Devices using the Palm OS may still dominate other sectors of mobile computing, but they do not have sufficient power to handle high-quality multimedia enterprise solutions. The Pocket PC is king of the hill in the area of ultra-portable wireless and non-wireless multimedia.

I've discussed this in previous Pocket PC magazine articles and described scenarios in this area. The first (www.pocketpcmag.com/Sep99/video.htm) demonstrated how wireless CCTV could be integrated with the Pocket PC for mobile surveillance. The second (www.pocketpcmag.com/may00/wireless.htm) discussed video conferencing between Pocket PCs. These solutions are much cheaper than the alternative wired systems, more convenient because they fit in your pocket, and faster because you do not have to go to a particular place to monitor CCTV cameras or conference people. Other market sectors can benefit from cheaper, faster, and more convenient multimedia communications. The latest of these is telemedicine.

Wireless PACS

Telemedicine PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is all about the transfer of detailed patient records, usually of a graphical nature (x-rays, CAT scans) on a distributed network for remote viewing by surgeons, orthopedists, and other specialists. For example, orthopedic surgeons and other medical specialists are rarely tied to one establishment. They run around between hospitals, medical centers, and universities, visiting patients and consulting with other physicians face to face or on the phone. They may need patient information and imagery in front of them while they are stuck in traffic or waiting for a delayed flight at the airport. Additionally, they need to keep track of the time they spend on each case for billing purposes.

Screen 1: The start screen shows a set of available images which have been loaded onto the Pocket PC.

Screen 2: A shot of the 'HAND Study' as loaded, no manipulation. Note the variation in picture detail, we can enhance areas to show greater detail where required.

Screen 3: This is the same shot as screen 2, but with the contrast adjusted to better see the carpals.

Internet versions of PACS, implemented by companies such as eTrauma.com, already meet some of this demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever the Internet can be accessed. Additionally, big boys such as Sprint PCS and Lucent Technologies, wounded from falling share prices in the technology market and depressed margins in their traditional telecom revenue generators, are now aiming squarely at vertical markets such as telemedicine that promise bigger margins.

Screen 4: The same shot as Screen 2 but zoomed in.

Screen 5: Useful medical information loaded along with an image.