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Discovering semantic and visual hints with machine learning of real design templates to support insight exploration in informatics

Ideation is the process by which ideas are populated by exploring visuals and semantics as essential stimuli when dealing with creative problem-solving. Knowledge of such activity often desires frequent changes in user goals and insights. A common technique that utilizes pre-designed contents with semantic-visual concepts for ideation raises uncertainty in informatics. This adaptive workflow supports the exploration of many text descriptions and image previews from software products and service design templates. With three steps: 1) Extract and summarize semantic-visual features from design contents. 2) Use clusters of adapted information for multi-label classification. 3) Construct a design exploration model with visualization and exploration. This study has provided a glanceable workflow of ideation. Hence, engineering of the design knowledge supports semantic and visual hints for emerging pathways of continuous ideation and design exploration.

MP09-05 AUTOMATED PROSTATE GLAND AND PROSTATE ZONES SEGMENTATION USING A NOVEL MRI-BASED MACHINE LEARNING FRAMEWORK AND CREATION OF SOFTWARE INTERFACE FOR USERS ANNOTATION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP09-05 AUTOMATED PROSTATE GLAND AND PROSTATE ZONES SEGMENTATION USING A NOVEL MRI-BASED MACHINE LEARNING FRAMEWORK AND CREATION OF SOFTWARE INTERFACE FOR USERS ANNOTATION Masatomo Kaneko, GIovanni E. Cacciamani, Yijing Yang, Vasileios Magoulianitis, Jintang Xue, Jiaxin Yang, Jinyuan Liu, Maria Sarah L. Lenon, Passant Mohamed, Darryl H. Hwang, Karan Gill, Manju Aron, Vinay Duddalwar, Suzanne L. Palmer, C.-C. Jay Kuo, Andre Luis Abreu, Inderbir Gill, and Chrysostomos L. Nikias Masatomo KanekoMasatomo Kaneko More articles by this author , GIovanni E. CacciamaniGIovanni E. Cacciamani More articles by this author , Yijing YangYijing Yang More articles by this author , Vasileios MagoulianitisVasileios Magoulianitis More articles by this author , Jintang XueJintang Xue More articles by this author , Jiaxin YangJiaxin Yang More articles by this author , Jinyuan LiuJinyuan Liu More articles by this author , Maria Sarah L. LenonMaria Sarah L. Lenon More articles by this author , Passant MohamedPassant Mohamed More articles by this author , Darryl H. HwangDarryl H. Hwang More articles by this author , Karan GillKaran Gill More articles by this author , Manju AronManju Aron More articles by this author , Vinay DuddalwarVinay Duddalwar More articles by this author , Suzanne L. PalmerSuzanne L. Palmer More articles by this author , C.-C. Jay KuoC.-C. Jay Kuo More articles by this author , Andre Luis AbreuAndre Luis Abreu More articles by this author , Inderbir GillInderbir Gill More articles by this author , and Chrysostomos L. NikiasChrysostomos L. Nikias More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003224.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To develop an automated machine learning (ML) model to segment the prostate gland, the peripheral zone (PZ), and the transition zone (TZ) using magnetic resonance image (MRI) and to create a web-based software interface for annotation. METHODS: Consecutive men who underwent prostate MRI followed by prostate biopsy (PBx) were identified from our PBx database (IRB# HS-13-00663). The 3T MRI was performed according to Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) v2 or v2.1. The T2-weighted (T2W) images were manually segmented into the whole prostate, PZ, and TZ by experienced radiologist and urologist. A novel two-stage automatic Green Learning (GL) based machine learning model was designed, which is a novel non-deep learning method. The first stage segments the prostate gland and the second stage zooms into the prostate area to delineate TZ and PZ. Both stages share a lightweight feed-forward encoder-decoder GL system. Included accessions were split for 5-fold cross-validation. The volumes were calculated according to the number of pixels/voxels. The model performance for automated prostate segmentation was evaluated by Dice scores and Pearson correlation coefficients. The web-based software interface was designed and implemented for users to interact with the AI annotation model and make necessary adjustments. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients (19992 T2W images) met the inclusion criteria (Figure 1). Using the training dataset of 95 MRIs, a ML model for whole prostate, PZ, and TZ segmentation was constructed. The mean Dice scores for whole prostate, PZ, and TZ were 0.85, 0.62 and 0.81, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for volumes of whole prostate, PZ, and TZ segmentation were 0.92 (p<0.01), 0.62 (p<0.01), and 0.93 (p<0.01), respectively. The web-based software interface takes a mean of 90sec for prostate segmentation with 168 slices. The platform supports DICOM series upload, image preview, image modification, 3-dimensional preview, and annotation mask export, from any device without migrating data. CONCLUSIONS: A lightweight feed-forward encoder-decoder model based on Green Learning can precisely segment the whole prostate, PZ and TZ. This is available on a user-friendly software interface. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e105 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Masatomo Kaneko More articles by this author GIovanni E. Cacciamani More articles by this author Yijing Yang More articles by this author Vasileios Magoulianitis More articles by this author Jintang Xue More articles by this author Jiaxin Yang More articles by this author Jinyuan Liu More articles by this author Maria Sarah L. Lenon More articles by this author Passant Mohamed More articles by this author Darryl H. Hwang More articles by this author Karan Gill More articles by this author Manju Aron More articles by this author Vinay Duddalwar More articles by this author Suzanne L. Palmer More articles by this author C.-C. Jay Kuo More articles by this author Andre Luis Abreu More articles by this author Inderbir Gill More articles by this author Chrysostomos L. Nikias More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

