Displays: A Look Inside
These 'windows on the radiology world' are growing in sophistication and applications. Flat-panel displays are gaining favor with their higher pixel counts and easier siting as radiologists strive to find the best means to view complex patient images.Barco (Booth #8537) is debuting at RSNA 2004 its next-generation Nio. The display systems, available in 2 megapixel (MP), 3MP and 5MP resolutions as well as single- and dual-head configurations, are enhanced with a BarcoMed Nio display controller, which features Barco's AURA technology, and NioWatch QA software.
Barco also is introducing the DICOM Theater Lite and DICOM Theater Pro medical grade projection systems. Barco's compact DICOM Theater Lite offers a native SXGA+ resolution (1400x1050), high contrast (2000:1), comfortable light output (2,000 Ansi Lumen) and crisp images. DICOM Theater Pro, Barco's new flagship system, is bundled with a powerful MGP 15 projector, a dedicated BarcoMed display controller, MediCal Pro QA software and can be combined with one or more flat-panel displays.
Siemens Display Technologies (Booth #7144) is bringing its SMfit ACT (automatic calibration tool) software package to RSNA. The software is now available in two versions - in addition to monochrome displays, SMfit ACT Calibration calibrates color CRT monitors and color LCD displays. For this purpose, a universal photometer (universal luminescence meter) has been developed. In addition, the new SMfit remote software activates conformance checks for remotely installed displays.
Planar Systems Inc. (Booth #8308) is rolling out its Dome Surgery Review Cart, which is available in four monitor resolutions and capable for use in hospital operating rooms for referral viewing of modalities including x-ray, CT, MR, nuclear and ultrasound. All carts are equipped with Planar's Dome CXtra software which enables administrators and IT staff to monitor display performance and calibration from a central location. The carts feature a Planar video card, an easy-to-clean cart that holds a keyboard and mouse on a height- and angle-adjustable tray and a mounting bracket that secures a mini-tower CPU securely to the cart, which the customer must supply.
NEC-Mitsubishi Electronics Display (Booth #6903) is introducing its NEC MultiSync MD Series, a family of medical-grade LCDs designed for diagnostic imaging. The medically certified 21.3 inch, grayscale 2MP and 3MP displays feature the X-Light backlight system, which allows for consistent brightness and white point levels throughout the life of the monitor.
Ampronix Inc. (Booth #6427) is showcasing its new True View Stereoscopic that combines CT images and presurgical planning for added dimension of depth. The extra visual dimension allows users to better analyze complex structures, plan surgery, map geographical data, and simulate experiences in virtual reality. Physicians can use their CAD model while working with it or can hook up a stereo camera or endoscope to the computer and see real-time 3D video.
Eizo Nanao Technologies Inc. (Booth #4159) is highlighting at RSNA RadiNET Pro, a network QA management software for monitors distributed throughout a hospital. The software, designed for mid- to large-sized facilities, offers a number of technical features such as a web-based interface, network simultaneous calibration and Windows 2000 server compatibility. The software can manage a network of up to 8,000 monitors, generate reports for DIN, AAPM and JIS standards, and provide asset management of PCs, graphics boards and monitors.
RadiNET Pro stores the history data from each monitor on the server and provides immediate access to this data. Administrators can recognize potential problems and manage the displays remotely. The software will be commercially available in mid-December, Eizo Nanao said.
National Display Systems (Booth #8558) is debuting four new products at RSNA. The new AXIS I and II (1.3 and 2 megapixel) radiology displays have six factory preset calibration settings and one user definable luminance/contrast ratio, all without the need for a light meter, according to National Display. AXIS stands for accurate x-ray imaging system. A simple mouse click with MD-Cal software changes the calibration setting within seconds.
National Display also is introducing the PrimeVue 2 Megapixel color display rated at 400cd/m2 with DICOM compliance from 200 to 400cd/m2 from any commercial video card with digital output (DVI-I, 3x8-bit). The 20.1 inch MVA technology UXGA (1600x1200) AM-LCD display provides superior off-axis viewing, color saturation and industry leading response times, the company said.
The next new item is the PrimeVue 3 Megapixel color display rated at 325 cd/m2 with DICOM compliance from 200 to 325 cd/m2 from the RealVision 3mp video card at True-Color 24-bit accuracy. It is a 20.8 inch DIPS technology QXGA (2048x1536) AM-LCD display.
Lastly, National Display is demonstrating INTegrity network Quality Control (QC) software in real-time running in parallel with PACS software.
Quest International, Inc. (RSNA booth #5147) is showcasing new products from NEC as a result of a new partnership formed last month. The products include 40" large-screen LCDs and the MultiSync MD Series Medical-Grade LCDs, which will be available in the fourth quarter.
U.S. Electronics Inc. (Booth #8100) is debuting 3MP color and 3MP monochrome Totoku flat-panel displays with internal front-mounted front luminance and environmental luminance sensors for DICOM calibration. Also new will be 2MP color and monochrome Totoku LCDs also with front sensors, as well as a new 17" color LCD for non-medical applications.
Image Systems Corp. (Booth #8107) is launching an array of products at RSNA, including a dual-head 2MP display system with CFS (calibration feedback system) software. The system demonstrates remote diagnostics and hands-free DICOM calibration. A quad head 3MP grayscale diagnostic system driven by a Matrox Graphics 3MP MED-DVI controller card will be exhibited.
For mammography, a dual-head 5MP grayscale display system with a Matrox 5MP MED-DVI controller card will be presented. A 24-inch color display system also is being exhibited.
Double Black Imaging (Booth #3353) is releasing a 1.3MP color, 2MP color and 1.3MP monochrome to round off its Wide "M" series of displays. All systems feature an electronic front sensor that emerges from the bezel then retracts when calibration is complete. The Wide displays are designed for use with the automatic calibration software and Remote Administrative software package for DICOM 3.14 calibration and remote monitoring. All Wide LCDs have integrated backlight sensors that assure backlight consistency and minimize fluctuations in brightness caused by internal and environmental temperatures.
Richardson Electronics (Booth #6908) is showing new privacy LCD displays that are available in sizes range from 14" to 21" and display resolutions from 1024x768 to 1600x1200. Privacy displays enable a clear field of vision only to the person positioned directly in front of the monitor, from any other angle, others see a dark, blank screen. Applications for the healthcare market include: administration, nursing stations, pharmacies and reception areas - or anywhere confidential information is present. Each monitor carries a three-year warranty.