Abstract: Images of blood vessels of a body are obtained by injecting a refraction enhancement contrast agent into the blood vessels to increase a difference in refractive indices of the blood vessels and surrounding material. The blood vessels are irradiated with a penetrating radiation, and an image of the blood vessels is generated based on detected radiation. The image has visible edge enhancement features indicating boundaries of the blood vessels.

Abstract: A method to quantify the radial endoluminal irregularity of aortoiliac arteries is provided. Radial endoluminal outlines of a vessel of interest are determined. The cross sectional area is determined for the area outlined by each endoluminal outline. Using this cross sectional area a shape is selected that has substantially the same area as the endoluminal outline. Subsequently, the shape is fitted to the endoluminal outline. In one aspect, the irregularity index is calculated as the ratio of the endoluminal outline and the outline of the fitted shape. In another aspect, the irregularity index is calculated as the ratio of at least a part of the endoluminal outline and the outline of the fitted shape that corresponds to the same part of the endoluminal outline. The irregularity index is visualized using a color scheme, a range of numbers, or a set of labels.

Abstract: In a method to produce a volume data set, the imaged surface of a subject imaged in a first volume data set is segmented. The first volume data set then is transformed into a second volume data set, such that the segmented imaged surface is transformed into a plane. From the second volume data set, a third volume data set is produced by filtering the second volume data set such that structures not of interest of the first subject, imaged in the second volume data set, are filtered out based on features associated with structures not of interest and based on the expected removals from the surface of the structures not of interest, and structures of interest of the first subject, imaged in the second volume data set, remain based on features associated with structures of interest, and based on the expected removals of the structures not of interest from the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method for displaying a processed image of a three dimensional (3-D) object using a two-dimensional display means and for interacting with the surface of the displayed 3-D object comprising the construction and display of at least two coupled views of the surface of the 3-D object, including a global 3-D view and a connected local 2-D view of the surface of said object on which local interactions are made. This method further comprises interactive navigation on the object surface in one of the two views and processing data in said view with automatic updating of corresponding data in the other coupled view.

Abstract: A method for retrospectively correcting data prior to image reconstruction using an imaging system, wherein the method includes acquiring a first sinogram of a first slice of an object at a first axial field of view and a second sinogram of the first slice of the object at a second axial field of view different than the first axial field of view, determining at least one boundary of the object in the first sinogram and the second sinogram at the first slice, measuring a shift between the first sinogram and the second sinogram using the determined boundaries, and generating a corrected image using the measured shift.

Abstract: A system to acquire a first image of a radiation field, the radiation field produced by a radiation beam, and to determine a second image based on the first image and based on a reference image of a reference radiation field having substantially homogeneous intensity, the second image representing characteristics of the radiation beam. Some embodiments provide acquisition of a first profile associated with a radiation beam using a radiation detection device, acquisition of a first image of a first radiation field produced by the radiation beam using an imaging device, determination of a map between the first image and the first profile, acquisition a second image of a second radiation field using the imaging device, and determination of a second profile based on the map and the second image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an operation device which is configured to communicate with a main frame connected to an ultrasonic probe and which an operator of the main frame and the ultrasonic probe may carry and; a system controller to execute a workflow system which switches the operation of the main frame by sequentially executing a plurality of execution items (activities), which is executed by operation of the main frame, according to the work procedure (workflow protocol) predetermining the execution sequence of execution items, and alters the sequence of the execution items in compliance with the operation of the operation device.

Abstract: In a human or animal organ or other region of interest, specific objects, such as liver metastases and brain lesions, serve as indicators, or biomarkers, of disease. In a three-dimensional image of the organ, the biomarkers are identified and quantified. Multiple three-dimensional images can be taken over time, in which the biomarkers can be tracked over time. Statistical segmentation techniques are used to identify the biomarker in a first image and to carry the identification over to the remaining images. Regions of normal and abnormal parameters within the 3D biomarker structure are identified. The information is used to highlight or visualize abnormal regions on the original 2D tomographic images.