IMAGE Preview: Expand your horizons at IMAGE '22

The International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy (IMAGE '22) will be fully live and in person 28 August through 1 September at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

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A little over a month from now, geoscientists from all over the world will come together for a brand-new event that aims to bridge the disciplines of geology and geophysics while offering a variety of educational opportunities, networking events, and field experiences. The International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy (IMAGE '21) will take place 26 September through 1 October at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado.

Mathematical analysis and design of the nonstandard computational method for an epidemic model of computer virus with delay Effect: Application of mathematical biology in computer science

Mathematical modeling with nonlinear delay differential equations (DDES) impart a significant role in the different disciplines such as epidemiology, computer modeling, immunology, physiology, neural networks, social sciences, bio-medical engineering, and many more. In this manuscript, a nonlinear delayed model is investigated to study the dynamics of a virus in a computer network. Many important results are established for the stability of equilibria of the model using the Routh Hurwitz criterion, Volterra Lyapunov function, and Lasalle invariance principle. Also, a nonstandard finite difference method is presented for the computational analysis of the model. The delay tactics like, be cautious while opening the email attachments, disable image previews in your email client, use an anti-malware solution, monitor all devices proactively, utilize administrator rights, pay attention to virus-related warnings and notifications, are precautionary measures which can help us in removing the virus from network. The impact of delay tactics on the threshold number is also analyzed. In the end, numerical results are presented to strengthen the theoretical analysis of the model.

Guidance and surroundings awareness in outdoor handheld augmented reality.

Handheld and wearable devices are becoming ubiquitous in our lives and augmented reality technology is stepping out of the laboratory environment and becoming ready to be used by anyone with portable devices. The success of augmented reality applications for pedestrians depends on different factors including a reliable guidance system and preventing risks. We show that different guidance systems can be supplementary to provide directions to a point of interest and offer clues that help the user find the augmented data when they get close to the location they have to visit. We tested the helpfulness of a map with the points of interest, an image preview of the next point of interest to visit, and an arrow showing the direction to it. The results show that the effectiveness of these guidance systems depend on the distance to the point of interest and the accuracy of the data obtained from the Global Positioning System. We also measured the total time that participants spent looking at the screen, as well as the perceived elapsed time as a measurement of real world dissociation. Finally, we discuss preliminary results to minimize the risk of accidents when using augmented reality applications in an outdoor urban environment.

Visualizing the prediction of laser cleaning: a dynamic preview method with a multi-scale conditional generative adversarial network.

By producing high power per unit area and obtaining immediate feedback, lasers offer the potential for high-precision surface processing. However, due to having many complex and nonlinear physiochemical processes, unfitted values of parameters can easily result in undesired cleaning results: the substrate is either damaged or not cleaned. Thus, an accurate, flexible, and automatic image preview method is highly demanded in the cleaning practice. Here, we propose a multi-scale conditional generative adversarial network (MS-CGAN) that allows workers to view what a cleaned version of the surface would look like before actually cleaning, so that it can assist workers in adjusting laser parameters in advance to obtain desired cleaning results for resource saving and efficiency improvement. The advantage of this method is that it requires zero knowledge of the mechanism of a laser, and hence avoids the need for modeling the complex photon-atom interactions that occur in laser cleaning. Extensive experiments show that MS-CGAN can not only visualize the high-fidelity prediction of the laser cleaning effect, but also produce preview images that exactly match the cleaned surfaces. The method provides an option for industry benefits, such as minimizing the risk of wasting resources, sustaining the environment, and cutting the cost of labor.

