JP6911518B2 - B-scope display device and B-scope display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a B-scope display device and a B-scope display method.

B-scope display is known as a display method of a received signal in a sonar device or the like. In this display method, the signal arrival direction corresponds to the horizontal axis and the distance corresponds to the vertical axis for display. Further, on the display screen of the B scope, the display is performed with the brightness corresponding to the magnitude of the strength of the received signal (hereinafter referred to as signal level).

Various techniques have been proposed to improve visibility in the B-scope display. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes to display a circle according to a signal level in order to improve visibility. Further, Patent Document 2 proposes to display a graphic of an attribute according to a signal level.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-160827 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-144591

As described above, although some improvements in visibility in the B scope display have been proposed, in any display using any of the techniques, exploration having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. It is not easy to find points intuitively.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a B-scope display device and a B-scope display method capable of easily visually recognizing search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. To provide.

The B-scope display device according to one aspect of the present invention is equal to or higher than a predetermined signal level arranged in the distance axis direction of the B-scope based on exploration data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the exploration target and the signal level for each distance. It has a feature search point extraction means for extracting a feature search point which is a search point having a signal level of the above, and an image data generation means for generating B scope display image data for the search data, and the image data generation means. Generates B-scope display image data in which the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings extracted by the feature search point extraction means is increased from the brightness determined by the search data.

Further, in the B scope display method according to one aspect of the present invention, predetermined signals arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope are based on the exploration data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the exploration target and the signal level for each distance. A feature search point that is a search point having a signal level equal to or higher than the level is extracted, a B-scope display image data for the search data is generated, and the feature search point extracted when the B-scope display image data is generated is generated. B-scope display image data is generated in which the brightness of the surroundings and the surroundings is increased from the brightness determined by the exploration data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a B-scope display device and a B-scope display method capable of easily visually recognizing search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B-scope.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the B scope display device which concerns on the outline of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the B scope display device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the distance and direction of the exploration data which is the display target of the B scope display device, and (a) is a schematic diagram which looked at the positional relationship between the observation point P and the exploration point Q from the horizontal direction. (B) is a schematic view of the positional relationship between the observation point P and the exploration point Q as viewed from the vertical direction. It is a figure explaining the feature exploration point extracted by the 1st feature exploration point extraction part, (a) shows an example of the B scope display (display before the increase of brightness) based on the original exploration data, and (b). ) Is a distance-signal level characteristic corresponding to the B scope display shown in (a). It is a figure explaining the process of increasing the luminance by the image data generation part which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the B scope display before and after the brightness adjustment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the luminance adjustment. It is a figure which shows the example which the emphasis object spans a plurality of directions, (a) shows an example of the B scope display (display before the increase of brightness) based on the original exploration data, and (b) is (b). It is a distance-signal level characteristic corresponding to the B scope display shown in a). It is a schematic diagram which shows the B scope display after brightness adjustment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the luminance adjustment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware composition of the B scope display device which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the B scope display device which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the B scope display device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the difference of the orientation. It is a figure explaining the object of increasing the brightness by the image data generation part which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure explaining the process of increasing the luminance by the image data generation part which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the B scope display before and after the brightness adjustment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the luminance adjustment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the B scope display device which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure of B scope display which shows the example of the feature exploration point extracted in both the 1st feature exploration point extraction part and the 2nd feature exploration point extraction part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the cross-shaped display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the cross-shaped display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the cross-shaped display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the quadrilateral display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the quadrilateral display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the luminance by the quadrilateral display method. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after adjusting the luminance by the rhombus display system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after adjusting the luminance by the rhombus display system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the luminance value of each dot before and after adjusting the luminance by the rhombus display system.

<Outline of the embodiment>
Prior to the description of the embodiment, the outline of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a B-scope display device 1 according to an outline of an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the B-scope display device 1 has a feature search point extraction unit 2 and an image data generation unit 3.

The feature search point extraction unit (feature search point extraction means) 2 is a predetermined signal arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope based on the search data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the search target and the signal level for each distance. Extract feature exploration points that are exploration points with signal levels above the level. The extracted series of feature exploration points may be referred to as a feature exploration point group.

Further, the image data generation unit (image data generation means) 3 generates B-scope display image data for the exploration data. Here, the image data generation unit 3 generates B-scope display image data in which the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 2 is increased from the brightness determined by the search data.

In this way, in the B scope display device 1, the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings is increased. Therefore, the feature exploration points will be highlighted. Therefore, according to the B scope display device 1, it is possible to easily visually recognize the search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope.

