The digital radiology department of the future.

The boom in microelectronics, including cost-effectiveness, has now allowed us to consider the use of these objects to store digital images. There remains much research, development, and clinical evaluation to be done in receptor technology. Further improvements in image processing, optical laser disk storage, and optical transmission and further commercial development of display technology must take place. All of these developments are occurring simultaneously. Within 5 to 10 years, radiology departments will most likely be totally electronic, probably cost-effective, and, it is hoped, more diagnostically accurate.