Additional lossless compression of JPEG images based on BPG

The task of additional lossless compression of JPEG images is considered. We propose to decode JPEG image and recompress it using lossy BPG (Better Portable Graphics) codec based on a subset of the HEVC open video compression standard. Then the decompressed and smoothed BPG image is used for calculation and quantization of DCT coefficients in 8x8 image blocks using quantization tables of the source JPEG image. A difference between obtained quantized DCT coefficients and quantized DCT coefficients of the source JPEG image (prediction error) is calculated. The difference is lossless compressed by a proposed context modeling and arithmetical coding. In this way the source JPEG image is replaced by two files: compressed BPG image and the compressed difference which needed for lossless restoration of the source JPEG image. It is shown that the proposed approach provides compression ratios comparable with state of the art PAQ8, WinZip and STUFFIT file archivers. At the same time BPG images may be used for fast preview of compressed JPEG images.

An insight into digital radiography use in small animal practice in the UK

It is now approximately 20 years since the first UK veterinary digital x-ray machine was installed.1 Instead of x-ray film, digital radiography uses a digital image capture device. The advantages...

Augmented reality, the future of contextual mobile learning

Purpose This study aims to show the relevance of augmented reality (AR) in mobile learning for the 21st century. With AR, any real-world environment can be augmented by providing users with accurate digital overlays. AR is a promising technology that has the potential to encourage learners to explore learning materials from a totally new perspective. Besides, the advancements made in information technology further broaden the scope for educational AR applications. Furthermore, the proliferation of wireless mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is also introducing AR into the mobile domain. Design/methodology/approach This discussion paper gives an insight of the different potential fields of application of AR and eventually proposes an AR application that will give a completely different learning experience for learners. This AR mobile application will not only provide learners with supplementary information but will also assist lecturers in their teaching process. There are certain concepts in computer science at the tertiary level that are at times difficult for learners to understand using the traditional classroom approach. Through this AR application developed, the learners are able to see what is happening and experience a different form of learning where the focus is more on “learning by doing” and on the ability of visualizing the complete set of steps involved for a particular operation. Finally what is proposed is a generic framework/process for the development of AR applications for learning purposes. Findings The AR application developed and tested has proved to be helpful in understanding complex concepts of computer science that average students have much difficulty in understanding. Through AR, learning has been brought to a new dimension where the students can easily visualize what is happening and easily understand complex concepts. This low-cost system that has been proposed can track and detect both markerless and marker-based images. A number of experiments have also been carried out to determine a set of best practices for the development and use of such AR applications. Originality/value Learners have been able to have a more interactive and enriching learning experience through two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital augmentations. The AR mobile application has been enhancing the cognitive skills of learners through enabling them to scan images from printed materials with their smartphones. Then, informative digital augmentation has been overlaid in real time on the mobile screen with the image preview still in the background.

A Bridge Deflection Monitoring System Based on CCD

For long-term monitoring of the midspan deflection of Songjiazhuang cloverleaf junction on 309 national roads in Zibo city, this paper proposes Zhang’s calibration-based DIC deflection monitoring method. CCD cameras are used to track the change of targets’ position, Zhang’s calibration algorithm is introduced to acquire the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of CCD cameras, and the DIC method is combined with Zhang’s calibration algorithm to measure bridge deflection. The comparative test between Zhang’s calibration and scale calibration is conducted in lab, and experimental results indicate that the proposed method has higher precision. According to the deflection monitoring scheme, the deflection monitoring software for Songjiazhuang cloverleaf junction is developed by MATLAB, and a 4-channel CCD deflection monitoring system for Songjiazhuang cloverleaf junction is integrated in this paper. This deflection monitoring system includes functions such as image preview, simultaneous collection, camera calibration, deflection display, and data storage. In situ deflection curves show a consistent trend; this suggests that the proposed method is reliable and is suitable for the long-term monitoring of bridge deflection.

Development of a user-friendly system for image processing of electron microscopy by integrating a web browser and PIONE with Eos.