For example, in water or underwater exploration, the exploration data contains noise due to the influence of ocean currents, water temperature, small fish, and the like. That is, the signal of the exploration data includes not only the reflected signal due to the exploration target but also the signal due to noise. Here, although the reflected signals by the exploration target are arranged in substantially a certain direction (that is, the bright spots are arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope), the signals due to noise are arranged in such a manner due to the fluctuation of the above influence. do not have. Therefore, by highlighting the feature search points with the B-scope display device 1, it is possible to easily distinguish between noise and the search target in the B-scope display.

<Details of the embodiment>
<Embodiment 1>
Next, the details of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the B-scope display device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the B-scope display device 10 has a first feature search point extraction unit 101 and an image data generation unit 201.

The first feature search point extraction unit 101 corresponds to the feature search point extraction unit 2 described above, and based on the search data, search points arranged in the distance axis direction having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value of the B scope ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as a feature exploration point). In the first feature search point extraction unit 101, search data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the search target and the signal level for each distance is input. The exploration data is, for example, a reflected signal, which is an exploration wave transmitted by a transmitter at an observation point and reflected by an exploration target, received by a receiver at the observation point, and the reflected signal of the reflected signal is obtained with respect to the received reflected signal. It is obtained by analyzing the arrival direction, the distance to the reflection point (that is, the search point) of the reflected signal, and the amplitude (that is, the signal level) of the reflected signal by the analysis circuit. However, the first feature exploration point extraction unit 101 may acquire exploration data by communicating with an external device connected by wire or wirelessly, or by reading out exploration data recorded on a recording medium (not shown). Alternatively, the B scope display device 10 may be further provided with hardware such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an analysis circuit.

In the present embodiment, the exploration data is more specifically data about a reflected signal of a sound wave transmitted for exploring an object to be explored on or under water. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the distance and direction of the exploration data to be displayed by the B scope display device 10, and FIG. 3A is a horizontal view of the positional relationship between the observation point P and the exploration point Q. It is a schematic diagram, and (b) is a schematic diagram which viewed the positional relationship between the observation point P and the exploration point Q from the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3, in this description, the "direction" refers to a direction in the horizontal plane, for example, the minimum value of the direction is 0 degrees and the maximum value is 360 degrees.

The image data generation unit 201 corresponds to the image data generation unit 3 described above. The image data generation unit 201 generates B-scope display image data for the exploration data. The image data generation unit 201 displays the B scope so as to display the reflected signal with the brightness corresponding to the signal level when the signal level shown in the exploration data is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as a display threshold value). Generate image data. That is, the image data generation unit 201 calculates the signal level characteristic (hereinafter, referred to as distance-signal level characteristic) which is the relationship between the distance coordinate and the signal level for each direction determined by the direction resolution. Next, the image data generation unit 201 generates image data so that the bright spots are displayed at the distance coordinates where the signal level exceeds the display threshold value. The brightness of this bright spot is set so as to increase as the signal level increases. By performing this process for each direction, a B-scope display image with a two-dimensional plane of the direction axis and the distance axis is generated.

Further, the image data generation unit 201 modifies the B-scope display image data so that the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 is increased from the brightness determined by the search data. The brightness determined by the exploration data is the brightness before the brightness is increased, and specifically, as described above, the brightness corresponding to the signal level shown in the exploration data.

Hereinafter, the extraction of the feature search points by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the adjustment of the brightness based on the extraction results will be specifically described.

More specifically, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 extracts the following search points. That is, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 extracts search points that each have a signal level of the threshold value T1 or more and are continuously distributed in a certain direction over a length of the threshold value T2 or more as feature search points. Therefore, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 first extracts a search point having a signal level equal to or higher than the threshold value T1 from the search data. Then, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 uses a search point (search point group) that is continuous in the same direction over a length of the threshold T2 or more among the extracted search points as a feature search point (feature search point group). Extract. In the present embodiment, the threshold value T1 is the same as the above-mentioned display threshold value, but the threshold value T1 may be set to a value different from the display threshold value.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the feature exploration point extracted by the first feature exploration point extraction unit 101, and FIG. 4A is an example of B scope display (display before the increase in brightness) based on the original exploration data. (B) is a distance-signal level characteristic corresponding to the B scope display shown in (a). In the B scope display shown in FIG. 4A, three signals, signal A, signal B, and signal C, are displayed in the direction θ1. The azimuth θ1 is the minimum azimuth unit determined by the azimuth resolution. As described above, when the signal level exceeds the display threshold, the signal is displayed on the B scope. Therefore, in the display based on the exploration data, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the signal level exceeds the display threshold value (threshold value T1) over the length A'in the distance axis direction in the direction θ1. Signal A, signal B whose signal level exceeds the display threshold (threshold value T1) over length B', and signal C whose signal level exceeds the display threshold (threshold value T1) over length C'are displayed on the B scope. Will be done.