Abstract: A method for volume scoring a concentration of calcification within a region of interest includes receiving a value for a first calcium lesion volume based on the concentration of calcification within the region of interest, determining an intensity value of the concentration of calcification within the region of interest, calculating the slope of a regression line based on the determined intensity value, and calculating a second calcium lesion volume based on the first calcium lesion volume and the calculated slope of the regression line.

Abstract: An algorithm is disclosed that recovers regions of possible pleural nodules left out of an organ field or otherwise undetected due to the nature of low level image processing in the organ field. A morphological closing with an elliptical structuring element is performed on a region to detect nodules within the size of the ellipsoid. A deformable surface-based analysis is performed in distinctive regions for the identification of larger nodules. The integrated use of a deformable surface model and chamfer distance potential enables explicit representation of regularized, or smoothed, surfaces within which nodule candidates may be detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating acute stroke patients and for determining whether a stroke patient will benefit from the use of thrombolysis therapy includes obtaining measurements of the cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume of the brain of a stroke patient, determining ischemic areas of the brain where the ischemic areas comprise the measurements of cerebral blood flow which are less than a first value and creating a penumbra-infarct map of the ischemic areas of the brain using the measurements. The infarct area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is less than a second value. The penumbra area corresponds to the area of the brain where cerebral blood volume is greater than this second dvalue. The method also includes determining a ratio of penumbra size to the total of penumbra size and infarct size. When the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the stroke patient is a candidate for thrombolysis therapy.

Abstract: In a method to support the diagnosis and/or therapy of a pathological change of a blood vessel of a patient, in particular in the context of coronary heart disease at a first point in time of a pixel-based or voxel-based first image is acquired with the blood vessel of interest by an imaging method, a determination is made from the first image of a quantity of existing non-calcified plaque and a quantity of existing calcium-rich plaque, a determination of a first indicator value is made from the quantities of the different plaque types that represents a measurement of the quantity and the composition of plaque present in the blood vessel at the first point in time, a comparison of the first indicator value is made with at least one limit value stored in a storage of a data processing device, and dependent on the comparison, a presentation is made on an output unit associated with the electronic data processing device of either a proposal for a measure to be undertaken on the patient, or a proposal for no meas

Abstract: A method and system improve the detection of abnormalities, such as lung nodules, in radiological images using digital image processing and artificial neural network techniques. The detection method and system use a nodule phantom for matching in order to enhance the efficiency in detection. The detection method and system use spherical parameters to characterize true nodules, thus enabling detection of the nodules in the mediastinum. The detection method and system use a multi-layer back-propagation neural network architecture not only for the classification of lung nodules but also for the integration of detection results from different classifiers. In addition, this method and system improve the detection efficiency by recommending the ranking of true nodules and several false positive nodules prior to the training of the neural network classifier. The method and system use image segmentation to remove regions outside the chest in order to reduce the false positives outside the chest region.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for helping determine a condition of selected tissue of a patient based on a set of thermal images of the selected tissue acquired over a time period. The image set has image regions with corresponding characteristics indicative of a temperature condition of an associated part of the selected tissue, which had been subjected to a thermal challenge during part of the image acquisition time period. Feature values are determined based on the characteristics of selected image regions. A classifier is applied to the features to provide an indication of the condition of the selected tissue, such as indicating a likelihood of malignancy.

Abstract: A method for evaluating substance scoring, the scoring based on imaging system-generated images of an object having regions of interest due to possible presence of the substance includes receiving a plurality of image data, processing the image data using a post-processing non-linear image filter, and scoring the processed image data.

Abstract: To prevent erroneous detection of a ribcage boundary from a chest image, an outer search limit point is decided with precision. A profile of smoothed pixel-value integrated averages in each of right and left lung field of the image is obtained, a threshold for each of the right and left lung fields with the profile taken as a reference is decided, and each of the right and left lung fields is searched from a central part of each lung field outwardly on the image so that a position exceeding the threshold is determined. The position is set as the outer search limit point for a series of a upper lung ribcage boundary candidate points. In the search, in cases the position exceeding the threshold is not found, a first derivative of the profile is used to decide the outer search limit point.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus in a medical institution is linked to an examination protocol providing server via a wide area network. The server has registered examination protocols including information related to X-ray image diagnoses, and searches for and provides an examination protocol in response to a request from each X-ray image diagnostic apparatus. This allows the diagnostic apparatus to use an examination protocol set in another apparatus in addition to an examination protocol set in itself. In this instance, because the server is furnished with a search function, the diagnostic apparatus can readily obtain arbitrary information from registered examination protocols.