Eos (Extensible object-oriented system) is one of the powerful applications for image processing of electron micrographs. In usual cases, Eos works with only character user interfaces (CUI) under the operating systems (OS) such as OS-X or Linux, not user-friendly. Thus, users of Eos need to be expert at image processing of electron micrographs, and have a little knowledge of computer science, as well. However, all the persons who require Eos does not an expert for CUI. Thus we extended Eos to a web system independent of OS with graphical user interfaces (GUI) by integrating web browser.Advantage to use web browser is not only to extend Eos with GUI, but also extend Eos to work under distributed computational environment. Using Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) technology, we implemented more comfortable user-interface on web browser. Eos has more than 400 commands related to image processing for electron microscopy, and the usage of each command is different from each other. Since the beginning of development, Eos has managed their user-interface by using the interface definition file of "OptionControlFile" written in CSV (Comma-Separated Value) format, i.e., Each command has "OptionControlFile", which notes information for interface and its usage generation. Developed GUI system called "Zephyr" (Zone for Easy Processing of HYpermedia Resources) also accessed "OptionControlFIle" and produced a web user-interface automatically, because its mechanism is mature and convenient,The basic actions of client side system was implemented properly and can supply auto-generation of web-form, which has functions of execution, image preview, file-uploading to a web server. Thus the system can execute Eos commands with unique options for each commands, and process image analysis. There remain problems of image file format for visualization and workspace for analysis: The image file format information is useful to check whether the input/output file is correct and we also need to provide common workspace for analysis because the client is physically separated from a server. We solved the file format problem by extension of rules of OptionControlFile of Eos. Furthermore, to solve workspace problems, we have developed two type of system. The first system is to use only local environments. The user runs a web server provided by Eos, access to a web client through a web browser, and manipulate the local files with GUI on the web browser. The second system is employing PIONE (Process-rule for Input/Output Negotiation Environment), which is our developing platform that works under heterogenic distributed environment. The users can put their resources, such as microscopic images, text files and so on, into the server-side environment supported by PIONE, and so experts can write PIONE rule definition, which defines a workflow of image processing. PIONE run each image processing on suitable computers, following the defined rule. PIONE has the ability of interactive manipulation, and user is able to try a command with various setting values. In this situation, we contribute to auto-generation of GUI for a PIONE workflow.As advanced functions, we have developed a module to log user actions. The logs include information such as setting values in image processing, procedure of commands and so on. If we use the logs effectively, we can get a lot of advantages. For example, when an expert may discover some know-how of image processing, other users can also share logs including his know-hows and so we may obtain recommendation workflow of image analysis, if we analyze logs. To implement social platform of image processing for electron microscopists, we have developed system infrastructure, as well.

Evaluation of a fluoroscopy-based navigation system enabling a virtual radiation-free preview of X-ray images for placement of cannulated hip screws. A cadaver study

Accurate placement of cannulated screws is essential to ensure fixation of medial femoral neck fractures. The conventional technique may require multiple guide wire passes, and relies heavily on fluoroscopy. A computer-assisted planning and navigation system based on 2D fluoroscopy for guide wire placement in the femoral neck has been developed to improve screw placement. The planning process was supported by a tool that enables a virtual radiation-free preview of X-ray images. This is called “zero-dose C-arm navigation”. For the evaluation of the system, six formalin-fixed cadaveric full-body specimens (12 femurs) were used. The evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of fluoroscopically navigated guide wire and implant placement. Use of the novel system resulted in a significant reduction in the number of fluoroscopic images and drilling attempts while achieving optimized accuracy by attaining better screw parallelism and enlarged neck-width coverage. Operation time was significantly longer in the navigation assisted group. The system has yielded promising initial results; however, additional studies using fractured bone models and with extension of the navigation process to track two bone fragments must be performed before integration of this navigation system into the clinical workflow is possible, and these studies should focus on reducing the operation time.

Electromagnetic navigation-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation to treat trigeminal neuralgia

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical use of the surgView-radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) electromagnetic navigation system is based on the function of image preview, image segmentation, image fusion, preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and the navigating interface with trigeminal ganglion (TGG) and foramen ovale (FO).

