Purpose
The purpose of this blog is to understand the use of Digital imaging and the purpose that it has in society. It is also imperative to grasp an understanding of terminology within Digital imaging. This blog will also explore the pluses and minuses of digital imaging in relation to traditional film based and what some of the ethical issues might be with the distribution of digital imaging. Finally discussing the ways in which digital imaging is used in the practise of occupational therapy.
Introduction
Digital imaging is used through-out society to provide information to a particular audience. The certain devices that people in society today use to capture images for a variety of reasons consist of video cameras, laptops, and hand held devices such as camera phones or digital cameras. A digital camera is an electronic device which captures and stores the photos (some cases videos), electronically in a digital format. Ways in which information is stored, transferred and used.
Soft ware is the “collection of computer programs and related data that provides instructions of telling a computer what to do” (Wikipedia, 2011). Some examples of software’s are listed below.
· Application Wares- These consist on programs that get down loaded onto the computer or inserted such as word processer, video games, media player or centre, photo shop and i tunes.
· Middle wares are a form of soft ware which controls the distribution of information for instance the local memory and message passing among programs.
· Test wares, are anti viral programs, or control programs to test the software.
· Hard ware is the “general term for the physical artefacts’ of a technology, as well as the physical components of a computer system” (Wikipedia,2011). Some examples of hardware’s are listed below.
- Terminals and connectors
- Cable assemble
- Switches
- Resister
- Power Sources
- Display technologies.
Digital Imaging in the form of Work
Digital imaging is used through-out society for a range of purposes. People use it in work related situations to provide and record information. One particular work setting is in medical based practises. In this setting there are hundreds of digital images that are taken, however many can’t be retrieved. However in 2002 there was a new computer system called PACS which allows for digital images to be sent to multiple computers ranging from both inside and outside the setting.
PACS stands for,
P- Picture, digital diagnostic image
A-Archiving, electronic storage and retrieval
C- Communication, complete network with multiple access points
S-System, controlled by integrated technology
It is providing information to be analysed in a work related setting for the purpose of informing those whom are of concern as well as maintaining a record. This way if it is manually lost there is another coy, which is easy to access. The main forms of imaging that go through this program are CT scans and MRIs.Link to Healthinformatics article called ‘Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine’. (DICOM). This article provides descriptions of DICOM and the application of them in the medical settings. Outlining the benefits it provides to the client and the successful running of hospitals, clinics, dentists, and others healthcare providers. http://healthinformatics.wikispaces.com/Digital+Imaging+and+Communications
Digital Imaging in the form of Play
Digital imaging can be used in the form of play. Play is described as an “occupation selected for amusement, recreation, diversion, sport or frolic”, (Christiansen, Townsend, 2004). Therefore is could be assumed that uploading images on your face book, twitter, my space account or other sites is done for play, if this occupation is deemed enjoyable. This is a source that informs people of your latest actions, and acts as an archive, on your profile page.
Link to Picture Social The network for Photographs. On this site members share knowledge, and learn through displaying their photos, critiquing others, discussing equipments through blogging.
Digital Imaging in the form of Record Keeping (Family)
The finial way that digital imaging can be used is in the way of family. Capturing photos of family have been around since people were painting pictures of the famous and adored. As technology has developed so has the method in which we obtain and store photos. The purpose has not changed, as it is still done to demonstrate growth and maturity of the ones involved. It holds a sentimental value to those whom it is important to, it an electronic way, followed by developing the digital image, opposed to traditional film. It allows for a record to be kept of the ones whom we love, and the ones we have lost creating an outline of ones achievements.
Link to HP Digital Photography which brings you an article called ‘Take better family Portraits and Photos’.Provides all the information on family photos the purpose, advise on taking them, how to use them, and share them.
“A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature”
The statement “technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature” in relation to digital cameras could be implying that although every six months a new model of digital camera comes out, they still hold the same purposeful meaning as what they once did and that was to capture and retain information. They all have the ability to capture photos, however the most significant feature currently in the lime light in the size that they come in. It has been the latest ‘rave’ to have technological devices as small as possible, but maintaining the highest quality of picture.
With each product out there on the market there is always something similar that we chose to compare it to. In this case digital cameras verses traditional film based cameras what are the pluses and minuses of each of them.
Digital cameras are currently, a ‘need to have’ product. The price of buying one is decreasing by the month. There are constantly new colours, functions, and models, but the most important factor that is the size in which they come, is said to be drawing the most costumers. There is no film that is required in a digital cameras and one memory card allows approximately 350 photos to be taken, which is around 15 rolls of film. Users have the ability to print the photos when they want, and have the ability to view photos for instance feedback on the quality of the shot taken, providing the user the opportunity to delete it before printing. They are portable and easy to share and you can take as many as you like without creating wastage. However though, there are potential drawbacks on digital cameras. Some would say the complexity of it makes them difficult to use, as there are so many functions on digital cameras these days, resulting in them having to learn more. Digital cameras were created with the intension of the buyer owning a computer to use in conjunction with it, and it can’t be assumed that everybody does own a computer. At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and what you as the customer are going to use the camera for. Each writer, observer and user is bias in their view, and has their own justifications and reasoning’s behind what they value in and within a camera.
Ethical issues with distribution of digital images
Ethical issues seemed to arise over the “nature of creativity, representation, ownership, profit and service and the application of new technologies” (Katzensten, 2010). This is affected by cultural preference political view and individual personality.
One particular issue that arises is the potential to be harassed by disturbing photos. Users are increasing the likely-hood of people finding out who they are, what they do, where they go, and who their friends are. All of these things can be expressed in a photo. There have been thousands of stories of people being picked on, abused, teased and humiliated through social networking sites. There have also been cases of predators targeting young girls, and pretending to be someone they are not resulting in law breaking actions. The access and security can be weaken by the choices that users make, however it doesn’t stop the potential for things to occur.
The other large ethical issue that society needs to be aware of is, photo manipulation. This technique is used to deceive or persuade the viewer, to want a particular product and this is done in the form of photo representation. It is widely used in magazine industry making the product subject more desirable resulting in self esteem issues among men and women. However it has the same affect online. Men and women are consistently wishing they were able to altar something in their life or body, and manipulation of photos can lead them into a false sense of security often resulting in them feeling worse, or have money stolen from them. The risks are high with disclosing information online such as name, age, town and phone and credits card numbers.
Link to New Zealand Herald article called ‘ School face new cyber bullying menace’
It outlines the potential problems when young children get hold of technology and misuse it. It is a story of a New Zealand boy who was affected by technology being misused.
Link to Occupational Therapy
Digital images are used to enhance clients learning in the practice of occupational therapy. They can be used to allow communication between the client and therapist and provide simple question and answer learning from the client. For example, asking the colour, shape, noise, and name. It can also be used with clients whom have memory disorders.
References
Christiansen, CH,. Towsend, EA. ( 2004). Introduction to occupations; The Art and Science of living, (2Ed), Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Katzenstien, B. (2010). Ethical Issues in photograpgy. Retreieved on 22nd March 2011 from
Woulfe, C. (2006). Schools face new cyber bullying Menace, New Zealand Herald, New Zealand, Electronic copy, Retrieved on 23rd March 2011, from
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10383882
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