Here, it is assumed that the relationship between the length at which the signal level exceeds the threshold value T1 and the threshold value T2 is as follows. That is, it is assumed that A'> C'> T2> B'. In this case, the search point corresponding to the signal A is a search point (search point group) having a signal level of the threshold value T1 or more and continuously distributed in a constant direction θ1 over a length of the threshold value T2 or more. It is extracted as a search point by the first feature search point extraction unit 101. Similarly, the search point corresponding to the signal C is a search point (search point group) having a signal level of the threshold value T1 or more and continuously distributed in a constant direction θ1 over a length of the threshold value T2 or more. It is extracted as a search point by the first feature search point extraction unit 101. However, the search point corresponding to the signal B is not extracted as a feature search point because it does not satisfy the condition for the threshold value T2.

As described above, the image data generation unit 201 performs the luminance increasing process for the feature search point. Here, the image data generation unit 201 increases the brightness according to the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction. That is, the image data generation unit 201 increases the degree of increase in brightness as the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction becomes longer. Therefore, in the above example, the degree of increase in the brightness of the feature search point corresponding to the signal A is larger than the degree of increase in the brightness of the feature search point corresponding to the signal C. In this way, the image data generation unit 201 determines the degree of increase according to the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a brightness increasing process by the image data generation unit 201. The image data generation unit 201 determines the brightness around the feature search point and the distance axis direction extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Increase to taper off. In the present embodiment, the reference point is a search point (coordinate point) having the maximum signal level at the feature search point.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the above-mentioned signal A, signal B, and signal C all have the maximum signal level at the center point. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the image data generation unit 201 increases the brightness of the reference point by a predetermined increase amount, and then decreases the brightness at an inclination α from the reference point (center point). Adjust the brightness. The amount of this increase depends on the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction, and is Z1 _A for the signal A and Z1 C for the signal _C (however, Z1 _C <Z1 _A ). Specifically, the image data generation unit 201 adjusts the brightness of the reference point and the coordinate points around the reference point in the distance axis direction according to the following equation (1).

Lum (N) = Z + Z1-αN ... (1)

Here, Z is a brightness value corresponding to the signal level of the reference point (that is, the brightness value before adjustment), Z1 is the amount of increase in the brightness value, α is a predetermined slope value, and N (however, however). (N is a positive integer) indicates the difference between the distance axis coordinates of the point to be adjusted and the distance axis coordinates of the reference point, and Lum (N) indicates the brightness value of the coordinates separated by N in the distance axis direction from the reference point. The image data generation unit 201 does not modify the brightness value for the coordinates that are not the adjustment target according to the equation (1).
The method of setting the reference point is arbitrary, and is not limited to the above example, and may be a predetermined point included in the feature exploration point.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the B scope display before and after the brightness adjustment. Further, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the brightness adjustment. In the example shown in FIG. 7, Z1 = 20 and α = 10. Needless to say, these values are examples, and arbitrary values can be set. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, according to the image data generation unit 201, the brightness of the reference point and its surroundings at the feature search point is increased, and the display range in the distance axis direction is expanded.

In the above example, the emphasis was on feature exploration points that belonged to only one direction. That is, in the B scope display, the signal parallel to the distance axis was emphasized. However, if the feature search points are extracted in each direction, the emphasis target may span a plurality of directions. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the emphasis target spans a plurality of directions, and FIG. 8A shows an example of a B-scope display (display before the increase in brightness) based on the original exploration data, and (b). ) Is a distance-signal level characteristic corresponding to the B scope display shown in (a). In the B scope display shown in FIG. 8A, the signal D is displayed across the directions θ2 and θ3. Here, the directions θ2 and θ3 are directions adjacent to each other. Further, in FIG. 8B, the graph described above shows the distance-signal level characteristic with respect to the direction θ2, and the graph described below shows the distance-signal level characteristic with respect to the direction θ3.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the signal level of the signal D exceeds the display threshold value (threshold value T1) over the length D1'in the distance axis direction in the direction θ2, and over the length D2'in the direction θ3. The signal level exceeds the display threshold (threshold value T1). Therefore, for the signal D, the coordinate points are extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 in the direction θ2 and the direction θ3, respectively. Therefore, in the directions θ2 and the direction θ3, the brightness of the feature search points extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 as shown in FIG. 5 is adjusted.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the B scope display after the brightness adjustment. Further, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the brightness adjustment. Even in the example shown in FIG. 10, Z1 = 20 and α = 10. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, in this case as well, the brightness of the reference point and its surroundings at the feature search point is increased, and the display range in the distance axis direction is expanded.

Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the B-scope display device 10 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the B-scope display device 10 according to the embodiment. The B-scope display device 10 includes a display 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13.