Perceptual image preview

Image preview is a convenient way to browse large or multiple images on small displays. However, current signal-level image resampling algorithms may remove many features of interest in the preview image. In this paper, we propose perceptual image preview which retains more perceptual features such that users can inspect features of interest by viewing the preview image only and without zooming in. This technology has two components, structure enhancement and perceptual feature visualization. Structure enhancement enhances the image structure while suppressing subtle details using a gradient modulation method, thus making the succedent perceptual features more apparent. For perceptual feature visualization, features of interest detected in the picture is visualized on the structure enhanced preview image. We demonstrate with two examples of most commonly used image quality features, image blur and noise. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by experimental results.

Embryology. Board Review Series

The attainment of a fourth edition of a textbook is indicative of its success in a fiercely competitive field. The publication of its third edition a mere 3 years ago signifies both the rapid advances occurring in the field of embryology and the increasing relevance of this once esoteric discipline in the clinical practice of medicine and its allied fields. The apparent success of this relatively new entry into the field of embryology texts, first published in 1994, is the specific targeted audience for whom it is written, expressed in its title: ‘Board Review Series’. The 27 chapters follow a format of an initial overview, followed by brief descriptions of systems and organ development, with references to figures, none in colour. A significant emphasis is placed on clinical considerations and maldevelopments. Each chapter has a section on ‘Study Questions’, terminated by ‘Answers and Explanations’. The study questions are all of the multiple choice variety that students of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) are likely to face, and that do not necessitate deep comprehension of the subject. Of note is the emphasis on perinatal medicine and fetal pathology in the questions and answers sections. The book provides access to an online website of the publishers, available from a hidden ‘scratch off’ panel inside the front cover. To access the online content, one can enter the publisher's website (lww.com) and follow the link to the Point Portal. Upon registration with the password, an identifying code is placed onto the computer, locking your password to that machine ensuring only one access portal and limiting it to one user. Students and instructors have access to a ‘My Book’ page listing all of the owner's registered books. For instructors, they must first verify their credentials and adopt the corresponding book into their course to obtain access to the online course content. Once access is granted, then a course can be developed with the addition of a syllabus, quizzes and assignments. A faculty image bank is also indicated; however, the image preview, due to potential technical issues, showed no figures using either the Fire Fox web browser or Internet Explorer. At least one minor link to another webpage was also found broken, suggesting the publishers need to test their page links further before releasing these to the public. The student access provides two main options: (1) the full text in chapter form and (2) a question bank with both review questions and practice tests. The bank has a limited number of questions per chapter, for the Dudeck's Embryology text, which we feel would be more useful with a larger number of questions. While going through the review questions, what was appreciated was the easy access to complete answers revealed with a touch of a button. The website is easy to navigate but does not contain much bonus material for the student. Of note, we were amused that the instructor's section had access to a career page; however, the link led to an error message. In conclusion, this textbook is devised for the specific purpose of passing medical board examinations, without the insights that classical embryology texts provide.

Noninvasive imaging of the coronary arteries using a 64-row multidetector CT scanner: initial clinical experience and radiation dose concerns

We present our initial clinical experience with a recently introduced 64-detector computed tomography (64-MDCT) scanner that makes use of a periodic motion of the focal spot in the longitudinal direction (z-flying focal spot), which enables it to reach a final spatial resolution of 0.4 x 0.4 x 0.4 mm(3) and a temporal resolution of 83 ms. A total of 114 patients (108 men, six women; age range 36-77 years, mean 63.1 years) underwent retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated examination of the coronary arteries using a 64-MDCT scanner (Somatom Sensation 64, Siemens Medical Solutions, Germany). Acquisition parameters were the following: collimation 64 x 0.6 mm, 800 quality reference milliampere second (mAs), 120 kVp, 0.33-s gantry rotation time and pitch 0.2. Images were acquired in all cases after i.v. administration of 80 ml of contrast agent (Iomeron 400 mgI/dl, Bracco, Italy) + 30 ml of saline at 4 /s and delay time determined using a bolus triggering technique. Oral betablockers were administered to patients with heart rate (HR) >75 bpm. To reduce radiation exposure, an automatic exposure control system was applied in all cases to adapt tube current to patient size and anatomic shape (CARE Dose 4D, Siemens Medical Solutions, Germany). The optimal temporal window for raw data reconstruction was chosen from an initial preview of images reconstructed with different phase settings (range 0%-95% RR interval with 5% gap) at a selected anatomical level in the mid part of the right coronary artery. CT dose index volume and effective dose were quantified in all patients using dedicated software. Mean HR recorded during image acquisition was 65.6+/-19.2 bmp (range: 44-96 bmp), and beta-blockers were administered to 16/114 patients (14.0%). Technical adequacy was achieved in all patients but two (2/114; 1.7%). In patients with HR <60 bmp, the best reconstruction intervals were identified in the end-systolic (30%-35% of the RR interval) and end-diastolic (60%-65% of the RR interval) phases; with faster HR (>80 bmp), high image quality was observed in end-systole (30%-35% of the RR interval). Mean CT dose index (CTDI) volume was 36.53+/-8.30 mGy per patient. In comparison with a conventional examination with fixed mAs, the use of the CARE Dose 4D system provided a 33.3% CTDI volume reduction (p<0.001). Mean effective dose was 9.5+/-3.4 millisievert (mSv) per patient (range 7.1-17.7). The 64-MDCT scanner diagnostic performance for coronary CT angiography is further improved with better spatial and temporal resolution and faster scan times; besides, initial clinical results are promising. The use of dose-reducing acquisition techniques is mandatory to limit radiation exposure to the patient.

