Optimized algorithms for displaying 16-bit gray scale images on 8-bit computer graphic systems

Abstract

Most personal computers contain 8-bit graphic display hardware, whereas most medical gray scale images are stored at 16-bit per pixel integers. To display medical gray scale images on such computers, the 16-bit image data must be remapped into 8-bit gray scale images. This report presents the algorithms and computer code that allow very rapid 16-bit to 8-bit image data transformation. These algorithms are helpful in allowing personal computers with at least the performance of a Macintosh II (Apple Computer, Cupertino, CA) computer to function as low-end picture archiving communication systems or personal workstations.