JP2721152B2 - Window setting device for image data - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to, for example, window setting of image data for designating a necessary area in a diagnostic image such as an image reconstructed by a CT scanner. It concerns the device. (Prior Art) For example, an image reconstructed by an X-ray CT scanner is formed as pixel data of as many as 4000 tones according to the X-ray absorption coefficient of the composition at each position on the tomographic plane to be imaged. You. On the other hand, gray scales that can be identified by human vision are gray scales, that is, at most several tens of gray scales in black and white shading levels. Therefore, when performing a diagnosis while viewing a diagnostic image such as an image reconstructed by a CT scanner, specify the pixel data value (window level) to be used as a reference and the width (window width) of the pixel data value per gradation. There is a request to display the pixel data corresponding to the designated gray scale (shade level corresponding to the step of the CT value) for observation, and the window setting device sets a window which is a condition for that. It is for. Conventionally, this type of apparatus is set by the operation amount of a window switch provided on a console of a CT scanner. That is, the window switch is provided with two rotary knobs having relatively large diameters (for the window level WL and for the window width WW), and the rotary encoders are directly connected to the rotary shafts of the respective knobs. Then, the above knobs are respectively rotated forward and backward to set a window level WL and a window width WW. The window level WL and the window width WW are determined by sampling and counting output pulse signals of the rotary encoder generated in accordance with the operation direction and operation amount of each of the knobs, and determining the count values. That is, from each of the window width and window level rotary encoders, a pulse having a frequency corresponding to the operation speed of the knob is output together with a direction signal corresponding to the rotation operation direction of the knob. Are output as a sampling value .DELTA.WW for the window width and a sampling value .DELTA.WL for the window level, and are added and subtracted to obtain a window value. Thus, the window level WL and window width WW
Can be set by operating the above knobs, and a window having a desired window level WL and window width WW can be set. In such a conventional apparatus, the set value is obtained by sampling and counting the output pulse of the rotary encoder that is rotated in association with the operation of the knob, and the count value is used. , The output value increases in accordance with the speed at which the knob is turned. However, since the value corresponding to the manipulated variable becomes the set value, simply turning the above knob quickly reaches the target value,
The knob operation amount itself does not change. There is also a window setting device using a snap switch. This is provided with a snap switch for generating a pulse for coarse adjustment and a snap switch for generating a pulse for fine adjustment. When performing coarse adjustment, operate the snap switch for coarse adjustment to the positive (+) or negative (-) side. The output pulse is counted and coarsely adjusted to near the target amount. Then, the snap switch for fine adjustment is operated to the positive (+) or negative (-) side to count the output pulse and set the target amount. Is what you do. However, in this method, the setting operation is performed only at a fixed speed,
I can't. In addition, a method is also conceivable in which various switches corresponding to the values of the window level WL and the window width WW that can be set in advance are provided, and the setting can be performed by operating a target switch among the switches. According to this method, a desired target value can be set by a single operation, but since there are many types of switches, there is a problem of an area where the switches are provided. (Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, in the conventional practically used apparatus, when setting the window level WL and the window width WW, the operation amount according to the opening from the current setting value Minutes,
The knob must be operated, or the snap switch must be operated by an amount corresponding to the opening from the current set value. On the other hand, when a CT image is displayed for clinical use, or when an imager or a photograph is taken, the window value (the value of the window level and the window width) is, for example, "50".
