UNIQUE

Have you ever looked at an x-ray image and thought that the human body is a work of art? Philips welcomes you to experience a master class in image processing with UNIQUE (UNified Image QUality Enhancement). We have turned modern image processing into an art form.

Examining an x-ray image is not unlike analyzing an old master, UNIQUE dissects even the thinnest layer of paint, showing what really lies beneath the surface and revealing its secrets.

UNIQUE combines all diagnostically relevant information in one single image

A typical x-ray image consists of areas with varying density and contrast. Depending on the anatomy, some areas will be overexposed (too dark), some underexposed (too bright). To achieve optimal quality across the image dedicated manual procedures are required, e.g. using hardware wedge filters. UNIQUE is a state-of-the-art algorithm that automates this process and offers particularly high image quality as a result.

Consistent image quality across the department

In a typical radiology department, the quality of radiography images depends on several factors: the modality type (CR or DR), the modality vendor and finally the radiographer him- or herself. An inconsistent image display is very unsatisfactory for the radiologist, particularly in follow-up examinations. UNIQUE equalizes image quality across the department. The image impression of DigitalDiagnost and PCR is equal, if UNIQUE processing is used on both modalities.

How does UNIQUE actually bring the invisible to light?

Every x-ray image consists of structures with different resolutions, ranging from low-resolution soft tissue, to high resolution of the bones’ trabecular structures. To optimize all areas of an image, UNIQUE uses three steps: First the original image is split into multiple sub-images. Each sub-image representing a particular structure size. In the next step each sub-image is processed in a way optimized for its respective structure size. In the last step UNIQUE re-combines the processed sub-images into one single image.

Process Chart

Image Quality can be customized

UNIQUE’s design is based on customers’ experience. With UNIQUE, image display can be set to the individual preference of the radiologist. Whether sharper (higher contrast) or smoother (lower contrast) images are preferred, UNIQUE adapts to the way the user wants to see them displayed.

Experience shows that in most cases UNIQUE processed images do not need to be re-processed or re-adjusted at the PACS. UNIQUE is standard on Philips Computed Radiography (PCR) and DigitalDiagnost systems, reflecting our commitment to deliver ever higher image quality to the market. And existing customers can easily upgrade their CR or DR modality with UNIQUE processing.

UNIQUE and PACS

To take full advantage of the benefits a digitalized radiology department offers, all elements of the imaging chain, from image acquisition to image analysing and reading need to be optimised. Therefore UNIQUE is designed to effectively enhance our Philips PACS, by reducing manual contrast adjustments or image re-processing.
Philips PACS is developed for high efficiency and optimal usability. Combine this with UNIQUE processed examinations and the result are great images when and where you need them.