\section{The medical domain}
\label{sec:DYOFmedicalDomain}

Philips Medical Systems is one of the top three suppliers of medical imaging equipment,
ranging from Ultrasound to X-ray systems and MRI scanners. Figure~\ref{fig:DYOFxraySystems}
shows 2 examples of conventional X-ray systems:
\begin{myList}
\item The Easydiagnost URF, a universal
X-ray workhorse, and especially strong in gastro-intestinal examinations
\item Integris Allura Cardio-Vascular, an high end cardio vascular intervention system,
amongst others used for catherterizations.
\end{myList}

\FigureImposeWidth{DYOFxraySystems}{Conventional X-ray systems}{.8\textwidth}

Figure~\ref{fig:DYOFxrayImages} shows the imaging results of this type of systems.
The Thorax image is a very high resolution image of the Thorax (heart lung area), which
is used quite frequent in the clinical practice. The cardio vascular images are
typically used during the intervention itself and
are shown on a collection of high resolution high brightness monitors.
Contrast agents are used to make the vessels are clearly visible.

\FigureImposeWidth{DYOFxrayImages}{Typical X-ray results}{.8\textwidth}

MRI is a more recently developed imaging modality.
Figure~\ref{fig:DYOFmrSystems} shows an Intera MR scanner.
The center of the system is a huge strong superconducting magnet.
The patient is positioned in the bore of the magnet.
Accessibility of the patient is very important, claustrophobic feelings must be prevented.

\FigureImposeWidth{DYOFmrSystems}{Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI scanners}{.8\textwidth}

The concurrent application of magnetic gradient fields and RF fields provides
spatial information about hydrogen atoms, which via a reconstruction process
is transformed in visible images.
Figure~\ref{fig:DYOFmrAndCTimages} shows a typical MR image (right hand side).
MR and CT scanners acquire {\it volume} information, every image is a cross section of the body.
This volume information can also be used for other visualizations,
the left hand side of figure~\ref{fig:DYOFmrAndCTimages} shows an example based on CT images.

\FigureImposeWidth{DYOFmrAndCTimages}{Results from CT and MRI scanners}{.6\textwidth}

These systems are sold to hospitals and clinical centers, to be used by professional
clinical personnel. The numbers of systems sold per years is several hundred systems per year,
with prices in the range of 100k\$ to 1M\$.