Abstract: The present invention describes a partial independent component analysis (PICA) technique for blindly separating partially independent and/or gaussian-like sources from mixed observations over an informative index subspace, which allows various applications in independent component imaging. The present invention estimates a demixing matrix using only the independent and/or nongaussian portion of the observations. Specifically, rather than using all the data points which give rise to a large separation error, a subset of the data points is identified such that the partial source profiles defined over such a subset are statistically independent and/or nongaussian. The present invention describes a complete implementation of such a technique, whose steps and parameters may be achieved and estimated using an information theoretic-based neural computational algorithm.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating and processing image data based upon analysis of an initial image by a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, edge and structure identification. The post-processing may enhance the view of a feature of interest in the image as identified by the CAD analysis. Further processing of the image data may be performed to further enhance the image. Image enhancement may include highlighting the feature of interest, changing the spatial resolution (e.g. zooming in or out) of the reconstructed image, and so forth.

Abstract: An image management system (10), such as a PACS system is disclosed. The PACS system includes a PACS server (20) coupled to a communications network (22) and a plurality of PACS workstations (40) also coupled to a communications network (22). Each PACS workstation (40) is configured to receive two dimensional image information and provide incremental volume rendering on the PACS workstation (40) while the two dimensional image information is being received.

Abstract: A biomagnetic field map display apparatus for measuring a biomagnetic field generated by a biotest sample at positions arranged in rows and columns and displaying a magnetic field map obtained by processing the measured biomagnetic field. An analysis data display area waveform-displays the measured biomagnetic field at channels in a row or a column of channels which are arranged in rows and columns so as to respectively correspond to the positions. A particular channel is designated as a reference channel for an averaging process out of the plurality of channels or different channels therefrom at which different biosignals from those of the biomagnetic field are acquired from the biotest sample. Means for averaging-processing the measured biomagnetic field using the designated particular channel as the reference channel displays in the analysis data display area a map on the averaging-processed biomagnetic field.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implementing computer-aided surgical procedures and more specifically devices and methods for implementing a computer-aided orthopedic surgery utilizing intra-operative feedback. A three-dimensional model of an area of a patient upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed is modeled using software techniques. The software model is used to generate a surgical plan, including placement of multifunctional markers, for performing the surgical procedure. After the markers are placed on the patient, an updated image of the patient is taken and used to calculate a final surgical plan for performing the remainder of the surgical procedure. The three-dimensional modeling, surgical planning, and surgery may all take place remote from each other. The various entities may communicate via an electronic communications network such as the Internet.

Abstract: Methods for determining a position of an implant in an ultrasound imaging system are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining an initial transformation matrix based at least in part on positions of a plurality of implants in a fluoroscopy coordinate system and estimated positions of said plurality of implants in an ultrasound coordinate system, modifying said initial transformation matrix based on an accuracy of said estimated positions of said plurality of implants, and determining a position of an implant in said ultrasound coordinate system based at least in part on said modified transformation. Computer program product, systems, and user interfaces associated with embodiments of the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for pre-processing a radiation image containing a clinical region of interest and a non-clinical region. The method includes forming a border proximate the clinical region and performing image filtering to filter the clinical region and the border. The non-clinical region may be collimated, and at least a portion of the collimated region may be replaced with values based on pixel values within the region of interest. The system includes obtaining a radiation image having clinical and non-clinical regions, apparatus identifying the non-clinical region, a multi-resolution pre-processing subsystem removing the non clinical region to form an intermediate image and then adding a border to the intermediate image, and a multi-resolution imaging subsystem performing multi-resolution processing of the clinical region and border. Assigned border pixels values may be based on, equal to, or mirror associated or adjacent clinical region pixel values.

