OCTOBER 12--Sony Electronics (www.sel.sony.com) has developed a new medical-grade image-processing device, the UPAP100MD, which is designed to capture and digitize images from analog video cameras, then make these images available to physicians through such multiple distribution methods as printing, burning onto a CD-R disk, or transferring the images over a network. The device allows physicians to consult and interact with their colleagues in a more efficient, timely, and cost-effective way.
"As a major component to our Digital Video Operating Room concept, the digital image-capture unit provides a bridge between existing analog video systems in the operating room and hospital computer networks or surgeons' offices," said Steven Blum, vice president of medical systems for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Company. "In addition, having surgical video captured in a digital format allows physicians to incorporate their still images into teaching and referral materials."
The unit can store up to 15,000 images on its 20-Gbyte internal hard disk drive and can be accessed through a hospital computer network. The images can also be recorded on CD-R media and can then be incorporated into a PowerPoint presentation, attached to e-mails, and inserted into medical reports. The images are recorded in both TFF and JPEG formats, making them easy to use and compatible with virtually all hospital computer systems.
The unit is UL2601-listed and is compatible with NTSC and PAL. It also has direct printout capability via an SCS port. The digital image-capture unit is 11 3/4 x 13 x 3 mm and weighs approximately 12 lb. It will be available in November for a suggested list price of $7995.
