New GRID-computing platforms for high performance multi-dimensional and multimodality image rendering

With the increasing number of imaging modalities generating very large image datasets such as multidetector CT scanners, ultrafast scanners and more recently multimodality scanners such as PET-CT, there is an increasing need for high performance image manipulation and rendering of these data. Three-dimensional and volume rendering as well as interactive multiplanar navigation across these large data sets usually require high performance workstations equipped with multiprocessors, high memory capacity and dedicated hardware accelerators. An emerging alternative to a single high performance workstation is the ability to share processing power among multiple computers using grid architectures. Such architecture provides the ability to perform parallel tasks assigned to each computer separately by a single software application.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.