The development and implementation of a computer-based graphic system

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed significant growth in computer graphics, with a whole new generation of systems which convert raw data into charts, graphs and, often, photographic slides. Since this type of artwork constitutes the majority of medical art requests and is no longer totally burdened by the ‘computerized look’, computer-generated graphics are being cautiously attempted in a few medical illustration departments with large adjacent computer facilities using purchased programs or are being serviced by commercial reproduction centres. Each of these approaches has fundamental disadvantages. Therefore, we have attempted to develop a moderate cost system, providing sophisticated artwork of publication quality in black and white or colour which is photographically reproducible. This article discusses the system's development, its initial implementation and hitherto unforeseen medical art applications.