Digital image recording: an integral aspect of video endoscopy

In today's medical environment, efficiency and accuracy are the keys to successful outcomes. This concept is especially applicable during video endoscopic imaging, where image clarity is of utmost importance for medical applications. One of the most exciting advances in video endoscopy is the development of digital image storage devices. We report on a fast and efficient way to grab and store images during endoscopic procedures. Images can be stored on standard 3.5" floppy disks using an innovative new digital image recorder. The images are stored as high resolution JPEG files (640 x 480 x 24) for excellent clarity and detail. Once loaded onto the computer or network, the images can be placed into electronic medical records, imported into internet web pages, incorporated into slide presentations, and most importantly, stored in well organized archives which take up a minimum of space and are easily accessed by multiple users. This digital image recorder provides a complete system for acquiring images on a standard format 3.5" floppy disk--the world's most ubiquitous storage format.