Digital Imaging- Introduction to Digital Radiography & PACS VOCAB

ADC

Analog-to-digital converter: converts a signal

Analog

Continuous signal

Bandwidth

A concise set of computer instructions to execute a specific task; mathematical formula

Bit

A binary digit, 0 or 1, the smallest unit of computer storage capacity- single unit of data

Byte 

A group of 8 bits used to represent a single dose alpha-numeric character; the amount of memory needed to store one alphanumeric character 

Computer

Machine that performs mathematical computations, manipulates information, makes decisions accurately and quickly. Functions are based on machine’s ability to follow preprogrammed instructions (algorithms)

Computer Program

A collection of inter-related algorithms which allow the user to perform functions

DICOM

Digital imaging and communications in medicine- a common computer language that allows different pieces of imaging equipment to communicate; standardizes the behavior of various digital devices used within the PACS system

Digital imaging 

Any imaging acquisition process that produces an electronic image that can be viewed and manipulated on a computer

EHR/EMR

Electronic health record/Electronic medical record- electronic version of an individual’s medical documents

Hardware

The tangible components and connection within a computer (CPU, memory, etc)

Health level- 7 (HL-7)

Integrates HIS and RIS and addresses the communication of data; patient demographics, type of exam, rad reports, etc

HIS

Hospital information system- collect and process data to provide users with information needed to problem solve/decide 

IHE

Integrating the healthcare enterprise- removes data redundancy and task repetition by narrowing loop between RIS/HIS and PACS; rads can view patient Hx, lab, etc while viewing images simultaneously

LAN

Local area network- connects computers separated by short distances

Lossless compression

allows original image information to be retained

Lossy compression

Lost data information after compressed and uncompressed 

Matrix

The collective rows and columns of pixels or dels that make up the area of an image or image receptor

PACS

Picture archive and communication system- a system that provides image storage, retrieval, manipulation, and transmission of digital images

Pixel; picture element

A 2-D picture element or cell in a displayed image capable of producing an entire range of gray levels (bit depth) for the system

Pixel size= FOV/matrix

FOV must be in mm

RAID

Redundant array of independent discs; short term archival 

RIS

Radiology information system; integrates with the HIS and PACS system

Software

Operating system of a computer; programs/applications

Teleradiology

Moving images via modem, phone, or cable lines to remote location

VNA

Vendor Neutral Archive- image storage in a nonproprietary format

WAN

Wide area network- connects computers separated by large distances