You can easily import segments from existing VMDs stored on your computer or network into your current message definition file. New VMDs will typically contain segments that already exist in other VMDs. Being able to import the segments, especially if you have customized them, will obviously save you lots of time. Fortunately, this task can be easily accomplished in Chameleon.

To import segments from an existing VMD file:

• Open the Message Browser by clicking the Browse icon on the toolbar. The Message Browser appears.
• Copy and paste an HL7 message into the top pane of the Message Browser, and click Parse. If any segments are unrecognized a yellow panel appears in the bottom pane, which indicates that segments with red icons are unrecognized, as shown below.

Message Browser, Showing Unrecognized Segments Panel

• Click the yellow panel to import the unrecognized segments into your VMD file. The Import Unrecognized Segments window appears.
• Select the Import segments from a vmd file radio button, and click the Browse button to navigate to the file you wish to import the segments from. After you select the applicable file, the file path is displayed in the Vmd file full path field.

Importing Segments From a VMD File

• Click Next to verify the segments you want to import.
• Uncheck any segments you do not want to import, or click Next to import the unrecognized segments into your VMD file.
• Click Finish to close the window. The unrecognized segments are imported into your VMD file, and the HL7 message in the Message Browser is automatically re-parsed.