The display 11 is a display device that displays an arbitrary image, and may be, for example, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), a plasma display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminence) display.

The memory 12 is composed of a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 12 may include storage located away from the processor 13. In this case, the processor 13 may access the memory 12 via an input / output interface (not shown). The memory 12 is used to store software (computer program) executed by the processor 13, exploration data in which various processes are performed by the processor 13, B-scope display image data, and the like.

The processor 13 realizes the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the image data generation unit 201 by reading software (computer program) from the memory 12 and executing the software (computer program). As described above, the B scope display device 10 has a function as a computer. The processor 13 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 13 may include a plurality of processors.

The above-mentioned program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable medium. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (eg flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg magneto-optical disks), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), CD- Includes R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (eg, mask ROM, Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), flash ROM, Random Access Memory (RAM)). The program may also be supplied to the computer by various types of transient computer readable medium. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical, optical, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

In the present embodiment, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the image data generation unit 201 are not limited to the realization by software by a program, and these may be realized by a hardware circuit or hardware. , Firmware, software, and the like.

Next, an operation example of the B scope display device 10 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the B scope display device 10. Hereinafter, an operation example of the B scope display device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step 100 (S100), the first feature search point extraction unit 101 executes the feature search point extraction process when the search data is input. When the feature search point is extracted (Yes in step 101 (S101)), the process proceeds to step 102. If the feature search point is not extracted (No in step 101), the process proceeds to step 103.

In step 102 (S102), the image data generation unit 201 generates B-scope display image data in which the brightness of the feature search point and the periphery extracted in step 100 is increased from the brightness determined by the search data. The image data generation unit 201 outputs the generated B-scope display image data to the display 11. Then, the display 11 displays the B-scope display image generated in step 102.

On the other hand, in step 103 (S103), the image data generation unit 201 generates B-scope display image data based on the exploration data. However, in step 103, the brightness increasing process as in step 102 is not performed. The image data generation unit 201 outputs the generated B-scope display image data to the display 11. Then, the display 11 displays the B-scope display image generated in step 103.

The first embodiment has been described above. According to the present embodiment, the first feature search point extraction unit 101 extracts and extracts search points having a signal level of the threshold T1 or higher and continuously distributed in a constant direction over a length of the threshold T2 or higher. The brightness increase processing is performed for the searched points. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually recognize the search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. That is, the position of the exploration target can be visually recognized in distinction from noise.

Further, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the feature search point extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 101 and the periphery in the distance axis direction is increased. Then, the degree of increase is determined according to the length of the feature search point extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 101 in the distance axis direction. Therefore, according to the display after the brightness adjustment, it is possible to intuitively and easily grasp the length of the signal level having the threshold value T1 or more continuous in the distance axis direction.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The configuration or operation similar to that of the first embodiment will be described by omitting the description and focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the method of extracting the search points arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. Hereinafter, the B scope display device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration of the B-scope display device 20 is the same as that of the B-scope display device 10.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the B scope display device 20 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the B-scope display device 20 has a second feature search point extraction unit 102 and an image data generation unit 202. The second feature search point extraction unit 102 is the same as the first feature search point extraction unit 101, except that the method of extracting the feature search points is different. Further, the image data generation unit 202 is the same as the image data generation unit 201, except that the method of increasing the brightness is different.

The second feature search point extraction unit 102 and the image data generation unit 202 are realized, for example, by executing a program, but may be realized by a hardware circuit, or may be realized by a hardware circuit, hardware, firmware, and software. It may be realized by any combination of these.

Like the first feature search point extraction unit 101, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 corresponds to the feature search point extraction unit 2 described above, and extracts feature search points based on the search data. However, each of the feature search point extraction units 102 has a signal level of the threshold value T3 or more, and the magnitude of the difference in the directions of the adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is the threshold value T4 or less, and the length is the threshold value T5 or more. The exploration points distributed side by side are extracted as feature exploration points.

The image data generation unit 202, like the image data generation unit 201, corresponds to the image data generation unit 3 described above. Further, the image data generation unit 202, like the image data generation unit 201, B so as to increase the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102 to be higher than the brightness determined by the search data. Correct the scope display image data. However, the image data generation unit 202 determines the brightness of the feature search point and the periphery in the azimuth axis direction extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 102 according to the position from the predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Increase to taper off.

Hereinafter, the extraction of the feature search points by the second feature search point extraction unit 102 and the adjustment of the brightness based on the extraction results will be specifically described. As described above, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 of the present embodiment extracts the search point as a feature search point when the three threshold values are satisfied.

The first threshold condition is that the signal level is equal to or higher than the threshold T3. In the present embodiment, the threshold value T3 is the same as the above-mentioned display threshold value, but the threshold value T3 may be set to a value different from the display threshold value.

