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Introduction
Digital imaging can be defined as the art of creating digital images, normally from an actual scene, through the use of various image machines such as digital cameras, scanners and complex imaging systems. In digital imaging, each image comprises of a particular number of pixels that are then mapped onto a grid and stored in a sequence in electronic format. The number of pixels per inch (ppi) in any digital image is an indicator of the resolution, which is simply the ability to identify the spatial details of the image. The bit-depth and pixel measures of a digital image relate to the colors visible in the image, and affects the size of the picture on the computer. Images made up of only two pixel shades, popularly known as black and white, are binary, grayscale images are normally displayed in 8-bit mode and are made up of 256 shades of gray while in a 24-bit imaging, normally known as true color, in the highest digital image representation visible to the human eye. Digital imaging finds application in numerous image complex procedures, some of these include ultrasound, tomography, radio telescopy, sonar imaging, digitization of physical images, magnetic resonance imaging and so on.
Article Summary
The article was obtained from the Business Wire magazine and details the unveiling of patient-focused diagnostic imaging technologies that will help medical practitioners in providing safer and more precise examinations. Digital imaging technologies are preferred because of their high-resolution abilities that enable users to view fine details of cells and organs, besides, they do not damage the cells as in the case of other imaging techniques and this results into more precise and safer diagnoses and exams. The technologies were unveiled by Toshiba America Medical Systems Corporation (TAMS). The patient-focused technologies include AquilionTM ONE and AquilionTM Premium computed tomography (CT) systems, M-Power magnetic resonance (MR) imaging user interface (WIP), AplioTM MX ultrasound systems and the KalareTM Wireless (Business Wire, 2011). All of these technologies are applications of digital imaging systems. The products were showcased at the Association for American Medical Systems Management (AHRA) annual meeting in Texas from August 14 to 17. At the meeting, Toshiba also announced the 4th annual Putting Patients First Program, a program that will offer healthcare providers with the resources required to improve imaging quality and making the process safe (Business Wire, 2011).
The Aquilion ONE and Aquilion Premium CT systems are intended to improve patient exams while lowering costs. The Aquilion ONE generates images that have never been seen in CT Imaging systems. The system can produce high resolution images of entire body organs in a single rotation. The system also boasts of dose-reduction technologies thereby making the imaging process safe. While the Aquilion Premium ONE covers 16 cm in a single rotation, the Aquilion Premium covers 8 cm but this can be upgraded to 16 cm, the system also possesses similarly dynamic features of the Aquilion ONE.
WIP is described as an MR system user interface that can be customized to speed up scanning processes and improve diagnoses. The device has automatic coil selection and three-dimensional image generation abilities to enhance precision, simplify the imaging and image production processes and trim down the overall time spent in the exam and diagnostic procedures. One major advantage of this system is that it can produce 3D images due to field effect (Burdick, 1997).
The Aplio MX ultrasound system uses Toshiba’s PIDTH precision technology, which produces ultrasound images of exceptional clarity and resolution to assist in improved and more accurate diagnostic and other medical tests. While other ultrasound systems give poor image results when used on patients with big body sizes, the Aplio MX system gives clear results irrespective of patient size. The smaller size of the system enables physicians to move it closer to patient’s bedside, leading to faster exams and improved productivity. The Aplio MX is an ultrasound system that uses sound waves to generate images of internal body structures, therefore, it is a much safer method for conducting diagnoses and other medical diagnoses.
The Kalare Wireless system is a radio frequency (RF) device that features the latest technologies in digital imaging resulting in a vastly improved and interactive user interface, quicker processing of images and improved image processing for fluoroscopy. These technologies will enable healthcare providers to collect more information from the images make better diagnostic decisions. Besides, Toshiba will unveil a 14″x17″ wireless detector for improved output and safety. RF systems use radio waves to produce images and find use in several digital imaging systems (Burdick, 1997).
The author concludes that TAMS “markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems” (Business Wire, 2011). TAMS also manages clinical diagnostic imaging research in the US.
Social Implications of using Digital Imaging
The adoption of digital imaging has several social implications. These implications arise from the several advantages and benefits provided by the technology, such as improved precision, faster imaging processes, safety of the processes especially in medical procedures, and increased accuracy. One of the most common social implications of imaging technologies is improved productivity of an organization’s workforce. Digital imaging processes such as ultrasound and RF imaging take a shorter time to produce actual images than conventional imaging systems. For instance, ultrasound, commonly used to view 3D pictures of a developing foetus, provide the foetal images in real-time thereby improving staff output since less time is spent during the imaging procedure (Lee, 2001).
Secondly, digital imaging technologies in medical institutions results into improved and more accurate diagnostic tests in patients due to their high precision, real-time image development, safety and flexibility. These features of digital imaging technologies ensure that clinicians base diagnostic decisions from a well-informed perspective as compared to traditional imaging techniques. Besides, the use of digital imaging technologies lowers costs as compared to conventional processes.
Conclusion
This paper focused on an article outlining the various patient-focused digital imaging technologies that had been unveiled by Toshiba. These technologies consisted of computed tomography, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and radio frequency systems.
Digital imaging technologies provide several advantages over conventional imaging methods. These technologies allow users to capture images at higher resolutions than was not possible before. This has the implication that users are able to view smaller images, such as cells or pictures taken from space, in high definition. Imaging technologies also allow 3D image view that is used in several applications such as in ultrasound. The images can be edited to enhance specific features, for instance geographical maps taken from space are normally enhanced to identify features such as mountains, rivers and other physical features. Weather maps seen on television is one application of digital imaging technology.
References
Burdick, H. E. (1997). Digital imaging: theory and applications. London: McGraw Hill
Business Wire. (2011). Toshiba’s Patient-Focused Diagnostic Imaging Technologies Help Physicians Provide Safer, More Accurate Exams.Business Wire, Web.
Lee, S. D. (2001). Digital imaging: a practical handbook. Perth: Neal-Schuman Publishers.
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