Sample #1

Alma MPR

Alma Multiplanar Reconstructor, or better known as MPR is a module that constructs a 3-D model on the basis of a sequence of images. It provides visualization of its projections simultaneously in axial, sagital, coronal and oblique plane.

Alma MPR, like most of the products of Alma IT Systems, conforms to DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards. The software has also been validated by IHE and can be integrated with HIS/RIS/PACS and other similar clinical information systems. Moreover, the product has also been certified by SCS United Kingdom Limited and has obtained the CE Mark.

The product helps in manipulating normal two dimensional images in a very interactive way. The visualization window can be controlled at different levels, along with a predetermined windows. The zoom and displacement of the projections can be adjusted accordingly. It also comes with an image rotation feature, wherein the projections can be rotated as much as 90 degrees in both the positive and negative axis along with vertical and horizontal views.

The images are annoted in an unique way, providing the user with a lot of options. Measurements like distance, diameters, angles and areas are associated with each image. Images can also be enriched with details by the help of comments and arrows, which can be embedded with images. Certain regions in the image can be marked as a ROI (Region of Interest). The most interesting feature, however, is the movie control, where multiple images can be played in both forward and backward mode. Moreover, images can also be viewed in advanced modes like infinite mode, and speed control mode.

Alma MPR supports a host of image formats as the 2-D images can be exported in popular formats like JPEG, TIF and BMP. The software also provides maximum customization in the projection of the 3D model. The thickness of the projection can be controlled in three different options: MIP Projection, where the resultant image would have maximum intensity in the section; MinIP Projection, which is opposite to the MIP Projection and the image corresponds to minimum intensity in the section; and finally, the VR Projection, which makes the image correspond to the visualization projection of the volume. The VR projection provides the best visualization of the 3D model in terms of the quality.

The Alma MPR software requires the system processor to be atleast Pentuim-IV and with a minimum of 1GB memory. A high resolution graphic card is also necessary.