Amplified, frequency swept lasers for frequency domain reflectometry and OCT imaging: design and scaling principles

We demonstrate a high-speed, frequency swept, 1300 nm laser source for frequency domain reflectometry and OCT with Fourier domain/swept-source detection. The laser uses a fiber coupled, semiconductor amplifier and a tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter. We present scaling principles which predict the maximum frequency sweep speed and trade offs in output power, noise and instantaneous linewidth performance. The use of an amplification stage for increasing output power and for spectral shaping is discussed in detail. The laser generates ~45 mW instantaneous peak power at 20 kHz sweep rates with a tuning range of ~120 nm full width. In frequency domain reflectometry and OCT applications the frequency swept laser achieves 108 dB sensitivity and ~10 mum axial resolution in tissue. We also present a fast algorithm for real time calibration of the fringe signal to equally spaced sampling in frequency for high speed OCT image preview.

Digital Radiography in Equine Practice

Digital radiography (DR) is a relatively new imaging modality that has recently become available for routine equine imaging. Like a digital camera, the image is visible within seconds of exposure without the need for chemical film processing or laser scanning a phosphor-based imaging cassette. The principal advantage of digital radiography over film/screen systems or computed radiography (CR) is the increased speed and efficiency of obtaining radiographs and immediate image preview. Two other general advantages are a wide exposure latitude as well as superior image quality from postprocessing, which primarily enhances spatial and contrast resolution. The ability to rapidly review, archive, and transmit digital images is also advantageous. Large studies can be displayed and organized by patient information and date with “the click of a mouse.” When displaying digital radiographs, a user can adjust the properties of an image to change parameters such as brightness, contrast, and magnification. The images and associated patient information can be securely archived with PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) or written to portable digital media such as CD-ROM or DVD. Digital radiographs can be sent electronically to other veterinarians for additional evaluation, which improves turnaround times for second opinions or prepurchase exams. However, the security of archiving and transmitting digital images needs serious consideration in equine practice and is best discussed with a computer security expert. The disadvantages of digital radiography are the initial cost and the potential risk of damage to expensive equipment. Nonetheless, some equine practices report that the increased efficiency of DR ultimately leads to greater revenue. In addition, extra care and common sense when handling an animal greatly reduce the risk of equipment damage. An equine practitioner considering DR needs to assess the advantages of increased efficiency and improved image quality against the considerable investment in new technology and the risk of equipment damage. Furthermore, the prospective buyer must carefully evaluate the different quality parameters, features, and ease of use.

Hierarchical progressive image coding controlled by a region based approach

This paper presents a progressive image coding technique in which a rough preview image is enhanced with the zerotree encoding of the residual image in the wavelet domain. The preview image is achieved with a region based approach that gives a basic description of the scene with a very high compression ratio. As a second stage, the residual between the original image and the preview is decomposed using a wavelet transform, and it is encoded for a progressive transmission. The wavelet coefficients are selected from the coarsest to the finest level of resolution, using a mask obtained from the image preview. Such a mask sets the importance of the coefficients on the basis of their distance from the contours of the regions of the preview. A modified zerotree approach is used to progressively encode the weighted coefficients until significant texture is introduced in the image and the required quality is achieved. Moreover, if an image with very good quality is required, the resulting reconstruction error is encoded by means of vector quantization and transmitted over the channel. The proposed method is compared to progressive JPEG, and it gives similar results at low compression ratios and far better results at higher ones.