It is often used by setting to a sharp value such as "100" or "150", and the value difference between the setting values to be used is large. However, in the conventional method as described above, the operation amount and time of the knob or the snap switch just to fill the gap between the set target value and the current set value are required, and when changing the setting, the operation is difficult and time is required. Take it. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the operability and shorten the setting time by automatically switching between coarse adjustment and fine adjustment according to the operation state of the knob, and to easily change the setting of the window value. To provide an image data window setting device. [Configuration of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows. That is, operating means capable of variably operating the operating direction and operating speed, determining means for determining whether the operating speed of the operating means is higher or lower than a predetermined speed, and determining the operating speed by the determining means When it is determined that the speed is greater than the predetermined speed, a first mode in which at least one of the window width and the window level is changed by the coarse adjustment amount is selected, and from the state of the first mode, the first mode is determined by the determination means. If it is determined that the operation speed has become lower than a predetermined speed, a second mode in which the window width and window level are not updated until the operation speed increases again or the operation speed becomes zero Is selected, and the operation speed is determined to be lower than a predetermined speed by the determination unit except in the case of the second mode. Selecting means for selecting a third mode in which at least one of the window width and the window level is changed by the fine adjustment amount; and when the first or third mode is selected by the mode selecting means, Setting means for setting at least one of a window width and a window level with a polarity corresponding to an operation direction of the operation means with an adjustment amount in the selected mode. (Operation) In such a configuration, when the operating means is operated,
The determination unit determines whether the operation speed of the operation unit is higher or lower than a predetermined speed. If the result of this determination is that the speed is greater than the predetermined speed, the first mode in which the window width (window level) is changed by the coarse adjustment amount is selected, and the window width (window width) is set to a polarity corresponding to the operating direction of the operating means. level)
Is set. Further, after the setting is performed in the first mode, if it is determined that the operation speed of the operation means is lower than a predetermined speed, the operation speed is increased again or until the operation speed becomes zero. A second mode in which the window width (window level) is not updated is selected, and until the operation speed increases again or the operation speed becomes zero, the window width (window level) is maintained even if the operation means is operated. ) Is not updated. In the second mode, that is, when the operation speed of the operation unit decreases after the setting in the first mode and becomes lower than a predetermined speed after the setting in the first mode, the determination is performed. When the operation means determines that the operation speed of the operation means is lower than the predetermined speed, a third mode in which the window width (window level) is changed by the fine adjustment amount is selected and corresponds to the operation direction of the operation means. The window width (window level) is set according to the polarity. As described above, the present invention automatically switches between the coarse adjustment and the fine adjustment according to the operating condition of the operating means (knob), so that the operability can be improved and the setting time can be shortened. It is easy to change the value setting. (Example) An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is the input value Δ from the rotary encoder
Comparator for receiving WW or .DELTA.WL for discriminating between coarse adjustment (fast mode; FAST mode) and fine adjustment (slow mode; SLOW mode), 2 is a controller constituted by a microcomputer, for example. so,
The controller 2 has an output terminal (A) for coarse adjustment (fast mode) and an output terminal (B) for fine adjustment (slow mode). Further, the controller 2 checks the direction and magnitude of the increase or decrease of the input value ΔWW or ΔWL at predetermined sampling intervals, and mistakes the low-speed rotation in the course from the high-speed rotation to the stop of the rotary encoder with the fine adjustment mode. In order to avoid this, the current input value ΔWL _N (or ΔW _N ) with respect to the previous input value ΔWL _N-1 (or ΔWW _N-1 )
L _N ) is compared, and if the previous time is smaller than the current time, as a fine adjustment, the output from the output terminal (B) is suppressed even if the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode. When the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode and the result of the determination is a fine adjustment, a command signal is given to the fine adjustment window calculating section 4 each time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is received. 3
Is a frequency divider. The frequency divider 3 receives an output from the output terminal (A) of the controller 2 in the fast mode and outputs an output every time the frequency reaches a preset number M. The fine-adjustment window calculation unit 4 outputs ΔWW in the fine-adjustment mode.
