How is the contrast on the viewing monitor adjusted?

The adjustment of contrast on a viewing monitor is primarily achieved through controlling the window level. This refers to the technique used in digital imaging that determines the range of pixel values that are displayed in the dynamic range of the monitor.

When adjusting the window level, the operator specifies which pixel values will be represented by the grayscale displayed on the monitor. Lower pixel values correspond to darker areas, and higher pixel values correspond to lighter areas. By manipulating the window level, the contrast of the image can be increased or decreased, allowing for better differentiation of structures within the image. This is particularly important in fields such as radiography, where distinguishing between different types of tissues or pathology is crucial for diagnosis.

Adjustments in brightness or image resolution do not specifically modify the contrast of the image. Brightness relates to the overall lightness or darkness of the image rather than the differentiation between varying levels of density. Similarly, image resolution pertains to the amount of detail visible in the image, which does not impact contrast directly. Modifying the pixel matrix involves changing the arrangement or quality of the pixels, but it does not directly influence how contrast is perceived on the monitor.