RT101 (Computer history)

ABACUS

An ancient calculating tool used for arithmetic operations, invented by the Chinese around 4000 years ago.

Napier’s Bones

A manually operated calculating device invented by John Napier using marked ivory strips to perform multiplication and division.

Arithmetic Machine

The first mechanical and automatic calculator, developed by Blaise Pascal between 1642 and 1644.

Stepped Reckoner

A digital mechanical calculator developed by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1673, improved from Pascal's invention.

Difference Engine

A mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage in the early 1820s capable of performing simple calculations.

Analytical Engine

A calculating machine developed by Charles Babbage in 1830 that used punch cards for input and could solve any mathematical problem.

Tabulating Machine

A mechanical tabulator invented by Herman Hollerith in 1890 based on punch cards, which sorted data.

Differential Analyzer

The first electronic computer introduced in the US in 1930, an analog device capable of performing calculations using vacuum tubes.

Mark I

The first programmable digital computer developed in partnership between IBM and Harvard, built in 1944.

Digital Radiography

A method of capturing radiographic images digitally, offering advantages over traditional screen-film radiography.

Computed Radiography (CR)

The first commercial digital radiography method, introduced by FUJI in 1981.

Image Receptor

Devices like flat panel detectors used in digital radiography to capture images.

DICOM compatibility

A standard for storing, transmitting, and sharing medical images in digital radiography.

Signal to Noise ratio

A measure that combines the effect of contrast, resolution, and noise in imaging.

Artifact

Any interference that contributes to a poor-quality image in radiography.

Spatial resolution

The ability of an imaging system to distinguish between adjacent structures.

Dynamic range

The range of exposure values or various X-ray intensities that result in a radiographic image.

Preprocessing

Largely automatic adjustments made to digital radiographic images before display.

Postprocessing

Manually adjusted modifications made to digital radiographic images after their initial processing. Requires operator manipulation

Photostimulable luminescence

The phenomenon where materials, such as imaging plates, emit light when stimulated by a laser.

Laser scanning

A method used for reading images on a CR imaging plate by scanning it with a laser.

Radiographic noise

Random or structured variation within an image that degrades image quality.

Charles Babbage

“Father of Modern Computer”

Contrast

fractional difference in signal / brightness between the structure of interest & its surroundings

Differential analyzer

Analog device invented by Vannevar Bush