Applications of VLSI circuits to medical imaging

The application of advanced VLSI circuits to medical imaging is explored. The relationship of both general-purpose signal processing chips and custom devices to medical imaging is discussed using examples of fabricated chips. In addition, advanced-aided design tools for silicon compilation are presented. Particular attention is given to the application of VLSI circuits to 3-D image display with ultrasound systems. It is concluded that devices built with these tools represents a possible alternative to custom devices and general-purpose signal processors for the next generation of medical imaging systems