Crc Press - Medical Infrared Imaging - 2008.pdf

Nikolas: “9027_c000”— 2007/6/13 — 22:13 — pagei—#1
Nikolas: “9027_c000”— 2007/6/13 — 22:13 — page ii —#2
Nikolas: “9027_c000”— 2007/6/13 — 22:13 — page iii —#3
Nikolas: “9027_c000”— 2007/6/13 — 22:13 — page iv —#4
Preface
The evolution of technological advances in infrared sensor technology, image processing, “smart”
algorithms, knowledge-based databases, and their overall system integration has resulted in new meth-
ods of research and use in medical infrared imaging. The development of infrared cameras with focal
plane arrays not requiring cooling added a new dimension to this modality. New detector materials
with improved thermal sensitivity are now available and production of high-density focal plane arrays
(640 × 480) has been achieved. Advance read-out circuitry using on-chip signal processing is mon
use. These breakthroughs permit low-cost and easy-to-use camera systems with thermal sensitivity less
than 50 mK, as well as spatial resolution of 25–50 µm, given the appropriate optics. Another important
factor is the emerging interest in the development of smart image processing algorithms to enhance the
interpretation of thermal signatures. In the clinical area, new research addresses the key issues of diagnostic
sensitivity and specificity of infrared imaging. Efforts are underway to achieve quantitative clinical data
interpretation in standardized diagnostic procedures. For this purpose, clinical protocols are emphasized.
New concepts such as dynamic thermal imaging and thermal texture mapping (thermal tomography)
and thermal multispectral imaging are being implemented in clinical environments. Other areas such as
three-dimensional infrared are being investigated.
Some of these new ideas, concepts, and technologies are covered in this book. We have assembled a set
of chapters that ranges in content from historical background, concepts, clinical applications, standards,
and infrared technology.
Chapter 1 deals with worldwide advances i