And a window calculation unit for fine adjustment that calculates a window value in response to ΔWL. That is, the fine-adjustment window calculation unit 4 reads out the window value stored in the window value memory 6 every time the output from the output terminal (B) of the controller 2 is received, and reads the input value ΔWW or Correction (for example, one time or tenths) corresponding to the value of ΔWL is performed with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the knob, and updated and stored in the window value memory 6. Reference numeral 5 denotes a FAST mode window calculation unit, which has a predetermined width, for example, "50" or "100", each time an output is received from the frequency divider 3, and a current setting window according to the rotation direction of the knob. The value (stored in the window value memory 6) is added or subtracted to obtain a new set window value. The obtained value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a window calculation unit that calculates a new display gradation value to be given to image data in a range corresponding to the set window value based on the window value stored in the window value memory 6. In this device, for window width and window
The same setting operation means as in the conventional system in which a rotary encoder is directly connected to each level knob is used. That is, from each of the window width and window level rotary encoders, a pulse having a frequency corresponding to the operation speed of the knob is output together with a direction signal corresponding to the rotation operation direction of the knob. And supplied to the comparator 1, the controller 2, and the fine adjustment window calculator 4 as a sampling value ΔWW for the window width and a sampling value ΔWL for the window level. The comparator 1 compares a preset reference value with the sampling value ΔWW for the window width and the sampling value ΔWL for the window level, and determines whether the mode is the fast mode (coarse / fine adjustment mode) or the fine adjustment mode (SLOW ;
While determining the nuclear a slow mode), the reference value is a reference value DerutaWL _c for reference value DerutaWW _c and the window level for window width. That is, the comparator 1 compares the reference value DerutaWW _c or DerutaWL _c and the corresponding input value DerutaWW or DerutaWL, to determine whether the slow mode is fast mode depending on whether the input value is greater than the reference value smaller Mode output. In addition, based on the window value set in the window value memory 6, the window calculation unit 7 calculates a new gradation value to be provided corresponding to the image data value in order to provide a gradation corresponding to the set window value. This calculation result is stored in a memory (not shown) in the form of a gradation conversion table. Next, the operation of the present apparatus having the above configuration will be described. In this device, for window width and window
The same setting operation means as the conventional method in which a rotary encoder is directly connected to each level knob is used.
That is, from each of the window width and window level rotary encoders, a pulse having a frequency corresponding to the operation speed of the knob is output together with a direction signal corresponding to the rotation operation direction of the knob. And supplied to the comparator 1, the controller 2, and the fine adjustment window calculator 4 as a sampling value ΔWW for the window width and a sampling value ΔWL for the window level. Then, the comparator 1 obtains a preset reference value, a sampling value ΔWW for this window width, and
A comparison is made with the level sampling value WL to determine whether the mode is the fast mode or the slow mode. Reference value DerutaWW _c and the window for the window width as the reference value,
Since there are a reference value DerutaWL _c for level, comparator 1 is input value DerutaWW or DerutaWL and compared with a reference value DerutaWW _c or DerutaWL _c corresponding thereto, fast mode depending on whether the input value is greater or smaller than the reference value The mode output is issued by determining whether the mode is the slow mode or the slow mode. Further, the controller 2 compares the magnitude of the input value ΔWW or ΔWL with respect to the previous sampling value every time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is sampled, and determines whether or not the deceleration occurs at the time of breathing operation during the manual rotation high-speed rotation operation. Determine whether or not.
Thus, even if the mode output from the comparator 1 is the slow mode, it is possible to know the case of the deceleration occurring at the time of the breathing operation during the manual rotation high speed rotation operation. The controller 2 receives the mode output from the comparator 1 every time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is sampled.
Is a signal to the frequency divider 3 when the mode output of the comparator 1 is the fast mode, and when the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode and the judgment of the controller 2 is fine adjustment. Gives the signal to the fine adjustment window calculator 4. Now, assuming that the knob is turned quickly, the comparator 1 generates a mode output of the fast mode at each sampling interval, so that each time the mode output is received, the comparator 1 generates an output from the output terminal (A). This output is sent to the frequency divider 3, which generates an output every time the input from the controller 2 reaches a predetermined number of times M, and supplies the output to the FAST mode window calculator 5. Each time the FAST mode window calculation unit 5 receives the output from the frequency divider 3, it reads out the window value stored in the window value memory 6 and sets a predetermined value (for example, "100") in the rotation direction of the knob. Add or subtract as appropriate and correct. Then, the corrected new setting window value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6. Thus, the value of the window value memory 6 is updated at predetermined time intervals and in steps of "100". Even when the knob operation is performed at a high speed, the rotation speed temporarily decreases during a period in which the operation is breathed. However, the controller 2 compares the magnitude of the input value ΔWW or ΔWL with respect to the previous sampling value every time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is sampled, and determines whether or not the deceleration occurs at the time of breathing operation during the manual rotation high-speed rotation operation. Is determined.
