The Human Eye Meets AI: The Science of Perception and How VideaAI Elevates X-Ray Review

Am I Seeing Things?

Has that question ever crossed your mind after a long day of reviewing radiographs? You might be seeing things—or not. It all comes down to how we as humans perceive images. Remember the viral sensation of "The Dress" back in 2015, where some saw blue and black while others saw white and gold? That moment sparked significant research into human vision. Spoiler alert: it’s all in your brain.

This phenomenon revealed just how differently each person interprets an image. This is especially true in diagnostic x-rays, where interpretation can vary widely. Such variability highlights the importance of using tools that accurately and consistently enhance images rather than relying on generic AI sharpening algorithms. In this blog, we’ll explore how individual perception affects diagnostic imaging and how combining provider expertise with AI can lead to better patient outcomes.

The Human Eye and Variability in Image Interpretation

The human eye processes images through a complex interaction of light, the retina, and the brain. Just like using only a camera lens wouldn’t be helpful in capturing a photo, only having a part of the eye, like the Iris, wouldn’t do much good. While our eyes capture the same visual information, our brains interpret it differently based on prior experiences, cognitive biases, and focus on specific details. This variability poses challenges when interpreting medical images, including x-rays. What one practitioner views as significant, another might overlook or deem less important.

Even trained professionals vary in their diagnostic interpretations due to these perceptual differences. 

This is why relying solely on generic AI sharpening algorithms may not improve diagnostic accuracy. Such algorithms may over-exaggerate regions of the image that it correlates to oral disease and suppress other areas – a dangerous pattern that is prone to error if the AI makes mistakes. 

In the case of "The Dress," it was this brain processing that caused people to perceive the colors differently. Depending on the assumed lighting, the brain alters the color perception, an effect known as color constancy. The eye merely delivers light to the brain, which does the actual "seeing." Similarly, interpreting an X-ray is not just about what the eyes see but how the brain processes it.

The Power of AI and Provider Expertise

When it comes to interpreting x-rays, AI offers consistency, but it can't match a human’s ability to contextualize information. This is where the combination of human expertise and AI shines. AI can process images consistently, while human practitioners can interpret nuances and contextual clues to deliver more accurate diagnoses.

Human Variability in Image Interpretation

• Perceptual Differences: Even though the eyes capture the same visual information, the brain’s interpretation varies between individuals due to:some text
  • Cognitive Biases: Prior experience, knowledge, and expectations shape how one interprets an image.
  • Attention: Practitioners focus on different aspects of an image based on their training and experience.
  • Visual Acuity and Sensitivity: Differences in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color perception can alter a practitioner’s ability to spot abnormalities.

This variability explains why more experienced dentists tend to be more accurate on average in their X-ray diagnostics. However, as shown in previous studies on one of our blogs, AI can enhance diagnostic abilities regardless of a provider’s experience level.

VideaAI: Enhancing the Right Details

VideaAI go beyond basic image sharpening. Our custom-tuned algorithms are designed to highlight clinically significant areas in dental x-rays, providing a clearer, more consistent diagnostic tool. 

Why VideaAI?

Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all sharpening across images, VideaAI’s enhancements focus on critical diagnostic areas. This ensures that the most relevant details stand out without unnecessary noise or distortion. The result? A consistent, clear view of essential clinical features.

• Providers trust our curated image quality and retain diagnostic autonomy: VideaHealth customizes image quality settings to a practice's personal configuration PMS/sensor/personal preferences, allowing for higher accuracy and consistency without the risk of suppressing important details. Ultimately, what that means is that it gives more provider autonomy. 
• Diagnostic consistency improves with AI: AI models like VideaAI offer more consistent analysis than humans because they are trained on vast datasets and are unaffected by cognitive biases. This can improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the chances of subtle abnormalities being missed due to human variability.

‍Read our latest blog to learn more about VideaAI’s ability to improve clinical consistency. 

AI can process an entire image quickly, while humans tend to focus on one area at a time. Yet, humans excel in drawing high-level conclusions from the broader context—this synergy between AI and human expertise leads to the most accurate diagnostics.

Meeting and Exceeding Industry Standards

Generic AI sharpening algorithms, like those from competitors, offer basic enhancements but do not guarantee better diagnostic outcomes. In fact, there are no clinical studies showing a reduction in variation in caries detection across clinicians, with AI-based sharpening being superior for diagnostic accuracy in dentistry. VideaAI, on the other hand, meets and exceeds industry standards by providing a best-in-class set-up for your imaging needs.

As dental practices and DSOs continue to grow and evolve, maintaining high diagnostic consistency and quality across multiple providers becomes increasingly vital. Relying on generic AI sharpening solutions may introduce more variability rather than reduce it. VideaAI’s Curated Image Enhancement offers a tailored solution that ensures diagnostic accuracy and clarity in every X-ray.

In today’s world of dental AI, the goal isn’t just to enhance the image—it’s to consistently enhance the right details to empower better diagnostic decisions.

Ready to Experience VideaAI?

Ready to experience the benefits of VideaAI? Contact us today for a demo and see how our custom-tuned technology can elevate your diagnostic imaging and improve patient outcomes.