Visual search patterns during diagnosis of repeatedly displayed mammograms

The visual processes that mammographers use during diagnosis are poorly understood. We use an unobtrusive, near-infra red eye tracking system to follow both gaze direction and pupil size as mammographic experts evaluate conventional mammograms. In this study we consider how these processes change with repeated display of the same mammograms. The purpose of this study is to determine if cognitive processes, such as mental recall, effect visual search patterns. Results include pupillary constriction in the majority of true positive diagnoses, pupillary constriction while dwelling in those true positive locations, and a rapid return of the gaze to microcalcification regions on the second and third showing of several mammograms