As a result, even if the mode output from the comparator 1 is the slow mode, it is possible to know that the mode is deceleration during the high-speed rotation operation by hand. In this case, the output from the output terminal (B) is suppressed. I do. As a result, when the knob is operated quickly, the window value changes, for example, from “100” → “200” → “300”. When the knob is slowly turned, the comparator 1 generates a slow mode output at each sampling interval.
Each time the controller 2 receives this mode output, it supplies a command signal to the fine adjustment window calculator 4. Then, the fine adjustment window calculator 4 reads the window value stored in the window value memory 6 and adds or subtracts a correction value corresponding to the input value ΔWW or ΔWL according to the rotation direction of the knob, and corrects it. I do. Then, the corrected new setting window value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6. That is, the window value is finely adjusted. Based on the window value set in the window value memory 6 in this way, the window calculating unit 7 calculates a new gradation value to be given to the image data in the range corresponding to the set window value. It is stored in a memory (not shown) in the form of a gradation conversion table. Then, the gradation value of the image data is converted based on the obtained gradation conversion table, and the image can be displayed on the display means with this gradation. According to this apparatus, when the knob is operated as shown in FIG. 2, the following operation is performed. During a-b, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, which is the reference value. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed. During bc, the comparator 1 selects the fast mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is larger than the threshold value T, which is the reference value. Then, the coarse adjustment update is performed. During the period between cd and d, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T which is the reference value. However, the controller 2 detects that the input value ΔWL or ΔWW is smaller than the previous value. Neither mode is selected because it is not fine adjustment. Then, no update is performed during this time. During the period of de, the slow mode is selected because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed. Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder becomes larger than the threshold value T between e and f, the comparator 1 selects the fast mode. Therefore, the window value is updated by the coarse adjustment. Between f and g, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, which is the reference value. However, the controller 2 detects that the input value ΔWL or ΔWW is smaller than the previous value. Neither mode is selected because it is not fine adjustment. Then, no update is performed during this time. While the knob is operated in the opposite direction between g-hi,
Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, the slow mode is selected. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed. Here, the controller 2 detects whether or not the input value ΔWL or ΔWW in the current (N) is smaller than the previous (N−1), and determines whether or not the fine adjustment is performed. If the input value ΔWL or ΔWW in (N) is larger than the previous value (N−1), the flag smode is set to “1”; otherwise, the flag smode is set to “0”, and fine adjustment is performed using this flag. Or not. When the mode output of the comparator 1 is the fast mode, the controller 2 generates an output (A output) of the output terminal (A), and the flag smode is temporarily set to "0". Then, the input value ΔWL in this time (N)
Alternatively, it is detected whether or not ΔWW is smaller than the previous time (N−1), and it is determined whether or not the fine adjustment is performed. )
If the flag smode is "0", the flag smode is set to "1". Otherwise, do not modify the flag. When the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode, the controller 2 checks the current state of the flag smode. When the flag smode is "1", the controller 2 generates an output (B output) from the output terminal (B). Then, this time (N) including the case where the flag smode is “0”
It is determined whether the input value .DELTA.WL or .DELTA.WW is smaller than the previous value (N-1), and it is determined whether or not the adjustment is fine adjustment. At this time, the input value WL or .DELTA.WW If the value is smaller than (N-1) and the flag smode is "0", the flag smode is set to "1". Otherwise, do not modify the flag. In this manner, the flag smode is operated and checked to determine whether or not the mode is the fine adjustment mode, and the mode output from the comparator 1 causes the output terminal (A),
By performing the output generation control from (B), it becomes possible to perform control corresponding to the conditions. The above operation is summarized in a flowchart as shown in FIG. 3, and the mode output of the comparator 1 in each section from a to i with respect to the pattern in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the contents of the flag smode of the controller 2, the states of the output terminals (A) and (B), and the actual adjustment state. That is, during a-b, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T. After the sampling is performed at least once, the input value ΔWL or ΔWW in the current (N) becomes larger than that in the previous (N−1).
