Computer imaging concepts 2.

Which type of image file should be used.

• pict, gif, jpg, tif, bmp, raw, mpg, and avi are all bitmap file formats in which to save images.

• The output device and/or the software package lets you designate the file save type.

• bmp and raw files are large (no compression), will print to a maximum  dpi and are RGB files.

• tif files have better resolution and are good for outputs for printing an image such as RGB and CMYK.   Files saved as tif files are generally about half the size of bmp files and are compatible with the Mac. 

• gif files are used for files to be placed on the Web.  They display only 256 ( 8 bit) colors or shades of gray.  Use in PC or the Mac.    Ideal for cartoons, logos, graphics with transparent areas and animations.
   
• png is a newer format  better than gif.  A web graphic format that can support up to 32 bit color and can contain transparency.  May not work in all browsers.
   
• jpg files are used for Web publishing or e-mail  supports millions of colors (24-bit).  Files are compressed so they will load faster on the Web.  Better graphics than with gif, better compression and can be used in the PC or Mac.   Good for scanned photographs and images that require more than 256 colors.
   
• pict is  Mac image format and is similar to the bmp in the PC.

• avi is video format.

• mpg1 or 2 are video compression format better than avi. mpg3 are audio files and new file format mpg4 are for both audio and video files.

• eps (encapsulated postscript), drw, wmf, cmx and cdr are examples of file types used with vector programs. 

• DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is a standard that has been developed for medical and dental images (x-rays or visible light images) allowing  the electronic transfer of  images from one machine to another, between different platforms such as Windows or Mac, from one application to another, and on a variety of memory devices, such as CDs and SmartMedia cards.
  
   Be sure that any imaging product that you buy (x-ray or visible light) is Dicom-conformant.   This encodes the image into a standard format which includes patient name, date of image and the tooth number when placed into a file type.

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