Faculty Bibliography

This project consisted in modifying the output of a scanning microdensitometer so that a computer could accept and process the (optical) density versus position information gathered from radiographic film. The system functions were separated into two parts: the actual data-gathering process, which required real-time response, and the calculation associated with the data. Separation of functions allowed a less expensive system overall while still preserving flexibility. For the real-time control computer, a relatively slow microprocessor-based system (Motorola MC6800) was chosen. The microdensitometer was modified to allow computer control of the scan. The density verus position information was digitized using optical shaft encoders. Cassette tape was used as a mass-storage medium for complete scans. Using an acoustic coupler, the microprocessor was configured to transmit accumulated data to a time-share system for analysis. The results were retransmitted and displayed on a TV screen or printed on a line printer or teletype. The total cost of the microprocessor system was a little less than ?5,000. The time required to produce the software was 50 to 100 hrs (approximately 1 week)

Computer-controlled graphic displays are a necessity in many nuclear medicine studies. The authors propose using a set-up consisting of three modules: (a) a display system based on television technology; (b) an instrument interface employing list mode and having a low information loss rate; and (c) flexible modular software which can easily be tailored to the needs of both radiologists and technicians. The authors consider a mini-computer system with broad, flexible applications to be a valuable tool, particularly for those function studies which can only be done by means of nuclear medicine techniques

In many nuclear Medicine studies computer-controlled graphic displays are an absolute necessity for obtaining meaningful results. Design criteria developed by an interdisciplinary scientific panel are presented to achieve a display system based on television technology; an instrument interface employing list mode using bubble-memory storage technology, thus having a low information-loss rate; and flexible modular software easily tailored to the specific needs of both clinicians and technicians. The panel considers a minicomputer system with broad, flexible applications to be a valuable tool, particularly in doing those function studies that only can be done via nuclear medicine techniques. The final specifications ultimately allow the selection of a vendor and hospital installation, even though all criteria are not currently achievable