Generic sign systems in medical imaging

An approach to summarizing and understanding medical image data sets is presented. It is a general, mathematically based method for building sign systems that uses differentiable topology and semiotics. The semiotics of medical imaging is first examined, covering display requirements, control parameters, icons and topological constraints, and signs and data reduction. The general approach is then applied to projection imaging as a paradigm for efficient synthetic display devices. Singularities and contrast curves, generic signs for single projections, and interactively controlled projections are considered. Signs for sequence displays are discussed, and sectional imaging is treated. Qualitative interactions between systems are briefly addressed.<>