Trends and future prospects for medical diagnostic imaging systems

Medical diagnostic imaging systems range from X-ray diagnostic systems to the latest systems based on new detection techniques, such as ultrasound, CT (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and nuclear medicine, and have developed rapidly in line with the progress made in semiconductors, software and hardware technologies centering around computers. It is anticipated that fundamental technologies will be realized that are necessary for the development of various diagnostic imaging systems offering enhanced performance and greater accuracy. Moreover, current diagnostic imaging systems can be expected to develop further in the direction of treating illness, which is the ultimate purpose of medical care. (author)