Display Controllers

The primary function of the display controller is to supply digital driving levels to the display in a format consistent with DICOM Part 3.14. The controller is part of a complete grayscale display system, but can also be purchased separately.

Matching the proper display and controller to your imaging applications requires experience and expertise to avoid software conflicts, unnecessary downtime delays and complete system integrity.

Our display systems representatives can guide you through the process of selecting the most appropriate display controller for every medical imaging application.

Grayscale Display Controllers

The grayscale display controller is the driving force behind most PACS display systems. Before choosing grayscale displays, make certain the graphics controller will function properly with your PACS software.

It is important to ensure the grayscale controller physically fits into the designated workstation platform and that it uses a communication BUS (PCI, PCI-E, AGP) available in your workstation.

NOTE: Many high-cost, proprietary grayscale controllers are often equipped with slower graphics processing units (GPUs) than commercial controllers. They are also usually more costly to repair and/or replace.

DICOM-Compliant Display Controllers

Many DICOM-compliant display controllers can drive color LCDs with vivid color, while also maintaining the capability of rendering grayscale images in a DICOM-compliant format.

While not for every situation, these display controllers are excellent for clinical review workstations and any situation where color displays are employed primarily for viewing grayscale images.

NOTE: Be sure the controller uses a communication BUS (PCI, PCI-E, AGP) available in your workstation and that it will physically fit into the workstation platform.

Commercial Display Controllers

Most of today's PACs workstations also require a commercial display controller to drive the navigation or worklist display (in addition to the grayscale display controller required to drive your grayscale displays). In most scenarios, a low-cost, 2-D color video card is the most suitable option.

NOTE: When selecting a commercial controller, make sure it has no driver conflicts with the greyscale display controller, physically fits into the workstation, and contains a modifiable look-up table that can be calibrated to DICOM. (This will ensure any small matrix images viewed on the worklist display are DICOM compliant).

3D Display Controllers

Medical imaging has reaped the benefits of high speed 3-D video cards developed for the gaming industry. These display controllers are manufactured using open standards, and are now commonly used to drive high resolution greyscale displays with remarkable results.

The ability to render 3-D images at high speeds makes these controllers the perfect choice for multi-purpose diagnostic imaging workstations that employ 3-D post processing software, as well as standard viewing applications.

NOTE: As with other commercially available display controllers, be sure it will physically fit into the workstation and contains a modifiable look-up table that can be calibrated to DICOM.