The second threshold condition is a condition that the magnitude of the difference between the directions of the adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold T4. Hereinafter, the second condition will be described with reference to FIG. The second feature search point extraction unit 102 first extracts a search point that satisfies the first condition from the search data. Then, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 extracts the direction having the largest signal level for each distance. In FIG. 14, the matrix shown on the left shows the signal level for a reflected signal, and the coordinates surrounded by the thick border indicate the direction with the highest signal level at each distance. That is, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 extracts the coordinate point having the highest signal level for each distance. Next, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 generates an directional-distance characteristic in which the azimuth and the distance are associated with each other for the extracted coordinate points (see the graph of the directional-distance characteristic shown in FIG. 14). It should be noted that the smaller the change in direction continuously in the distance axis direction, the closer the graph of the direction-distance characteristic becomes to a straight line. Next, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 calculates the difference in the directions of the search points adjacent to each other in the distance axis direction (see the graph of the direction difference-distance characteristic shown in FIG. 14). When the magnitude of the difference in the orientations of adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value T4, these search points are candidates for feature search points. In the following description, the fact that the magnitude of the difference between the directions of the adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the threshold value T4 may be expressed as "the direction is stable".

The third threshold condition is that the length of the search point that satisfies the second threshold condition in the distance axis direction (in the following description, it is referred to as "the length at which the orientation is stable") is equal to or greater than the threshold T5. Is. Therefore, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 determines whether or not the length in which the orientation is stable is the threshold T5 or more, and the search point group in which the length in which the orientation is stable is the threshold T5 or more. Is extracted as a feature exploration point.

Next, the enhancement process of the image data generation unit 202 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an object for increasing the brightness by the image data generation unit 202. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a signal E (exploration point cloud) having a stable azimuth length of E ″ and a signal F ″ having a stable azimuth length F ″ (exploration point cloud). Of the (exploration point group) and the signal G (exploration point group) having a stable orientation and a length of G ″, the signal E and the signal G are emphasized. Here, E ″> G ″ ＞ T5> F ″.

The image data generation unit 202 increases the brightness according to the length in which the orientation is stable. That is, the image data generation unit 201 increases the degree of increase in brightness as the length in which the orientation is stable is longer. Therefore, in the above example, the degree of increase in the brightness of the feature search point corresponding to the signal E is larger than the degree of increase in the brightness of the feature search point corresponding to the signal G. In this way, the image data generation unit 202 determines the degree of increase according to the length in which the orientation of the feature search point is stable, that is, the length in the distance axis direction of the extracted feature search point.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a brightness increasing process by the image data generation unit 202. Note that FIG. 16 shows an example of the signal level for each direction at a certain distance where the feature search point to be emphasized exists, together with an example of brightness. The image data generation unit 202 determines the brightness around the feature search point and the azimuth axis direction extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102 according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Increase to taper off. In the present embodiment, the reference point is provided for each distance and is a coordinate point in the direction having the highest signal level. In FIG. 16, the direction (reference direction) of the reference point at this certain distance is the direction Y. That is, the direction Y is the direction having the highest signal level at this certain distance.

As shown in FIG. 16, the image data generation unit 202 increases the brightness of the reference point by a predetermined increase amount, and then adjusts the brightness so that the brightness decreases at an inclination β from the reference point. As described above, the amount of this increase depends on the length in which the orientation is stable. Specifically, the image data generation unit 202 adjusts the brightness of the reference point and the coordinate points around the reference point in the directional axis direction according to the following equation (2).

Lum (M) = Z + Z2-βM ... (2)

Here, Z is a brightness value (brightness value before adjustment) corresponding to the signal level of the reference point, Z2 is the amount of increase in the brightness value, β is a predetermined slope value, and M (where M is). (Positive integer) indicates the difference between the directional axis coordinates of the point to be adjusted and the directional axis coordinates of the reference point, and Lum (M) indicates the brightness value of the coordinates separated by M in the directional axis direction from the reference point. The image data generation unit 201 does not modify the brightness value for the coordinates that are not the adjustment target according to the equation (2).
The method of setting the reference point is arbitrary, and is not limited to the above example, and may be a predetermined point included in the feature exploration point.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the B scope display before and after the brightness adjustment. Further, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the brightness adjustment. In the example shown in FIG. 18, Z2 = 20 and β = 20. Needless to say, these values are examples, and arbitrary values can be set. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, according to the image data generation unit 201, the brightness of the reference point and its surroundings at the feature search point is increased, and the display range in the azimuth axis direction is expanded.

Since the operation example of the B scope display device 20 is the same as the operation example of the B scope display device 10 described with reference to FIG. 12, the description thereof is omitted.

