Progress in image processing technology related to radiological sciences: a five-year review.

The past five years of progress in image processing technology related to radiography applications is reviewed. The following topics are included: image acquisition (computed radiography, X-ray film digitizer); 512, 1024 and 2048 image processor technology; image compression (block quantitation, full-frame bit allocation); image storage (real-time magnetic disk, optical disk); image workstation (input station, display station, diagnostic workstation); and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). It is anticipated that the growth in this field will continue for many years to come.