K021949 · Howtek, Inc. · LMA · Aug 12, 2002 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K021949
Device Name
FULCRUM
Applicant
Howtek, Inc.
Product Code
LMA · Radiology
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2030
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Howtek Fulcrum Family consists of a transparency film digitizer and paper CCD scanner that is used to digitize radiographs or X-ray film as well as paper reports or doctor's orders. When the Fulcrum is used to digitize radiographic films, the digital image is intended for use in primary, secondary and over reading applications. The Fulcrum Family does not include applications specific software (Picture Archiving and Communications (PAC) system, Teleradiology, or Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software). The manufacturer of the application software will determine specific indications for use. These third-party software packages or complete PAC systems are approved separately.
Device Story
Fulcrum is a transparency film and paper CCD digitizer; captures digital gray scale data from radiographs or paper reports. Device uses a transport drive to move media over a CCD camera; scan lines are normalized and calibrated; analog signal converted to digital (16-bit, 12-bit, or 8-bit raw format). Data transmitted to computer via USB II. Operated by clinicians or technicians within PAC or teleradiology workflows; device lacks internal application-specific software (e.g., CAD, PAC). Output is a digital image file used by third-party software for clinical review, diagnosis, and decision-making. Benefits include conversion of analog film to digital format for integration into electronic medical record systems.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing demonstrated that the device meets intended use specifications for range and resolution as a component of a PAC or teleradiology system.
Technological Characteristics
CCD-based film and paper digitizer; USB II connectivity; 16-bit, 12-bit, or 8-bit raw digital output. Operates via transport drive mechanism with pixel-level normalization and calibration. No internal application-specific software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for digitizing radiographs, X-ray film, paper reports, and doctor's orders for use in primary, secondary, and over-reading applications. Intended for prescription use as a component of PAC or teleradiology systems.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical image digitizer is a device intended to convert an analog medical image into a digital format. Examples include systems employing video frame grabbers, and scanners which use lasers or charge-coupled devices.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std.). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
Predicate Devices
Howtek MultiRAD, Film Digitizer
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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KOZ 1949
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Howtek. The logo features the word "Howtek" in a bold, sans-serif font, with the letters slightly spaced apart. To the right of the word is a graphic of a tornado or swirling cloud. The logo is simple and modern, with a clear and recognizable design.
AUG 1 2 2002
### FOI 510(k) Summary
In conformance with Section 543(t)(3) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Howtek Incorporated hereby submits with this Premarket Notification an adequate summary of any information on safety and effectiveness.
| Submission Date: | June 12, 2002 |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Owner/Operator: | Howtek Incorporated<br>21 Park Avenue<br>Hudson, NH 03051 |
| Device Common /<br>Usual Trade Name: | Film Digitizer |
| Device Trade Name: | Fulcrum |
| Classification Name: | Digitizer, Film (90LMA)<br>Class II<br>Teleradiology Device<br>PAC Peripheral Device |
| Predicate or Legally<br>Marketed Devices: | Howtek MultiRAD, Film Digitizer |
#### Description of Device:
The device is a transparency film digitizer and paper, charge coupled device (CCD) digitizer that can be used to digitize radiographs or paper reports. The digitizer reads digital gray scale information for each pixel deposits the raw data in the computer. The user interface for the digitizer resides in the applications software. There is no activate button on the digitizer. The activate button is provided trough the digitizer user interface which is part of the third party software package.
Overall the Fulcrum uses a drive, which transport the paper or film over the camera as it digitizes the image. Each scan line is captured by the chargecoupled device (CCD). The scan line of data is normalized and calibrated to align the response from each individual pixel. The image data signal is converted from analog to digital format by and A to D converter. The Fulcrum creates a digital
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image in either 16-bit, 12-bit or 8-bit raw format. The information is transmitted to the computer via USB II.
