Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
INDUSTRY NEWS
Embedded Systems Improve 3-D Image Processing Speed |
| Mercury Computer Systems Inc.'s embedded image-processing technology can produce 3-D images such as this x-ray cone-beam reconstruction in 15 seconds, compared with the 5–10 minutes required by conventional equipment. |
A supplier of high-performance embedded systems recently released new extensions to its existing product line that promise to speed the processing of high-resolution, 3-D medical diagnostic images. The company predicts that the extensions will lead to the development of devices that could diagnose life-threatening conditions up to 20 times faster than is currently possible.
Introduced in San Diego, CA, USA, at the International Society for Optical Engineering Symposium on Medical Imaging, the enhanced systems are supplied by Mercury Computer Systems Inc. (Chelmsford, MA, USA). The extensions to Mercury's RACE++ architecture can be optimized for specific imaging algorithms. In addition to increased speed, the extensions enhance Mercury's processing density, providing more processing capability in a smaller form factor. The company demonstrated its system at the symposium by processing a cone-beam reconstruction of a 512 x 512 x 512 image (pictured) in 15.5 seconds, which is 20 to 40 times faster than the processing time of conventional angiographic equipment.
According to Didier Thibaud, vice president and general manager of the company's medical business group, the extensions may set the stage for a new generation of diagnostic imaging equipment. "The techniques pioneered by Mercury make possible a new generation of medical imaging systems that can process images in seconds rather than minutes," he says. "We can now offer all of the system components—the technology, the hardware, and the software—everything necessary for medical-imaging-equipment manufacturers to bring their products to market rapidly," he adds. "These new systems will enhance the quality of patient care, and we'll make every effort to ensure their availability to equipment manufacturers within months, not years."
Although improved image-processing speeds should make diagnostic devices better suited for emergency care, Mercury cites further advantages of its technology, which can be used in a variety of medical applications, including computed tomography, rotational angiography, parallel magnetic resonance imaging, and adaptive ultrasound beamforming. The company notes that the use of its embedded systems should lead to reduced time from imaging to treatment, reduced procedure time and risk, reduced x-ray dose and amount of contrast agent, reduced hospital stays, and reduced healthcare costs.
A video demonstration and additional information are available on the company's Web site at www.mc.com/medical/spie.cfm. Readers may also contact Mercury Computer Systems Inc. at 199 Riverneck Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824, USA; phone: +1 978 2561300; fax: +1 978 2563599; e-mail: ir@mc.com.
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