A method of and apparatus for transmitting video images preferably allows
a specially trained individual to remotely supervise, instruct, and
observe administration of medical tests conducted at remote locations.
This apparatus preferably includes a source device, a transmitting
device, and at least one remote receiving device. Preferably, the
transmitting device and the remote receiving device communicate over a
network such as the Internet Protocol network. Alternatively, the
transmitting device and the receiving device communicate over any
appropriate data network. The transmitting device transmits the video
images to the remote receiving device either for live display through the
source device or for pre-recorded display through a video recorder
device. The remote receiving device is also capable of communicating with
the transmitting device while simultaneously receiving video images. The
source device is preferably a medical test device such as an ultrasound,
a sonogram, an echocardiogram, an angioplastigram, and the like. This
medical test device preferably generates video images for the
transmitting device. The transmitting device captures the video images in
real-time from the source device and compresses these video images
utilizing a compression algorithm prior to transmitting data representing
the video images to the remote receiving device. Remote users utilizing
the remote receiving devices are capable of remotely controlling a number
of parameters relating to the source device and the transmitting device.
Such parameters include image quality, storage of the video images on the
transmitting device, manipulating and controlling the source device, and
the like.