CR/DR Software Toolkit Automates Image Processing Tasks

A software toolkit has been developed that fully automates the image processing tasks performed by computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) X-ray consoles. These consoles ensure that X-ray images are of good quality before the patient leaves the room.

The Cedara xPipe toolkit eliminates many of the manual tasks typically performed to do this, so it helps improve patient throughput. Cedara xPipe is the first and only software to automate the full set of tasks into one flexible toolkit for faster and more efficient application development.

Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee, WI, USA), a leading medical imaging solutions provider, announced the release of version 3.0 of Cedara xPipe, which was designed in modules that automate either individual tasks or multiple tasks in a sequence. These individual modules include capabilities such as: detecting and editing a collimator, image stitching/fusion and window width/level.

At the center of xPipe is the Cedara Image Enhancement module, which targets specific noise patterns introduced by the imaging device. The result is excellent image quality with reduced noise, sharpened anatomic boundaries, and improved contrast. Also included is the novel Cedara Exposure Index, which provides automated quality control of radiation dose and image quality. This measurement is compliant with the recent International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard. Each module is packaged as a Microsoft Windows 32 dynamic link library (.dll) without any user interface, which gives software developers flexibility in their approach.

"With the release of Cedara xPipe, the OEM [original equipment manufacturer] division of Merge Healthcare reinforces its position as a leading provider of tools for the development of CR and DR consoles,” said Justin Dearborn, CEO of Merge Healthcare. "The comprehensive, fully automated functionality offered by xPipe enables our partners to deliver state of the art consoles. Inclusion of the Cedara Exposure Index demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting the latest standards.”

Companies have relied on Merge OEM for the past 20 years to develop the toolkits and technologies they need. Merge Healthcare's solutions help solve mission-critical issues for radiology practices, outpatient imaging centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and device manufacturers worldwide. The company's technologies and toolkits help companies provide innovative imaging applications to their customers.

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