Ea. Krupinski et H. Roehrig, The influence of a perceptually linearized display on observer performanceand visual search, ACAD RADIOL, 7(1), 2000, pp. 8-13
Rationale and Objectives, The purpose of this study was to determine whethe
r perceptual linearization of the tone scale affects the detection and visu
al search behaviors of radiologists searching mammograms for masses and mic
rocalcifications. A perceptually linearized display is designed to match th
e capabilities of the human visual system more closely than a nonlinearized
display.
Materials and Methods. Six radiologists viewed 50 pairs of mammograms, once
on a perceptually linearized cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitor and once on a
nonlinearized CRT monitor. Eye position also was recorded as the observers
searched the images for masses and microcalcifications.
Results. Observer performance was significantly (P = .003) better with the
perceptually linearized display. Dwell times associated with true-negative
decisions were significantly longer with use of the nonlinearized display.
The number of fixation clusters generated during search was also greater wi
th use of the nonlinearized display for the lesion-free images.
Conclusion, A perceptually linearized display yields better detection perfo
rmance and a more efficient visual search. Perceptually linearized displays
should be used for reading radiographs displayed on CRT monitors.