This research proposal addresses consistent color and consistent grayscale presentation for digital color displays used in medical image interpretation. Currently, radiographic images such as chest, bone, and mammography are usually not viewed on color monitors because the spatial resolution, contrast resolution and maximum luminance are not adequate. Evidence suggests that diagnostic accuracy for these images are affected negatively when displayed on color compared to monochrome displays. Nevertheless, color monitors are quickly entering the market for displaying grayscale and color information. In pathology and telemedicine, color displays are required because of the inherent color in pathology and dermatology images, but there are no validated methods available to reliably calibrate these color displays. A calibration protocol that includes both a grayscale and color calibration methods for color displays would benefit medical imaging greatly. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop and implement such a protocol. After revising the proposal to a duration of 2 years and a budget for a direct cost of $ 250,000 per year (or a total direct-cost of $ 500,000), the overall goal is still Consistent color and grayscale presentation for digital color displays used in medical image interpretation.
The objective of medical imaging is for the radiologist to diagnose a disease by viewing clinical images on a display. In the past radiographic images such as chest, bone, and mammography were viewed on monochrome monitors as the imaging technology was mainly generating monochrome images. Nevertheless early on after the establishment of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) the monochrome monitors were DICOM (Digital Information and Communication) calibrated in order for the radiologist to better recognize subtle differences in shades of gray as signs of differences between healthy tissue and diseased tissue. Now color monitors are quickly entering the market for displaying grayscale as well as color information. In Pathology, Tele-Dermatology and Tele-Medicine, color displays are required because of the inherent color in pathology and dermatology images. In addition fusing and 3-D techniques require color displays. Now, similarly to the grayscale calibration one needs a color calibration protocol. Otherwise the radiologist will not recognize subtle color differences which represent the differences between the healthy and the diseased tissue. At this time there is no generally accepted color calibration protocol available for color displays in the medical imaging arena. It is the objective of this proposed project to achieve such a color calibration protocol.
| Krupinski, Elizabeth A; Silverstein, Louis D; Hashmi, Syed F et al. (2012) Observer performance using virtual pathology slides: impact of LCD color reproduction accuracy. J Digit Imaging 25:738-43 |