### Indications for Use:
The Howtek Fulcrum Family consists of a transparency film digitizer and paper CCD scanner that is used to digitize radiographs or X-ray film as well as paper reports or doctor's orders. When the Fulcrum is used to digitize radiographic films, the digital image is intended for use in primary, secondary and over reading applications.
The Fulcrum does not include applications specific software (Picture Archiving and Communications (PAC) system, Teleradiology, or Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software). The manufacturer of the application software will determine specific indications for use. These third-party software packages or complete PAC systems are approved separately.
# Contraindications:
The Fulcrum will be marketed as a component to applications software development companies, who will incorporate the Fulcrum into their respective PAC or Teleradiology system. The software developer will be responsible for detailing the Contraindications for the PAC System (or Teleradiology software package) as a whole, including the Fulcrum.
### Potential Complications:
The Fulcrum will be marketed as a component to applications software development companies, who will incorporate the Fulcrum into their respective PAC or Teleradiology system. The software developer will be responsible for detailing the Potential Complications for the PAC System (or Teleradiology software package) as a whole, including the Fulcrum.
#### Technological Characteristics or Proposed and Predicate Device:
The proposed Fulcrum has the same basic characteristics as the predicate Howtek MultiRAD. The MultiRAD was designed to digitize X-ray film or radiographs. In addition, the predicate device operates at lower scan rates, less density range, less gray scale resolution and less spatial resolving power. The Fulcrum is a superior product.
# Performance Characteristics:
The performance testing results for the Fulcrum demonstrated that the device meets its intended use specifications and therefore meets the requirements necessary for its intended use as a component of a PAC or Teleradiology system.
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## Conclusion:
Based on the information presented in this Premarket Notification. Howtek Incorporated believes that the proposed Fulcrum Family of film digitizers is substantially equivalent to the Howtek MultiRAD Family of film digitizers. The Fulcrum family is equivalent to the predicate film digitizer in regard to its intended use (i.e. it captures X-ray films or radiographs as part of a PAC system or Teleradiology software package). The technological characteristics are substantially equivalent in that thev are both CCD based film digitizers. The performance characteristics show that the Fulcrum family has the same or better range and resolution as the MultiRAD family. Therefore, the Fulcrum is more than capable of providing equivalent performance than the MultiRAD.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an image of an eagle with three lines extending from its head.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
AUG 1 2 2002
Mr. W. Scott Parr CEO Howtek, Inc. 21 Park Avenue HUDSON NH 03051 Re: K021949 Trade/Device Name: Fulcrum Family Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2030 Regulation Name: Medical image digitizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: 90 LMA Dated: June 12, 2002 Received: June 13, 2002
Dear Mr. Parr:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA). it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at one of the following numbers, based on the regulation number at the top of this letter:
| 8xx.1xxx | (301) 594-4591 |
|----------------------------------|----------------|
| 876.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx | (301) 594-4616 |
| 884.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx | (301) 594-4616 |
| 892.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx | (301) 594-4654 |
| Other | (301) 594-4692 |
Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html.
Sincerely yours,
Nancy C. Snogdin
Nancy C. Brogdon Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Ko 2 1949
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Howtek. The logo consists of the word "Howtek" in a bold, sans-serif font, with a stylized image of a tornado or swirling cloud above and to the right of the word. The letters are black, and the tornado image is also black. There is a trademark symbol to the right of the word.
### Indications for Use
The Howtek Fulcrum Family consists of a transparency film digitizer and paper CCD scanner that is used to digitize radiographs or X-ray film as well as paper reports or doctor's orders. When the Fulcrum is used to digitize radiographic films, the digital image is intended for use in primary, secondary and over reading applications.
The Fulcrum Family does not include applications specific software (Picture Archiving and Communications (PAC) system, Teleradiology, or Computer Aided Detection (CAD) software). The manufacturer of the application software will determine specific indications for use. These third-party software packages or complete PAC systems are approved separately.
*Prescription Use*
David A. Lyon
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdomi and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number
Howtek, Inc. Company Confidential
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.