Eric Allan Brandser MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeffrey Todd Dardinger MD, MBA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate two different light weight, USB powered monitors, used in pairs with a laptop computer, for performance as a mobile three head workstation for viewing cross sectional examinations from PACS.

Two USB powered light weight monitors were reviewed; the AOC model e1649Fwu, (AOC, Freemont CA), and Toshiba Model PA3923U-2LC3, Toshiba America Information Systems, Irvine CA).  Both monitors were evaluated as pairs of the same monitor, both in landscape and portrait orientation.  Both monitors were evaluated with a Samsung G7 series (NP700Z5AH) laptop computer with 15.6" viewing screen, running Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.  Both monitors use LapLink Display adapter (LapLink Software, Bellevue WA) for display driver. Each system was evaluated by two independant radiologists, viewing CT and MRI examinations, with patient information redacted.  Each system was evaluated in landscape and portrait mode.  Each system was scored on a 1-5 grading scale compared to a fixed hospital based diagnostic workstation configured with 3 megapixel monitors.  A score of 1 indicates identical performance, 2 slightly degraded, 3 moderately degraded, 4 significantly degraded, and 5 severely degraded. Parameters of each system evaluated included monitor glare, brightness, viewing angle, and aspect ratio. Each system was also evaluated for physical size of monitors in storage configuration, and weight.

The AOC system had higher glare in both portrait and lanscape mode (3.5 v 2).  AOC brightness was better in both orientations (1 v 2).  Viewing angle was superior in both systems in landscape mode compared to portrait (4 v 1.5) and the AOC was slightly superior in portrait (3.5 v 4); both were similar in landscape mode.  Aspect ratio was slightly better with Toshiba (1. v 2) in portrait mode.  Software compensation yielded no difference between landscape and portrait. The paired AOC monitors weigh 1088 grams, and the Toshiba monitors weighed 755 grams, and the OEM cases increased weight to 1290 grams.

Both AOC and Toshiba monitors provide a viable option for increased screen size when viewing CT and MR images remotely.  Both systems suffer from viewing angle limitations, worse in portrait orientation.  AOC monitors have brighter screens but have glossy surface and more glare. 

Application of lightweight remote diagnostic 3 head viewing stations is feasible with current technology.

Brandser, E, Dardinger, J, Mobile Three Head Radiology Workstation: Comparison of Two USB Powered Lightweight Monitors.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12027750.html