B-Bit VS 11-Bit Softcopy Display for Radiology: Diagnostic Accuracy and Visual Search Efficiency

摘要

The study compared observer performance and visual search efficiency of radiologists searching for pulmonary nodules on 8-bit vs 11-bit display devices. Scope: Displays from three manufacturers were used at three sites. At each site, 6 radiologists viewed 100 chest images (half with, half without nodules) on both displays. Decisions were recorded as were viewing times and use of window/level. At one site, eye-position was recorded on a sub-set of images to evaluate visual search. Major findings: There was no significant difference in diagnostic performance as a function of display bit-depth. There was a slight viewing time advantage with the 11-bit display and the visual search data indicated it was likely due to increased efficiency in first fixating the nodules and shorter time to discriminate them from background. Time to dismiss obviously normal areas was also shorter. There was no difference in use of window/level. Conclusions: There are no significant advantages to using an 11-bit display for interpreting softcopy radiographic images.