Abstract: A method includes generating a virtual patient representative of a fictitious medical subject from execution of a simulation application that accesses a domain of medical characteristics and dynamically producing an image of the virtual patient to present to a user based on executing of the simulation application using virtual patient state data. The method also includes updating the state data by interpreting data structures defining selected virtual patient characteristics and controlling rates of changes in virtual patient state data to speed up or slow down evolution of changes in the image of the virtual patient presented to the user.

Abstract: A computer aided detection (CAD) system for assigning CAD applications to digital images. The system comprises a case input system (CIS), image data repositories and an algorithm server. There is also provided a method for assigning CAD applications to digital images the method comprising the steps of selecting an acquisition model (AM) and selecting a CAD application using the selected AM.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the displacement of individual brain areas and to the presentation thereof on a display for guaranteeing optimal planning of an operation, said displacements being caused by tumor formation. According to the invention a displacement vector is detected for each brain area which was situated at a defined location in the initial position where a tumor is located now. Said displacement vector defines the displacement of a brain area in the direction and the amount thereof, whereby said displacement is caused by tumor growth. Said vector is detected by means of two parameters (b and c) which can be derived from the size and the kind of the tumor. The displacement vectors are numerically calculated according to the formula ur=cr+br−2 after the two parameters have been detected. The image of the tumor as well as the detected displacements are subsequently inserted into a stereotactic atlas.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing apparatus for performing a dynamic range compression processing to an arbitrary image to add a high frequency component obtained based on the image, the image processing apparatus comprising: conversion means for converting the magnitude of the amplitude of the added high frequency component based on the magnitude of the high frequency component. When the dynamic range compression processing is performed, artifacts such as an overshoot and undershoot are depressed, the amplitude of the high frequency component is held and the width of an image density distribution is set to be freely adjustable, so that a satisfactory processed image can be obtained.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: A 3D projection reconstruction pulse sequence is employed to acquire CEMRA data as the subject is continuously moved through the field of view of the MRI system. The acquired k-space data is phase corrected to offset the table motion and the corrected data is used to reconstruct an image over a field of view that far exceeds the size of the MRI system field of view. In one embodiment the image is formed as a set of anatomic subregion images which are concatenated to form a single image and in another embodiment a series of images of each anatomic subregion are produced to depict the dynamic inflow of contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repositioning a patient in a diagnostic/therapeutic system, as well as to such a system, wherein a repeated, accurate repositioning is achieved by producing difference images from a reference image and a current image, each in two recording axes, which are independent of each other, and by subsequently minimizing the visible differences. The reference images are produced with the same camera setting as the current images.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and displaying clustered microcalcifications in a digital mammogram, wherein a single digital mammogram is first automatically cropped to a breast area sub-image which is then processed by means of an optimized Difference of Gaussians filter to enhance the appearance of potential microcalcifications in the sub-image. The potential microcalcifications are thresholded, clusters are detected, features are computed for the detected clusters, and the clusters are classified as either suspicious or not suspicious by means of a neural network. Thresholding is preferably by sloping local thresholding, but may also be performed by global and dual-local thresholding. The locations in the original digital mammogram of the suspicious detected clustered microcalcifications are indicated. Parameters for use in the detection and thresholding portions of the system are computer-optimized by means of a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, a method for facilitating the analysis of computed tomographic (CT) images. The method includes steps of: acquiring attenuation data of a patient using a CT imaging system; reconstructing images of the patient using the acquired attenuation data; mapping intensity data from at least one reconstructed image into a color image using a color mapping indicative of physiological thresholds; and displaying the color image. Embodiments of the present invention facilitate the assessment of images and differences between images for functional image data and for perfusion-related imaging data.

