The effect of fixed eye adaptation when using displays with a high luminance range

Abstract

Calibration of medical review displays according to the part 14 Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF) is important in order to obtain consistency in displayed image quality since display technology and viewing conditions may vary substantially. Unfortunately, the purpose of the GSDF calibration is best suited for low luminance range conditions but is not optimal when using modern displays with a high luminance range. Low contrast objects will then obtain a greater visibility in mid-gray areas compared to similar objects in bright or dark regions. In this study, low contrast sinusoidal patterns were displayed on a high luminance range monitor under realistic viewing conditions. In order to simulate the viewing of an x-ray image with both dark and bright regions displayed simultaneously, the luminance of the patterns ranged from 2 to 600 cd/m 2 while the observers were always adapted to the logarithmic average of 35 cd/m 2 . The results show a clear relationship between the patterns deviation from the adaptation luminance level and the necessary contrast required to detect the pattern. The results also indicate the potential for an improvement in the lowcontrast detectability over a large luminance range by adjusting the GSDF for the limited eye adaptation.