Final answer:
Lossless compression is the term for image compression that allows a restored image to reach its full original resolution. This is distinct from lossy compression, which reduces file size by permanently discarding data, potentially degrading image quality. Lossless is preferred in medical imaging due to the need for high image accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of storing digital fluoro-spot images in a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), the type of image compression that allows a restored image to be returned to its full original resolution is termed lossless compression. Unlike lossy compression, which permanently removes some data to reduce file size and can affect image quality, lossless compression ensures that all original data can be perfectly reconstructed from the compressed image. Digital cameras often use different terms for compression, referring to file sizes or quality percentages, which correlates with how much compression is applied and how this affects the image's fidelity.
For instance, a high quality photo set at 100% will have little or no compression and retain all the original data, ensuring that image quality remains unaffected. On the other hand, a photo with a quality of 60% has undergone a 40% compression, implying some data has been discarded which can lead to a loss in image quality. This concept is critical in medical imaging, where the accuracy and detail of images are paramount, therefore lossless compression is preferred for storing digital fluoro-spot images in PACS.