Chapter 8 Some aspects of medical imaging

Abstract

Summary We have discussed the fundamentals of medical imaging and have covered several matters including some definitions, image detectors and recorders, sources of medical images, and image processing systems. The use of medical imaging in the radiological sciences is expected to increase about 40% in the next five years ( Huang, 1987 ). New methods producing medical images will not progress drastically, but image quality from existing imaging modality will continue to improve. Traditionally, medical imaging is used only for diagnostic purposes, but we see the trend that they are also being used for therapeutic applications as well. PACS will become a vital image database management system. This will lead to the development of an image knowledge database that will require new IP hardware and software. The leading candidate in hardware design for medical image processing will be a modified parallel processing architecture that will shorten the time required for interprocessor communication. Mathematical advances may provide a new approach for image segmentation ( Trambert, 1986 ). Fractal analysis shows promise for image feature extraction and object definition. Neutral networks may prove useful for medical pattern recognition, and other artificial intelligence techniques may bring medical imaging to the threshold of a mature science. With regard to digital microscopic image processing, it requires fundamental knowledge of microscopy, television scanning, and digital image processing. In microscopy, specimen preparation is the most important step, since a good preparation can account for almost 50% of the success in designing a digital microscopic imaging system. The motorized x-y stage and automatic focusing are two important components for screening and quantitative analysis of microscopic images. The television camera used for scanning should have the proper specifications so that its resolution is adequate for imaging the objects of interest. In digital imaging technology, an image memory (or memories if color processing is necessary) and a graphic memory are essential in addition to the computer memory.