DICOM Print replaces the point-to-point print implementations and allows for true network printing for both color and grayscale. True image size printing and matching the grayscale of the monitor are critical. It means that a modalilty can use a DICOM compatible networked printer at any location in the institution.

When a hardcopy film needs to be generated for a physician or another institution, one can use DICOM Print. The DICOM Print services make it possible to consolidate printers, which previously, were each dedicated to one or more modalities, to a few units networked together. These are then accessible to every workstation, and printing station.
One cannot just take the pixel data from a DICOM image object, such as a CR, and send it to the printer. In fact, the standard has created what is known as a hardcopy image.

Matching the image as originally displayed on a workstation with the hardcopy print is often a challenge. Look Up Table (LUT) support and the ability to support the Standard Grayscale Display function are critical. The printer needs to support the Presentation LUT or the Configuration Information (CI) attribute which contains specific instructions on how to apply a certain look to the images. The Presentation LUT is non-manufacturer specific while the CI information has to match the expected values as defined by each individual print manufacturer.

Topic

  • DICOM

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