STAGE works as a comprehensive brain imaging post-processing solution. The STAGE system consists of a dedicated computer connected to the user’s local area network. The computer receives DICOM data from a specific MRI 3D GRE scan protocol (i.e. the STAGE protocol) and then outputs back numerous DICOM datasets with different types of contrast to wherever it received the files from (most likely a PACS server). The STAGE system will not contain any user interface. Instead, the data transfer will be initiated by the user’s current DICOM viewing software. The main method for user communication will be through DICOM output files that contain information in the image data. A method for remote connection to the STAGE computer will be included for updating and troubleshooting when an internet connection is available.

STAGE works as a comprehensive brain imaging post-processing solution. The STAGE system consists of a client supplied dedicated computer with an ethernet connection to the client’s existing local network. The STAGE software will operate within a virtual machine environment (virtual STAGE module) on this dedicated computer. The computer receives DICOM data from a specific MRI 3D GRE scan protocol (i.e., the STAGE protocol) and then outputs back numerous DICOM datasets with different types of contrast to the PACS server. The data transfer is initiated by the user’s current DICOM viewing software. STAGE has been modified from the predicate to include CROWN, a white noise filtering algorithm intended to improve specific STAGE outputs. The following table provide a summary of the methodology for each output with an example image and technical comparison to the predicate.