R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

3.1 Medical scan data
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Export data format and media
Medical scanners such as CT and MR produce pixel-based images in a
series of slices whilst non-contact surface scanners produce threedimensional
point clouds. Therefore, the formats used to describe them are
completely different and separate software technologies are required to use
them.
CT and MR scanners are highly complex pieces of equipment made in
low volumes by a small number of high technology fi rms. The hardware
and software interface is usually part of the whole system. Therefore,
radiographers are often limited in the output formats that they can deliver.
In many cases, the only option available is the archiving system. In some
cases, these output formats are also compressed and cannot be read by third
party software.
However, this should be less of a problem over the coming years. Many
radiology departments are embracing teleradiology and can, therefore,
make the image data available over hospital networks. Good third party
radiography software should be able to import most of the commonly used
proprietary formats. The industry standard is called DICOM and it should
be used whenever possible, as almost all software should support it. An
example of the practical implications of transferring data from a hospital
to a service provider can be found in Section 6.1 Implementation case
study 1.
3.1.1 DICOM
DICOM stands for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine and
is an internationally agreed standard for all medical imaging modalities.
The standard was initiated in response to the development of computeraided
imaging in the 1970s by a joint committee from the American College
of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association