The second embodiment has been described above. According to the present embodiment, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 has a signal level of T3 or higher, and the difference in orientation between adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is T4 or lower. A certain exploration points distributed side by side over a length of the threshold value T5 or more are extracted, and the brightness increasing processing of the extracted exploration points is performed. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually recognize the search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. That is, the position of the exploration target can be visually recognized in distinction from noise.

Further, in the present embodiment, the brightness of the feature search point extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 102 and the periphery in the azimuth axis direction is increased. Then, the degree of increase is determined according to the length of the feature search point extracted by the feature search point extraction unit 102 in the distance axis direction (that is, the length in which the orientation is stable). Therefore, according to the display after the brightness adjustment, it is possible to intuitively and easily grasp the length in which the orientation is stable.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, the third embodiment will be described. The configuration or operation similar to that of the above-described embodiment will be described by omitting the description and focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment. The third embodiment is described in the above-described embodiment in that the feature search points are extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 according to the first embodiment and the second feature search point extraction unit 102 according to the second embodiment. Is different. Hereinafter, the B scope display device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described. The hardware configuration of the B scope display device 30 is the same as that of the B scope display device 10.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the B scope display device 30 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the B-scope display device 30 has an extraction unit 100 and an image data generation unit 203. The extraction unit 100 includes the above-mentioned first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the above-mentioned second feature search point extraction unit 102. The first feature search point extraction unit 101 of the present embodiment is also referred to as a first extraction means. Further, the second feature search point extraction unit 102 of the present embodiment is also referred to as a second extraction means. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned threshold value T1 and the threshold value T3 are both display threshold values, but the threshold value T1 and the threshold value T3 may be values other than the display threshold value. Further, the threshold value T1 and the threshold value T3 may have the same value or different values. Further, the above-mentioned threshold values T2 and T5 may also have the same value or different values.

The image data generation unit 203 performs the same emphasis processing as the image data generation unit 201 on the feature search points extracted only by the first feature search point extraction unit 101, and is extracted only by the second feature search point extraction unit 102. The highlighting process is performed on the feature search point in the same manner as in the image data generation unit 202. Further, the image data generation unit 203 includes the feature search points extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102, that is, the extraction conditions in the first feature search point extraction unit 101. The highlighting process described later is performed on the feature search points that satisfy both the extraction conditions in the second feature search point extraction unit 102.

The extraction unit 100 and the image data generation unit 203 are realized, for example, by executing a program, but may be realized by a hardware circuit, or any one of hardware, firmware, and software. It may be realized by a combination or the like.

The image data generation unit 203 corresponds to the image data generation unit 3 described above, and displays the B scope so as to increase the brightness of the feature search points and the surroundings extracted by the extraction unit 100 from the brightness determined by the search data. Correct the image data. As described above, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness of the feature search points extracted only by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 in the same manner as the image data generation unit 201. Further, the brightness of the feature search points extracted only by the second feature search point extraction unit 102 is adjusted in the same manner as in the image data generation unit 202. Then, the image data generation unit 203 has the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings for the feature search point extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102. Is increased so that the brightness gradually decreases according to the position from the predetermined reference point included in the feature search point.

Hereinafter, the adjustment of the brightness of the feature search points extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102 will be specifically described. In the present embodiment, the image data generation unit 203 centers on the reference point for the feature search point extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102. Increase the brightness of the featured search points and their surroundings to draw a given figure. Here, three types of display methods (cross display method, quadrangle display method, and rhombus display method) are proposed. The image data generation unit 203 defines, for example, three display methods in advance for the feature search points extracted by the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and extracted by the second feature search point extraction unit 102. B-scope display image data whose brightness is adjusted according to any one display method is generated. At that time, the image data generation unit 203 uses, for example, the search point (coordinate point) having the maximum signal level among the extracted feature search points as a reference point. The method of setting the reference point is arbitrary, and is not limited to this, and may be a predetermined point included in the feature exploration point. In the following description, the coordinates of the reference point are (X', Y'). Note that X'is the direction and Y'is the distance.

First, the cross display method will be described. When this display method is adopted, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness so as to draw a cross shape. Specifically, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness of the reference point and the coordinate points around the reference point according to the following rules (a)-(c).

(A) Luminance value at coordinates (X'± N, Y'):
Z + Z1 + Z2- (β × M)
(B) Luminance value at coordinates (X', Y'± M):
Z + Z1 + Z2- (α × N)
(C) Luminance value of coordinates other than coordinates (X'± N, Y') and coordinates (X', Y'± M):
No adjustment of brightness value

Here, Z is a luminance value corresponding to the signal level of the reference point. That is, Z is the brightness value before adjustment. Z1 is an increase amount that is increased when the extraction conditions of the first feature search point extraction unit 101 are satisfied. As described above, this Z1 depends on the length of the feature exploration point in the distance axis direction. Further, Z2 is an increase amount that is increased when the extraction condition of the second feature search point extraction unit 102 is satisfied. As mentioned above, this Z2 depends on the length at which the orientation is stable. α and β are predetermined slope values. N and M are positive integers.

