Applying a PC accelerator board for medical imaging

An AT-compatible computer was used to expand X-ray images that had been compressed and stored on optical data cards. Initially, execution time for expansion of a single X-ray image was 25 min. The requirements were for an expansion time of under 10 s and costs of under $1000 for computing hardware. This meant a computational speed increase of over 150 times was needed. Tests showed that incorporating an 80287 coprocessor would only give a speed increase of five times. The DSP32-PC-160 floating-point accelerator board was selected as a cost-effective solution to the need for more computing power. This board provided adequate processor speed, onboard memory, and data bus width; floating-point math precision; and a high-level language compiler for code development.     

Applying Bayes' theorem in medical expert systems

The authors think that the main problem with the application of Bayes' theorem in medical expert systems is that the formula itself cannot resolve the contradiction between frequency of disease manifestation and its specificity, especially for those manifestations that have a very low frequency but a high specificity. The authors have found in practice that the weighted summation method in its various application forms can handle these situations well. The diagnostic weight value of any manifestation can be adjusted by clinical experts, based on its actual importance for the diagnosis, as judged by theory and practical experiences. This method will be discussed more in detail in the authors' other paper. When adopting Bayes' method as the algorithm of a medical expert system, one must ensure that the theorem's two assumptions are satisfied as best as possible. There should be a sufficient quantity of cases of the diseases in the database, and the actual information should be as accurate as possible. When a system based on Bayes' formula is used in epidemiologically different populations, the a priori probability of the corresponding disease should be corrected. Especially, those manifestations with high specificity should be chosen as diagnostic indicators. In summary, applying Bayes' method can provide quite satisfactory results in many applications     

Supercomputing in medical imaging

It is suggested that the diagnostic imaging department of the future will make extensive use of computer networks, mass storage devices, and sophisticated workstations at which humans and machines will interact, assisted by techniques of computer vision and artificial intelligence, to achieve integration of multimodality imaging information and expert medical knowledge. Recent developments in medical imaging are described, and manipulation, display, and analysis techniques that are likely to benefit from supercomputing are examined. The following image processing tasks are discussed; restoration of images; spatial and temporal image and image sequence analysis; image restoration; mathematical image reconstruction from projections; and three-dimensional image analysis. Current trends and future efforts are discussed.     

Computerized decision support in medical imaging

Describes challenges in using image processing and automated feature extraction for improving diagnostic accuracy. The generalization of digital technology in medical imaging makes it possible to design computer-aided decision-support tools to help resolve the difficulties encountered by radiologists. It has already been demonstrated that image processing and automated feature extraction can help improve diagnostic accuracy in some applications. Future challenges are for the development of vision techniques tailored for a wider range of imaging modalities and pathologies the design of methods for the combination of several classifiers, and the implementation of expert systems incorporating both low-level feature extractors and high-level clinical knowledge. After evaluation, these tools will be integrated in PACS systems to highlight regions of interest and to provide clinicians with a documented second opinion. Then, such integrated systems can be used routinely in the clinical practice and teaching of radiology     

Applying wavelets to mammograms

This article briefly reviews the challenges faced as technology moves toward digital mammography, presents a necessarily brief overview of multiresolution analysis, and finally, gives current and future applications of wavelets to several areas of mammography. Topics covered include data compression and teleradiology, feature enhancement and classification, wavelets, fractals and texture, and de-noising     

Future trends in 3D medical imaging

Areas where significant progress is needed are outlined. A unified conceptual framework based on generic tasks, showing the intricacies and the dependences that exist among completely distinct and intensive research lines, is defined. True 3-D volume imaging devices are then discussed, with the main emphasis on vascular network reconstruction. Segmentation issues are briefly reviewed. The fusion of information dealing with image, signal, and model is described. Simulation and planning problems are discussed.     

A survey of 3D medical imaging technologies

Three-dimensional medical imaging methodologies are surveyed with respect to hardware versus software, stand-alone versus on-the-scanner, speed, interaction, rendering methodology, fidelity, ease of use, cost, and quantitative capability. The question of volume versus surface rendering is considered in more detail. Research results are cited to illustrate the capabilities discussed.     

