Cambridge Research Systems, Ltd. is one of the leaders in tools for vision science.  By combining engineering expertise with innovation, cutting edge technology, and on-going collaboration with valued academic partners, Cambridge designs and develops innovative new tools that enable the advancement of vision sciences and visual stimulus delivery.

One of the unique tools they offer for vision science is an MR Safe LCD Display, BOLDscreen.  They engineered BOLDscreen from the ground up, to provide the superior image quality necessary for vision research: super high brightness, high contrast, and high resolution stimuli.  It’s the only display with no time lag, integrated calibration and, of course, no interference with the scanner – even when positioned right at the exit of the bore!

BOLDscreen is easier to set up than a projector, has lower maintenance costs, and is significantly cheaper than goggles.  It integrates the Cambridge Research Systems AudioFile digital audio processor, eye tracker, and the other made for fMRI devices from the Cambridge Research Systems, Ltd. range.

Other features of the BOLDscreen displays include superior image quality, ease of installation and integration, and no interference with the scans.  Cambridge offers a LCD 24inch display for 3T fMRI and a 24inch 3D LED LCD display for fMRI.

Display Characteristics:

  • 24″ 1920 x 1200 full color H-IPS LCD with fixed 60Hz frame rate
  • Native 8-bit color resolution, true color 16.7 million display
  • Light output is synchronous to the input video signal
  • Digital DVI video input delivers high fidelity noise-free displays
  • Super bright LED matrix backlight
  • Typical contrast ratio 1000:1
  • Typical spatial uniformity 2% over central 75% of display area
  • Typical grey-to-grey response time 5ms
  • Normal switching frequency of the backlight is 75kHz
  • Automatic compensation of brightness for temperature and ageing
  • Image can be flipped to correct for viewing via a mirror

FAQ's

BOLDscreen fMRI display (7)

a

Can I put the BOLDScreen at the end of the bore if the scanner has a bed with a track protruding from the rear of the bore?

As with some scanners you may be left with a protruding rail or track. For appropriate positioning of the BOLDScreen it is suggested that you purchase a trolley with articulating arm, which will allow for offset fixation and easy adjustment for optimal monitor placement. Please see our trolley/stand options.

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How do you view the monitor while in the scanner?

Traditionally the BOLDScreen is placed at the rear of the scanner at the end of the bore. The monitor can be viewed with an OEM “viewing mirror” that mounts to the headcoil, these are usually included from the manufacturer of the headcoil. Depending on the size of your scanner’s bore (e.g. 60, 70cm), you may need to offset the BOLDScreen for full field of view. For a 60cm bore scanner, you may have to displace the position roughly one foot.

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Can my standard PC “drive” the BOLDScreen 32?

Most “standard” PC’s are adequately suited for driving the BOLDScreen 32 if they offer a dual-link DVI output. For laptops this can often be achieved by the use of a DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter. It is important to determine in advance whether your laptop offers a DisplayPort output for this purpose. If you are using a desktop PC then be certain that you have a video card with dual-link DVI, I only repeat this as it is rather important. If you are going through the process of setting up a new PC, I would suggest going with an NVIDEA video card as these are best suited for full functionality (e.g. dithering schemes) of the BOLDScreen 32.

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Do I need to have an electrical outlet in the MR scan room for the BOLDScreen 32?

No, the power supply is meant to be powered from outside the MR scan room. A voltage converter unit (VCU) with RF filter is supplied which is to be mounted within the penetration panel, most often between the equipment room and scan room. An 11mm hole (BNC sized) is required for the mounting of the VCU.

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How long is the video cabling for the BOLDScreen 32?

The BOLDScreen 32 comes standard with 30 meters of fiber optic cabling (duplex LC/SC), other lengths are possible as this fiber optic cable is available online through various sources. Some choose to run this around the periphery of the scan room, while others prefer to run it through conduit or channeling in the ceiling and have it dropped at the rear of the bore.

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How close to the scanner can the BOLDScreen 32 be placed?

The CRS BOLDScreen units have been specifically designed to be directly placed at the rear of the bore of the scanner, without any distance constraints. The BOLDScreen 32 is compatible with scanners with a field strength up to 7T, while the BOLDScreen 23 and 24 are compatible with those up to 3T.

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What comes standard with the BOLDScreen 32?

BOLDScreen 32 setup, this consist of: monitor, fiber optic cabling (30 meters), DVI/fiber optic converter, adjustable height aluminum tripod/stand, and power supply and MR friendly converter unit. Often users will opt to purchase a trolley for portability and versatility in setup.