Kitasato University Medical Center

"i3 series" monitor CL-S200
Replacement of 50 units in total

Opened in 1989, Kitasato University Medical Center (KMC) has been designated as a regional medical care support hospital, disaster base hospital, and designated hospital for postgraduate clinical training responsible for leading regional healthcare of Saitama Prefecture. In 2019, KMC replaced monitors by the JVC’s latest "i3 series" 2 megapixel color LCD monitor CL-S200 with a total of 50 units. This time, we interviewed Mr. Tomoyuki Sakurai, a radiological technologist in Radiology Department, and Mr. Yuichi Tanaka, working in the Information System Management Department about the effectiveness.

Tomoyuki Sakurai (right)
Radiological technologist Chief

Yuichi Tanaka (left)
Information System Management Department

Background of installation

Central management realized by one software

Q;Kitasato University Medical Center started to introduce the filmless radiography in a very early time. Would you please tell us how did you change reading way from the film to the monitor?
A:Firstly, we introduced a DICOM server in 2000 with the use of JVC’s 3 megapixel monitors (former: TOTOKU) for image reading. After that, we installed 2 megapixel monitors (CCL256i2) to prompt the filmless radiography in 2008 and started full filmless operation. With the shift to filmless, JVC monitors were sequentially installed in hospitals such as outpatient wards and operating rooms. Before the installation of JVC monitors, we arranged demo monitors from several companies for doctors to evaluate each one and finally JVC monitors stood out. (Mr. Tanaka)

Q:KMC has been using JVC monitors since 2000. why did you still choose JVC for update this time?
A:We have been using JVC monitors (CCL256i2) for 7 years. It’s time to replace old ones, so we arranged the replacement around the update of the electronic medical record. Of course, the past performance and the cost were also important factors, but the biggest reason why we chose JVC again is the attractiveness of the software (PM Medivisor) that can realize central management for an easy handover. (Mr. Sakurai)

Installed system

● 2 megapixel 21.3” color monitor CL-S200 50 units
23 units in examination rooms, 10 units in outpatient wards, 3 units in Radiology Department, 14 units in operating rooms.

● Complied with DICOM Part 14 realized highly accurate reproduction of grayscale gradation during monochrome image diagnosis without being affected by aging.
● Dynamic Gamma function (Patent No. 6277984) recognizes color images automatically to provide optimized contrast, brightness and gamma. No user intervention is required.
● A variety of built-in sensors contribute to higher image quality and control power saving.
● DisplayPort 1.2a compatible input/output interfaces allow daisy chain connection.

Effectiveness of installation

Effective Dynamic Gamma function
A good design for image quality and space saving

Q:The CL-S200 newly equipped with a dynamic gamma function that identifies monochrome or color images in pixel units and displays medical images with optimal gradation. I think it is an essential feature for today's multi-modality imaging, how do you feel about this function?
A:The dynamic gamma function is very useful. It provides the suitable gradation for endoscopic images and RI images which hasn’t always been displayed with the optimal gradation. This is a very convenient function for a radiological technologist who detects images. (Mr. Sakurai)
Q:The contrast ratio is further improved from the previous model. (1400:1 → 1800:1) How about the image quality?
A:The contrast is better than before, and it is very easy to see. I personally feel that images became more crispy and sharper. (Mr. Sakurai)

Q:In order to reduce eye strain, it is equipped with an auto text mode function that automatically adjusts the screen brightness according to the size of the white area during texting.
A:Although I have not used it for long time, I would like to use the brightness adjustment function called auto text mode that suppresses the glare when displaying a document. I'm expecting this feature because I often see a dazzling white background when I open a document on a medical

monitor. I would like to try it in the future and deploy it in the hospital. (Mr. Sakurai)
Q:The i3 series has a completely new design, and the stand base has become even smaller, thinner and lighter.
A:The slim design makes the installation easier and allows a wider working space. Also, since it has a built-in power supply, there is no need to worry about where to place the AC adapter. The CL-S200 was also installed in the radiology department, giving a smart impression. (Mr. Sakurai)

Improvement of the efficiency of quality assurance

Q:How do you perform the quality assurance?
A:The software (QA Medivisor Agent) for monitor QA (Quality Assurance) is installed and managed on image reading monitors. Since the decrease in brightness is unperceivable, the automatic management of calibration is very beneficial. We check the status of multiple monitors with PM Medivisor every morning and perform the quality assurance on each mammography diagnostic monitor every day. (Mr. Sakurai)

Q:How is the usability of the software?

A:The user interface of QA Medivisor Agent has become more graphical than the conventional quality assurance software with larger characters, which is easier to use. Since PM Medivisor is a web browser application, it can be viewed anywhere in the hospital and the status of monitors can be checked immediately, so it is very convenient for the Radiology Department and Information System Management Department to easily share information. (Mr. Sakurai)

Q:What do you expect from JVC?

A:Both the monitors and software installed this time were of high quality, and there were no problems at all. We are pleased with JVC’s services from pre-confirmation to the installation. (Mr. Tanaka)

We are also very satisfied with the quality assurance software, as you are always meeting our requirements on the upgrade. (Mr. Sakurai)

Thank you very much.
(Interviewed in September 2019)

User’s Profile

Established in 1989 in a verdant setting, and embracing compassionate treatment as its motto, Kitasato University Medical Center offers safe, cutting-edge healthcare. KMC practices team medicine through the collaboration of physicians and medical staff. As a comprehensive medical-care institution, the hospital continues to educate and train future generations of medical practitioners. Furthermore, by maintaining the most advanced medical equipment, in a fully developed medical environment, and KMC provides dependable healthcare to the regional community.

Kitasato University Medical Center
https://www.kitasato-u.ac.jp/kmc-hp/english/index.html