Abstract: A similarity measurement method for the classification of medical images into predetermined categories. A small set of pre-classified images is required to employ the method. The images can be real world images acquired using a camera, computer tomography, etc., or schematic drawings representing samples of different classes. The use of schematic drawings as a source of images allows a quick test of the method for a particular classification problem. The eigenvectors for each category are mathematically derived, and each image in each category is represented as a weighted linear combination of the eigenvectors. A test image is provided and projected onto the eigenvectors of each of the categories so as to reconstruct the test image with the eigenvectors. The RMS (root-mean-square) distance between the test image and each of the categories is measured.

Abstract: A system and method for the dielectric scanning of a human subject to detect anomalies relative to expected normal physiology as an indication, among other things, of the possible presence of a weapon, contraband, or of a confirmed difference in personal identity. Persons expeditiously can enter a double-open-sided, ninety-degree counter-rotative scanning zone in the system, alternating from two orthogonally positional entry lines. Scanning occurs in two orthogonal phases of non-relative-motion interrogative microwave illumination to detect sequential, opposite-side-quadrant, dielectric physiologic anatomical signatures which are assessed by computer comparing them to pre-established physiologic-signature tables. Persons entering the scanning zone, leave along a quadrature-related exit path.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for examining biological vessels, especially retinal vessels, including an evaluation unit in the form of an image manipulator (BM) enabling at least partial digitalization or isolation of a measurement window, whereby at least one vessel segment is represented by an electronic picture or picture sequence, which is then transferred to said evaluation unit.

Abstract: A method, system and program for imaging the arterial system provides for obtaining arterial phase image data of a body part with a contrast agent in the arterial vessels but substantially not in the venous vessels. Also obtained is venous phase image data of the body part with the contrast agent in both the arterial vessels and the venous vessels. Arterial image data and venous image data is isolated from the arterial phase image data and/or the venous phase image data. One or both of the isolated arterial image data and the isolated venous image data is altered to produce altered arterial image data and/or altered venous image data. Images derived from the altered arterial image data and or altered venous image data are displayed superimposed on one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating inversely related forward and reverse image transformations in any image registration technique with ambiguous correspondence based upon the joint estimation of the transformation. Accordingly, two image data sets are received, a source and a target. Current sets of forward and reverse displacement fields are initialized. From the current set of forward and reverse displacement fields, the consistent forward transformation and the consistent reverse transformation are jointly estimated. These transformations are outputted.

Abstract: Image signals, which represent images of an object to be subjected to abnormal pattern detection processing, are selected from given image signals. When a selected image signal, which represents an image of the object to be subjected to the abnormal pattern detection processing, is received, an input monitoring device monitors feeding of all of the other image signals, which are to be grouped together with the received image signal and which represent images of the same object of the same patient. In cases where all of the other image signals have been received, the input monitoring device feeds all of the received image signals, which represent the images of the same object of the same patient and which are to be subjected to the abnormal pattern detection processing, in a single set into the abnormal pattern detection processing step. The abnormal pattern detection processing is performed on the image signals having been fed in the single set.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for presentation of images reproducible at a display monitor, digital image data of an examination volume of a subject are registered with an image pickup system, such as a medical examination installation, and at least two images of the examination volume with arbitrary orientation of the image planes relative to one another are simultaneously displayed at the display monitor. At least one marker is contained in each image that indicates information about the position of the image plane of the other image with reference to the image wherein the marking is displayed.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium of computerized processing of chest images including obtaining digital first and second images of a chest and detecting rib edges in at least one of the first and second images. The rib edges are detected by correlating points in the at least one of the first and second images to plural rib edge models using a Hough transform to identify approximate rib edges in one of the images, and delineating actual rib edges derived from the identified approximate rib edges using a snake model. The method system and computer readable medium further include deriving the shift values using the actual rib edges and warping one of the first and second images to produce a warped image which is registered to the other of the first and second images based at least in part on the shift values.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing surfaces and analyzing surface and volume representations of the shape of an object or structure corresponding to image data, in which the structure has been modeled as one or more physically distinct compartments. The characteristics of a compartmental model are specified in terms of the material types contained in each distinct compartment and in terms of the nature of compartmental boundaries as defined by the image data. An image model that includes scalar or vector image intensity functions for each material type and for each boundary type defined by the image data is specified. Gradient functions that characterize each boundary type and some compartmental regions are specified. A set of probabilistic volume representations of the location of different compartments and the location and orientation of compartmental boundaries is generated.