The smode becomes "1", the B output is output, and the fine adjustment is updated. During bc, the comparator 1 selects the fast mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is larger than the threshold value T. Then, after the A output is output, the flag smode is reset to “0”, and the coarse adjustment is updated. During the period between cd and d, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T. However, since the flag smode is “0”, the B output is not output and neither mode is selected. Then, no update is performed during this time. During the period of de, the slow mode is selected because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T. However, since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is in the upward direction, the input value ΔWL or ΔWW at this time (N) is larger than that at the previous time (N-1). Becomes "1", and thereafter the B output is output and fine adjustment updating is performed. Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder becomes larger than the threshold value T during the period e−f, the comparator 1 selects the fast mode. Therefore, the A output is output and the window value is updated by the coarse adjustment. During the period between f and g, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is in a decreasing direction from the threshold value T. However, since the coarse adjustment mode has been used, the flag smode is “0”. From this, the controller 2 knows that it is not a fine adjustment, so neither the A nor B output is output, and neither mode is selected. And
No updates are performed during this time. Between g and h, the knob is slowly turned in the opposite direction. Here, the angular speed of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, but since the angular speed is in the reverse increasing direction, the flag smode becomes "1" and the slow mode is selected. Then, the B output is output and fine adjustment updating is performed. Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T between hi and i, the slow mode is selected.
Then, since the angular velocity is in the decreasing direction, but the flag smode is “1”, fine adjustment updating is performed. As described above, the present apparatus samples the output of the rotary encoder that generates a pulse corresponding to the rotation speed of the knob, selects the coarse adjustment mode and the fine adjustment mode based on the magnitude of the number of sampled pulses and the increase / decrease relationship before and after. In the adjustment mode, a large predetermined step width for coarse adjustment is used at a predetermined time interval.In the fine adjustment mode, when the output of the rotary encoder pulse in the coarse adjustment mode is completed, a step corresponding to the number of sampled pulses is performed. A correction value is obtained, and the window values and the window levels are updated with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the knob by the amount of the correction value, and the window values are set. In this case, the density value conversion of the image data is performed. Therefore, only by changing the rotation speed of the knob, if the knob is rotated quickly, the window value is updated and corrected in coarse steps, and if the knob is turned slowly, the window value is updated and corrected in fine steps. Since the fine adjustment is not performed until the rotation of the knob stops, the operability can be improved and the setting time can be shortened, and the setting of the window value can be easily changed. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. [Effects of the Invention] As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the mode is automatically switched between the coarse adjustment and the fine adjustment according to the operation state of the knob, so that the operability is improved and the setting time is shortened. Thus, it is possible to provide an image data window setting apparatus having features such as easy setting change of a window value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are views for explaining the operation of the present apparatus. 1 ... Comparator, 2 ... Controller, 3 ... Divider, 4
... Fine adjustment window calculator, 5 FAST mode window calculator, 6 Window value memory, 7 Window calculator.

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (56) References JP-A-60-263224 (JP, A)                 JP-A-61-54531 (JP, A)                 JP-A-53-36208 (JP, A)                 JP-A-61-80421 (JP, A)                 JP-A-60-181820 (JP, A)                 JP-A-60-86673 (JP, A)                 JP-A-60-75033 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] Operating means capable of variably operating the operating direction and operating speed; determining means for determining whether the operating speed of the operating means is higher or lower than a predetermined speed; and determining the operating speed by the determining means. When it is determined that the speed is higher than the speed, the first mode in which at least one of the window width and the window level is changed by the coarse adjustment amount is selected, and from the state of the first mode, the operation is performed by the determination means. When it is determined that the speed has become lower than the predetermined speed, a second mode in which the window width and the window level are not updated until the operation speed increases or the operation speed becomes zero is selected. However, when the operation speed is determined to be smaller than a predetermined speed by the determination means other than in the second mode, Selecting means for selecting a third mode for changing at least one of the window width and the window level by adjusting the amount; selecting the first or third mode by the mode selecting means; A window setting device for setting at least one of a window width and a window level with a polarity corresponding to an operation direction of the operation unit by an adjustment amount in a mode.