ROC and contrast detail image evaluation tests compared

Using both contrast detail and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) evaluation tests, we evaluated different quality images, produced with different film-screen combinations. ROC curves were obtained for six observers who were attempting to detect lung nodules and pulmonary infiltrates. The contrast detail curves were obtained from images of regular circular test patterns of differing contrast, which had been presented to the observers. Our results indicate that contrast detail tests can be used for relative ranking of image systems prior to detailed ROC testing.