A system for processing a radiograph such as an x-ray includes a scanner, a computer with monitor for displaying a digital copy of the radiograph and pet-forming a number of enhancements. The computer stores the digitized image in memory in such a way that it cannot be modified, stores temporarily a second copy of the image in random access memory for display, and stores the enhancements separately in a data file so that, each time the user wishes to see an enhanced image, the enhancements are applied to the displayed digital image as an overlay, rather than being stored as a copy of the enhanced image. Less space is required for storage when only the unenhanced image and the enhancements are stored than if the unenhanced and the enhanced images are stored. Furthermore, not only is the unenhanced image available for a variety of purposes (stored in such a way that it cannot be modified), but the enhancements that are made to produce the enhanced, displayed image are reproduced the same way each time.

Radiographic image enhancement comparison and storage requirement reduction system

A system and method for processing images viewed on radiographic film. Such images include mammograms, CAT scans, or other standard x-ray type images. The system includes a scanning laser film digitizer for reading the optical density of pixels in an original film image; a controller which analyzes the image data based on input film type and scanned optical density in order to compute an exposure correction factor which enhances the original image quality; and a laser film writer which creates a new copy of the original data in the improved form. The system is capable of writing several proportional non-overlapping images on a single sheet of film. This feature facilitates diagnostic evaluation of related subject matter such as multiple angle views of an injury, simultaneous views of right and left side mammograms, or several CAT scans on a single exposure. The system uses a look-up table to store and access optical density vs. exposure characteristics for several types of radiographic film. This exposure data is used in image processing functions. The look-up table information is also used in the copy writing procedure to insure the correct exposure range is used for a given film type.

Medical image processing system

The aim of any project which involves the use of radionuclides, is to determine whether or not an organ is functioning correctly. Two areas of great concern at present, are the evaluation of cardiac function and of brain function. Tomographic methods have proved to be very valuable in both cases. The problems encountered have many things in common as well as many differences.

Correlation Methods for Tomographic Images Using Two and Three Dimensional Techniques

QSH: a minimal but highly portable image display and handling toolkit

A discussion of current microprocessor-based biomedical systems is presented. Applications covered include: methods and instruments for the measurement of blood pressure in ambulatory patients and at bedside; two approaches to limited automatic summarization of EEG data for diagnostic purposes; two developmental approaches to a microprocessor controller for an artificial arm; and a complex physiological monitoring system for the cardiac catheterization laboratory. A number of issues in the current state of technological development are also mentioned.

Biomedical applications of microprocessors

The full capabilities of digital image producing modalities are rarely utilized routinely. Only a small fraction of the available information may be used in the initial diagnosis, and subsequent review is often severely limited by the use of film recordings which may display less than 5% of the original data. An alternative is presented, as a unified digital image distribution and processing system, linking various digital image sources through a high speed data link and a common image format. The system allows for viewing and processing of all images produced within the complex, from viewing stations at any number of convenient locations. The physical handling of storage media is totally eliminated. Complete archiving, file maintenance, and large scale processing capabilities are provided by a central file server. Provisions for hard copy, and the input and output of external image data are also included. The cost of such a system and its operation for ten years is shown to be approximately $0.20 per image.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Image-processing Requirements in Hospitals and an Integrated Systems-approach

Our institution like many others, is faced with a proliferation of medical imaging techniques. Many of these methods give rise to digital images (e.g. digital radiography, computerized tomography (CT) , nuclear medicine and ultrasound). We feel that a unified, digital system approach to image management (storage, transmission and retrieval), image processing and image display will help in integrating these new modalities into the present diagnostic radiology operations. Future techniques are likely to employ digital images, so such a system could readily be expanded to include other image sources. We presently have the core of such a system. We can both view and process digital nuclear medicine (conventional gamma camera) images, positron emission tomography (PET) and CT images on a single system. Images from our recently installed digital radiographic unit can be added. Our paper describes our present system, explains the rationale for its configuration, and describes the directions in which it will expand.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Unified Digital Image Display And Processing System

In order to provide a PAC system which will appeal to, and be used by our Radiology staff, we have surveyed their attitudes about digital imaging in general and viewing sta-tions in particular. We anticipate installing a number of these stations in the full PACS, and we want these stations to provide improvement over the way we currently handle digital images. For these reasons, we felt it necessary to ask the radiologists who will be using the viewing systems what features and functions they would like to have available. The faculty, fellows, and residents in our Radiology department were asked to complete a questionnaire about digital imaging and workstations for viewing. They were asked to comment on existing viewing systems (i.e. CT consoles , nuclear imaging systems, and DIVA consoles). This paper discusses the results of the survey along with our ideas on how best we can implement the functions needed and requested.

Digital Image Viewing Stations: Radiologist Interests And Attitudes

We discuss the requirements of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for medical, from the user level. Based on the current requirements and current inadequacies with film file rooms, and anticipated future requirements, we suggest a minimal set of operation classes that a working PACS must support. No specific command set is proposed; each class is discussed purely in terms of what functions it provides to the user.

PACS User Level Requirements

There has been much discussion of the hardware associated with local area networks (LAN), but little discussion of the practical impact such a system will have on the practice of radiology as we know it today. This paper will address the problems associated with conducting consultations in a networked environment. The first consideration is what messages must be formulated. Questions such as the following arise: can one or more physicians communicate with a digital image source at the time a study is being done to instruct the technologist to obtain another view or to change the window width and level before the film is made; how can the surgeon viewing an image consult with the radiologist to obtain information concerning tumor localization; once the image is on the network in a standard format, what might be the best way to distribute it to two or more different locations in such a manner that consulting can occur effectively; if two physicians are consulting how can a third person either be included in the conversation or prevented from listening in. This paper will focus on the messages which must be exchanged to communicate the necessary information and to control the sharing and cooperative use of this information.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

James H. Schimpf

Papers

Image-processing Requirements in Hospitals and an Integrated Systems-approach

Unified Digital Image Display And Processing System

Digital Image Viewing Stations: Radiologist Interests And Attitudes

PACS User Level Requirements

Message Protocols For Radiologic Consultations Over A Local Area Network