Exploring presentation methods for tomographic medical image viewing

This paper explores the presentation of tomographic medical images on a com puter screen. Limitations of the computer screen are apparent, as even a ve ry large computer monitor cannot display an entire study consisting of doze ns of images at once. Our objective is to propose filmless computer present ation methods for these images, in particular for magnetic resonance images . First, we observe the magnetic resonance image analysis task; in the trad itional light screen environment where presentation of many images has alwa ys been possible. We then pl propose solutions for meeting requirements in the computer environment. After implementation of these solutions we obtain user feedback on alternatives in order to determine feasibility and prefer ence. Observations reveal three requirement categories: user control of film mana gement, navigation of images and image series, and simultaneous availabilit y of detail and context. We developed a framework of detail-in-context-tech nique parameters for the purpose of viewing tomographic medical images and presented our solution directions to the radiologists for feedback. Results from the user feedback study support the feasibility of the proposed appro aches and clearly indicate the importance of presentation issues in the dev elopment of medical imaging viewing systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.