Abstract: A self-contained system uses light reflectivity to examine intensity of a dyed spot on a device membrane surrounded by background area to discern information about the specimen that produced the spot. In a preferred embodiment, a master clock alternatively drives one LED focussed upon the spot center, and then drives two LEDS focused on the background area. Light reflected from the spot and background is detected by preferably two photodetectors (“PDs”) spaced-apart a multiple of 90° azimuthal, a configuration discovered to minimize the effects of uneven membrane topography upon light intensity measurements. The PD outputs are average-summed together and are input to a phase lock-in amplifier system that enhances detected signal/noise by measuring signal voltage without producing noise. The lock-in system simultaneously positively and negatively amplifies the average-summed PD outputs, which amplified signal is then switched in synchronism with the LED drive signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a method for planning an infusion, wherein patient data are captured and the infusion to be carried out is planned using the captured patient data; and to a computer program which may be loaded in the memory of a computer and which includes sections of software code with which the method is performed when the program is running on a computer; and to a device for planning an infusion, comprising a patient data capturing system and a computer system for carrying out planning based on the captured patient data; to a method for carrying out an infusion, wherein the infusion is planned and then carried out; and to a device for carrying out an infusion, comprising a verification device for comparing planned infusion data with actual infusion data.

Abstract: A three-dimensional color ultrasonic encoding and/or decoding system is provided in which a three-dimensional color ultrasonic image is classified into zero pixel data, gray pixel data and indexed color pixel data, to thereby perform encoding and decoding based on the classification data. The encoding and/or decoding system includes an encoding system including a classifier, a first encoder for encoding gray pixel data and a second encoder for encoding indexed color pixel data, a run-level encoder, a pixel separator and a multiplexer, and a decoding system including a demultiplexer, a run-level decoder, a first decoder for decoding gray pixel data, a second decoder for decoding indexed color pixel data and an image mixer.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: System and method for organizing information relating to polymer probe array chips including oligonucleotide array chips. A database model is provided which organizes information relating to sample preparation, chip layout, application of samples to chips, scanning of chips, expression analysis of chip results, etc. The model is readily translatable into database languages such as SQL. The database model scales to permit mass processing of probe array chips.

Abstract: An image of a patient taken through X-ray computed tomography or the like is registered to physical measurements taken on the patient's body. Different parts of the patient's body are given different numerical weights; for example, if bone measurements are deemed to be more accurate than skin measurements, the bones can be given a higher weight than the skin. The weights are used in an iterative registration process to determine a rigid body transformation function. The transformation function is used in robot-assisted surgical procedures, stereotactic procedures or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and displaying clustered microcalcifications in a digital mammogram, wherein a single digital mammogram is first automatically cropped to a breast area sub-image which is then processed by means of an optimized Difference of Gaussians filter to enhance the appearance of potential microcalcifications in the sub-image. The potential microcalcifications are thresholded, clusters are detected, features are computed for the detected clusters, and the clusters are classified as either suspicious or not suspicious by means of a neural network. Thresholding is preferably by sloping local thresholding, but may also be performed by global and dual-local thresholding. The locations in the original digital mammogram of the suspicious detected clustered microcalcifications are indicated. Parameters for use in the detection and thresholding portions of the system are computer-optimized by means of a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: A medical image output system comprises a first storage device for storing medical image signals, each of which represents a medical image of a patient. A second storage device stores photographic image signals, each of which represents a photographic image of a somatic feature of a patient, and/or photographic image signals, each of which represents a photographic image of a person associated with a patient, such that it is clear which photographic image signal corresponds to which medical image signal stored in the first storage means. An output device operates such that, in cases where the output device outputs a medical image signal representing a medical image of a certain patient from the first storage device, the output device also outputs the photographic image signal, which corresponds to the outputted medical image signal, from the second storage device.