Image processing enhancements help medical applications exploit hd

In a bid to address image compression requirements of medical applications, Plextek has developed adaptive processing techniques that apply different levels of compression to different parts of an image based on specific parameters. Key information can be retained in high definition within an area of importance - a heart valve for example - or specific parts of the image showing certain texture statistics such as those associated with tumours. Other image areas are then compressed to a lower definition. Plextek says that this retains the inherent benefits image compression brings by reducing the overall amount of data being handled whilst still retaining the key advantages of hd. The company's low latency image compression techniques have been designed to mitigate latency issues and provide enhanced system performance, while its low power designs perform pre-processing functions within the camera itself. By analysing trade offs across the whole system, Plextek claims it can help medical camera manufacturers minimise the overall energy requirements of video systems. Graham Tootell, project engineer in Plextek's Image Processing group said: "Bringing hd resolution to medical equipment is undoubtedly extremely advantageous to medical staff and their patients. It enables more accurate diagnosis of patient symptoms and significantly enhances noninvasive patient monitoring. High definition video feeds in operating theatres allow better assessment of different tissue types and the detailed recording of surgery for post operative analysis and training. "All these advances are feasible today but bring with them new and complex technical challenges that equipment designers are struggling to overcome. Plextek has devoted its image processing capability towards developing high performance megapixel video technology to tackle these challenges. We are working with leading medical innovators to bring products to market that will radically improve the way that medicine is practiced and help drive medical imaging equipment forward to the next evolutionary step."