Here, an example of adjusting the brightness by the cross display method is shown. Here, as the feature search points (signals) extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102, the signal H, the signal I, and the signal J shown in FIG. 20 are three. Two signals will be described as an example.

21-23 are schematic views showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the brightness adjustment by the cross display method, respectively. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal H shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the adjustment of the luminance about the signal J shown in FIG. In FIGS. 21 to 23, the coordinates (X', Y') serving as reference points are surrounded by a thick frame line. In the example shown here, as shown in FIG. 21, the coordinates at which the signal level is maximum are located at the center of the feature search point group for the signal H. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, with respect to the signal I, the coordinates having the maximum signal level are located on the side of the feature exploration point cloud that is closer to the observation point. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, with respect to the signal J, the coordinates having the maximum signal level are located on the side of the feature exploration point cloud that is relatively far from the observation point. In the example shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, Z1 = 20, Z2 = 20, α = 10, and β = 10. Needless to say, these values are examples, and arbitrary values can be set.

As shown in FIGS. 21-23, according to the image data generation unit 203, the feature search points extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102 are characterized. The brightness is adjusted so that a cross shape centered on the reference point at the exploration point is drawn.

Next, the quadrangle display method will be described. When this display method is adopted, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness so as to draw a quadrangle (rectangle). Specifically, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness of the reference point and the coordinate points around the reference point according to the following rules (d) and (e).

(D) Luminance value at coordinates (X'± N, Y'± M) (where N ≧ M):
Z + Z1 + Z2- (β × M)
(E) Luminance value at coordinates (X'± N, Y'± M) (where M> N):
Z + Z1 + Z2- (α × N)

Here, the definitions of the variables described in the above (d) and (e) are the same as the above definitions for the above (a)-(c).

Next, an example of adjusting the brightness by the quadrilateral display method is shown. Also here, as the feature search points (signals) extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102, the signal H, the signal I, and the signal J shown in FIG. 20 are three. Two signals will be described as an example.

24-Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the adjustment of the brightness by the quadrangle display method, respectively. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal H shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the adjustment of the luminance about the signal J shown in FIG. Also in FIGS. 24-26, the coordinates (X', Y') serving as reference points are surrounded by a thick frame line. Further, also in the examples shown in FIGS. 24-26, Z1 = 20, Z2 = 20, α = 10, and β = 10, but it goes without saying that these values are examples, and arbitrary values can be set. It is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 24-26, according to the image data generation unit 203, the feature search points extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102 are characterized. The brightness is increased so that the coordinates on the sides of the rectangle centered on the reference point at the search point have the same brightness. Therefore, according to the image data generation unit 203, the brightness is adjusted so that a quadrangle (rectangle) is drawn.

Next, the rhombus display method will be described. When this display method is adopted, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness so as to draw a rhombus. Specifically, the image data generation unit 203 adjusts the brightness of the reference point and the coordinate points around the reference point according to the following rule (f).

(F) Luminance value at coordinates (X'± N, Y'± M):
Z + Z1 + Z2- (α × N)-(β × M)

Here, the definition of each variable described in (f) above is the same as the definition described above for (a)-(c) above.

Next, an example of adjusting the brightness by the diamond display method is shown. Also here, as the feature search points (signals) extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102, the signal H, the signal I, and the signal J shown in FIG. 20 are three. Two signals will be described as an example.

27-29 are schematic views showing an example of the brightness value of each dot before and after the brightness adjustment by the rhombus display method, respectively. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal H shown in FIG. 20, FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the luminance adjustment for the signal I shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the adjustment of the luminance about the signal J shown in FIG. Also in FIGS. 27-29, the coordinates (X', Y') serving as reference points are surrounded by a thick frame line. Further, also in the examples shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, Z1 = 20, Z2 = 20, α = 10, and β = 10, but it goes without saying that these values are examples, and arbitrary values can be set. It is possible.

As shown in FIGS. 27-29, according to the image data generation unit 203, the feature search points extracted by both the first feature search point extraction unit 101 and the second feature search point extraction unit 102 are characterized. The brightness is increased so that the coordinates on the sides of the rhombus centered on the reference point at the search point have the same brightness. Therefore, according to the image data generation unit 203, the brightness is adjusted so that a rhombus is drawn.

