Encoding Medical Images via Bit Segmentation for Web Compatibility

The patent divides the 16-bit medical image into multiple 8-bit segments, where each segment represents a specific bit depth range (e.g., first 8 bits, next 8 bits). Each segment is then compressed separately using standard web protocols. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compatibility with 8-bit display devices while preserving the full 16-bit information across multiple segments, thereby resolving the contradiction between accessibility and image quality.

The patent converts 16-bit medical images into multiple 8-bit segments that can be processed and displayed by standard web browsers and common computing devices without requiring specialized software. By making the image data universal to standard 8-bit formats, the system eliminates the need for custom software deployment while maintaining image quality through proper segmentation and reconstruction techniques.

The patent segments the 16-bit image data into multiple 8-bit files, each containing a portion of the original bit depth information. This segmentation reduces the bit depth of individual files (improving compatibility and reducing per-file size) while preserving the complete 16-bit information across the set of segmented files. The image quality is maintained because all segments are transmitted and can be recombined to reconstruct the full-resolution image.

The patent uses standard web compression algorithms on segmented 8-bit image data, making the solution compatible with existing web infrastructure and browsers. This universal approach eliminates the need for custom compression algorithms while maintaining image quality through proper segmentation. The workflow integration is improved because standard web protocols and browsers can handle the compressed segments without requiring custom software or complex integration.