources. We present our experience with an image database search program (IDBS) developed on the PC platform using freely available UNIX development tools. The database routines were written in PERL. The image database program provides a familiar user interface to a collection of clinical images stored in digital form, either on local media or on the Internet. The design goals of the project and the strategies used to meet them are presented. The source code and a demonstration database are available on the Internet at http:/(/)www.webmedix.com/idbs.