Applying Computers to Time-Dependent Processes

Time-dependent (sequence control) processes lend themselves to control techniques that differ from those employed in other real-time control applications. Some tasks of the computer are time critical; however, many tasks can operate in a time-deferred mode to increase the utilization of the computer. Control systems for a pipeline operation are examples of this control philosophy. The computer is used to gather and display operational information, and execute certain predefined control sequences. Where possible, industry standard techniques are used in software definition.     

An application-layer approach to seamless mobile multimedia communication

Providing seamless IP mobility support is one of the most challenging problems towards a world of mobile and ubiquitous multimedia communication.     

Towards statistically optimal interpolation for 3D medical imaging

The use of a statistical estimation technique called kriging, which produces estimation error measurements and analyzes the volumetric grid to determine sample value variability, is described. The use of interpolation in 3D medical imaging are first reviewed. Several different interpolation techniques, including linear trilinear, and tricubic interpolation techniques, are described and assessed. The kriging statistical estimation process is presented, and the results of applying it to slice interpolation and surface visualization are reported. The results indicate the potential of kriging for interpolation in 3D medical imaging and point out the need for further work     

For whom bell toils: medical imaging by telephone

The use of the induction balance, which was invented by Alexander Graham Bell to cancel out line interference on his telephone, to determine the location of bullets inside the human body is discussed. Experiments conducted to locate a bullet in the body of US President Garfield, who had been shot by an assassin in 1881, are described. The trials on Garfield were unsuccessful, but the approach was later perfected by Bell.     

Applying sensors to automatic assembly systems

The author describes the classes of sensors that are available to the automatic assembly machine designer. Examples of each class of sensor along with a discussion of their specific benefits and problems are included. Guidelines that will aid a machine designer in the selection and application of sensors for automatic assembly systems are provided. The necessity of providing methods in the automation for verifying the sensors' accuracy is discussed     

将美育融入力学教学中

为了从理论与实践两方面研究推进大学素质教育全过程的教育理念 ,全方位教育活动中的教育艺术和教育方法 ,通过将美育融入力学教学的实践从美育与智育 2个角度展示了培养爱心、创新能力、自我心理调控能力的方法。     

节流孔板在发电厂的应用

通过对液体汽蚀现象的分析,提出了采用节流孔板来降低发电厂汽水管道压力,从而防止流体产生汽蚀的方法。介绍了选择节流孔板的计算方法,包括节流孔板级数、压力差和孔径的计算。     

Applying adjustable frequency controllers to high-starting-torqueloads

Effectively applying adjustable frequency controllers (AFCs) to high-starting-torque loads, such as positive displacement pumps, extruders, and conveyors, can present unique challenges to the application engineer. A detailed understanding of AFC operation, motor performance, load characteristics, and potential application and installation problems is essential to project success. The authors use recent experience to review the essential system concepts and outline a practical method to minimize potential “pitfalls” and facilitate installation and start-up     

Applying telecommunication technology to health-care delivery

The term telemedicine refers to the utilization of telecommunication technology for medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Telemedicine enables a physician or specialist at one site to deliver health care, diagnose patients, give intra-operative assistance, provide therapy, or consult with another physician or paramedical personnel at a remote site. Thus, the aim of telemedicine is to provide expert-based health care to understaffed remote sites and to provide advanced emergency care through modern telecommunication and information technologies. This article briefly describes the current status of telemedicine, including its implementation, acceptance, patient satisfaction, service and applications, system configuration and requirements, and research issues to be resolved     

流态解析在水轮机上的应用

前言 理论上讲,水轮机蜗壳向固定导叶和活动导叶提供的水流应当是一样的,然而事实并非如此。由于蜗壳中的水流在转弯,还产生二次流,从而导致圆周方向和高度方向液态的明显不同,进而引起水力损失。蜗壳中水流转弯处的水力损失主要是     

Infrared imaging: making progress in fulfilling its medical promise

Discusses past, present, and future applications of infrared imaging in medicine. The topics mentioned include: breast cancer; helmet-mounted infrared for battlefield medical application; burns; image analysis and algorithm development.