Since the operation example of the B scope display device 30 is the same as the operation example of the B scope display device 10 described with reference to FIG. 12, the description thereof is omitted.

The third embodiment has been described above. According to the present embodiment, a feature search point that satisfies only the extraction conditions by the first feature search point extraction unit 101, a feature search point that satisfies only the extraction conditions by the second feature search point extraction unit 102, and both extraction conditions are set. Features to be met Exploration points can be highlighted. Therefore, it is possible to easily visually recognize the search points having a signal level equal to or higher than a predetermined value arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope. That is, the position of the exploration target can be visually recognized in distinction from noise.

Further, in the present embodiment, the degree of increase in brightness is determined according to the length of the extracted feature search points in the distance axis direction. Therefore, from the display after the brightness adjustment, it is possible to intuitively and easily grasp the length of the signal level having the threshold value T1 or more continuous in the distance axis direction. In addition, it is possible to intuitively and easily grasp the length in which the orientation is stable.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit.

1, 10, 20, 30 B Scope display device 2 Feature search point extraction unit 3, 201, 202, 203 Image data generation unit 11 Display 12 Memory 13 Processor 100 Extraction unit 101 First feature search point extraction unit 102 Second feature search Point extractor

Claims (5)

Based on the exploration data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the exploration target and the signal level for each distance, the feature exploration points, which are the exploration points having a signal level equal to or higher than the predetermined signal level arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope, are defined. Features to be extracted Exploration point extraction means and
An image data generation means for generating B-scope display image data for the exploration data, and
Have,
Each of the feature search point extraction means has a signal level equal to or higher than the third threshold value, and the magnitude of the difference in the orientations of adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value. The exploration points distributed side by side over the above length are extracted as the feature exploration points.
The image data generation means determines the brightness of the periphery of the feature search point and the azimuth axis direction extracted by the feature search point extraction means according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Generate B-scope display image data with the brightness increased beyond the brightness determined by the exploration data so as to gradually decrease .
The B-scope display device whose degree of increase is determined according to the length of the feature exploration point in the distance axis direction. The feature exploration point extraction means
A first extraction means for extracting as the feature search points a search points each having a signal level equal to or higher than the first threshold value and continuously distributed in a certain direction over a length equal to or higher than the second threshold value.
Each has a signal level equal to or higher than the third threshold value, and the magnitude of the difference in the orientations of adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value. It is provided with a second extraction means for extracting the exploration point to be used as the feature exploration point.
The image data generation means
The exploration data so that the brightness around the feature search point and the azimuth axis direction extracted only by the second extraction means is gradually reduced according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Generates B-scope display image data with the brightness increased by more than the brightness determined by
The brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings extracted by the first extraction means and extracted by the second extraction means is determined according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Increased so that
The characteristic exploration point extracted by the second extraction means and the increase in brightness around the azimuth axis direction, and the extraction by the first extraction means and the extraction by the second extraction means. The B-scope display device according to claim 1, wherein the degree of increase in the increase in brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings is determined according to the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction. The image data generation means is a predetermined image data generating means centered on the reference point in increasing the brightness of the feature search point and the periphery extracted by the first extraction means and extracted by the second extraction means. The B-scope display device according to claim 2 , wherein the brightness of the feature search point and its surroundings is increased so as to draw a figure. The image data generation means determines the brightness of the feature search point and the periphery in the distance axis direction extracted only by the first extraction means according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. Increased so that
Increase in brightness around the feature search point and the distance axis direction extracted by the first extraction means, increase in brightness around the feature search point and the azimuth axis direction extracted by the second extraction means, In addition, in the increase in the brightness of the feature search point and the periphery extracted by the first extraction means and extracted by the second extraction means, the degree of increase is the length of the feature search point in the distance axis direction. Determined accordingly
The B-scope display device according to claim 2 or 3. Based on the exploration data representing the direction of the reflected signal by the exploration target and the signal level for each distance, the feature exploration points, which are the exploration points having a signal level equal to or higher than the predetermined signal level arranged in the distance axis direction of the B scope, are Extract and
B-scope display image data for the exploration data is generated,
At the time of extracting the feature search points, each has a signal level equal to or higher than the third threshold value, and the magnitude of the difference in the orientations of adjacent search points in the distance axis direction is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value. The exploration points distributed side by side over a length equal to or longer than the threshold value are extracted as the feature exploration points.
When generating the B-scope display image data, the brightness of the extracted feature search point and the periphery in the azimuth axis direction is gradually reduced according to the position from a predetermined reference point included in the feature search point. B-scope display image data with the brightness increased beyond the brightness determined by the exploration data is generated .
The B-scope display method in which the degree of increase is determined according to the length of the feature exploration point in the distance axis direction.

Images