Clinical
Part 2 Pixel perfect
Quality Assurance and the digital image – are you getting your 256 shades of grey? By Ian Wilson
T
he second part of this article explores the issues that need to be considered in
producing high-quality digital images in dental practice. The first part, written by Barbara Lamb, looked at the clinical considerations, while this second part deals with the technology considerations – both hardware and software. The world of IT is an
ever-changing place. We are surrounded by all sorts of gadgets with ever-increasing processing power and enhanced operating systems. TVs are continually changing
to bigger and better displays, curved screens and HD images. One thing is for sure, technology isn’t standing still and we are spoiled by the choices we have to take advantage of. This is good news when
for digital imaging in dental practices. Better technology leads to better sensors, X-ray machines, CT and 3D scanners and – combined with better displays – this maximises the
image we can see once it is taken. However, various types
of PCs, graphics dislays and monitors, all with a wide range of prices, can lead to confusion on which digital image system should be installed to suit your needs. Let’s look at the main parts
of the IT system and explain the differences. This will allow you to make informed decisions on what systems to purchase for the best results.
PCs There are two main processor manufacturers, Intel and AMD. It is always best to check the minimum requirements of the imaging system, as most prefer the Intel processor. With this in mind, we will concentrate on the Intel type (
www.intel.com). The processor, or CPU
(central processing unit), is the main engine of the computer. This determines how quickly it will load and process what you are doing. Just like in a car, the bigger the engine, the faster it will go. Processors all have models – slowest to fastest is:
We are surrounded by gadgets and ever-increasing processing power and operating systems
Dual Core, i3, i5, i7 and Xeon. In most cases, an i3 or i5
will suffice, but when using an OPG or CBCT, an i7 or Xeon may be required. Lower speed processors are available – Celeron and Pentium. These provide lower-priced PCs, but are suited mainly to ‘office’ work and wouldn’t be recommended for imaging work. RAM (random access memory) is important and a minimum of 4GB should be installed. Where a faster processor is installed, the RAM should be increased to a minimum 8GB. RAM will work alongside the processor to load programs and data quickly – vital when you are working with large images, especially 3D or CBCT. With Windows XP no
longer available, most business PCs will come installed with Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (www.microsoft. com). Most are now a 64-bit operating system that supports
up to 192GB of RAM. Be careful, however, as some
PCs can come with 32-bit Windows – this has a limit of just over 3GB of RAM.
GRAPHICS Modern PCs come with integrated graphics. This provides the connection to a monitor, and powers most basic onscreen graphics (such as icons and windows). Integrated graphics are useful for most applications run on a PC, but better performance and display can be achieved by installing a graphics card (see Figure 1, overleaf). Graphics cards are an
additional expansion card that can be installed onto the PC motherboard. The differences between
integrated and an expansion card are as follows: • Integrated graphics require the use of the PC processor
Continued » Ireland’s Dental magazine 29
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