JPH09223155A - Image display method and image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To visually grasp the looks of plural source images and to make it easy to select a desired image out of the images by generating index images of specific size smaller than the source images and listing and displaying them. SOLUTION: When an operator indicates an image display through an operation part 10, an image processing part 22 generates the index images of specific size smaller than respective source images stored in an image storage part 30 under the control of a control part 21. For the index image generation, areas indicated when the source images are saved are cut or the source images are reduced. The control part 21 give indications for the selection of the index image generation, the specification of the cut areas, a reduction rate, etc., and the image processing part 22 performs the processes according to the indications. The size of the index images is determined corresponding to the size of one frame which is listed and displayed while the screen is divided at image display time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display method and an image display device, and more particularly to an image display method and an image display device for facilitating selection of a desired image from a plurality of images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In various image diagnostic apparatuses such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a radiation CT apparatus or an MR apparatus, a plurality of image data are stored in an image storage section, and if desired, a desired image can be stored in the image storage section. The image data is read out and displayed on the image display unit.

A general configuration of this type of image diagnostic apparatus is as shown in FIG. That is, an operation unit 1 for performing various operations such as selection of desired image data, an image selection unit 2 for selecting an image according to an operation from the operation unit 1, and a plurality of images (image data and image accompanying information) are stored. The image storage unit 3, the image accompanying information list display unit 4 for displaying a list of the image accompanying information as a text, and the image display unit 5 for displaying the image data as a graphic. The image-accompanying information list display unit 4 and the image display unit 5 may be shared.

In addition, not only the image data itself but also the information (patient ID, patient name, various parameters at the time of image capturing) associated with each image data is stored in the image storage unit 3 of a normal image diagnostic apparatus. ing.

Therefore, when the image is selected, the image-accompanying information list display section 4 in the image diagnostic apparatus having such a configuration displays the image-accompanying information as a list as shown in FIG.

That is, various information at the time of image diagnosis is displayed in a list in a text format, and the operator uses the selection device (mouse, trackball, keyboard, etc.) of the operation unit 1 with reference to the desired information. It is designed to select images. With respect to the image selected in this way, the image selection unit 2 reads the image data from the image storage unit 3 and displays it on the image display unit 5.

[0007]

In this case, the image-accompanying information is not the image data itself but the auxiliary text format information stored in association with the image data. Therefore, it cannot be said that the characteristics of the image data are completely represented. For this reason, it may be difficult to judge image data having similar accompanying information only from this list display.

Generally, in an image diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of image data are often stored in the same patient, so that it may be extremely difficult to select from the accompanying information.

Further, even in various information processing apparatuses other than the image diagnostic apparatus, it may be difficult to select a large number of similar images. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to realize an image display method and an image display device for facilitating selection of a desired image from a plurality of images.

[0010]

That is, the present invention, which constitutes means for solving the problems, basically includes the following (1) to (1).
This is as described in (5).

(1) The first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that an index image having a predetermined size smaller than the original image is generated for each of the plurality of images, and the plurality of index images are displayed in a list. Is the way.

Here, the index image means a list display image smaller than the original image generated according to a predetermined condition. In this image display method, since index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image are generated and displayed in a list, it is possible to visually grasp the state of the plurality of original images and select a desired image from the plurality of images. Easy to do.

(2) In the second invention, for each of the plurality of images, index image generating means for generating an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image, and a plurality of index image generating means generated by the index image generating means. An image display device, comprising: a display unit that displays a list of index images.

In this image display device, the index image generation means generates index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image and the display means displays a list, so that the states of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped. This makes it easy to select a desired image from a plurality of images.

(3) In the third invention according to the third invention, the index image generating means is a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored, or a predetermined predetermined area. The image display device is characterized by generating an index image based on any one of the regions.

In this image display device, an index having a predetermined size smaller than the original image is based on either a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored or a predetermined area determined in advance. Since the images are generated by the index image generation means and displayed on the display means as a list, the states of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped, and a desired image can be easily selected from the plurality of images.

(4) A fourth aspect of the present invention is the above-described second aspect, wherein the index image generating means has a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored, or a predetermined predetermined area. The image display device is characterized in that either one of the regions is cut out from the original image and generated.

That is, in this image display method, when image data is saved, the image data is saved with the position information of the region (region of interest) used as an index image in the image being displayed in the image being added. . And
At the time of image reproduction, the information of the region of interest of the plurality of readable image data is read, and the index image is generated by selectively cutting out from the image data for each of the plurality of regions of interest to generate an index image, A list of these index images is displayed.

Therefore, in this image display device, the predetermined size smaller than the original image is determined based on either the predetermined region designated when the original image is stored or the predetermined region. The index image is generated by the index image generation means by cutting it out from the original image and is displayed as a list on the display means. Therefore, the list display can be executed at high speed, and a desired image can be selected from a plurality of images. It will be easier.

Further, the position information of the region of interest is added when the image is saved, and the part of the region of interest is read according to the added position information when the image is selected. It also saves time.

It is preferable that the position information of the region of interest to be stored as accompanying information when the image is stored is the coordinates of the center position of the region of interest. Further, both the coordinates of the center position of the region of interest and the size data of the region of interest may be used. Further, it may be coordinates indicating the four corners of the region of interest.

Further, if the coordinates of the center position of the region of interest are not input, it is possible to substitute a position such as the center position of the original image which is likely to be a characteristic portion. (5) A fifth aspect of the invention is the image display device according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein in the second aspect of the invention, the index image generating means reduces the original image to generate the index image. .

Therefore, in this image display device, since the index image generating means generates the index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image by reducing the original image and the list is displayed on the display means, a plurality of index images are displayed. The entire state of the original image can be visually grasped, and it becomes easy to select a desired image from a plurality of images.

Further, when the index image is generated by reducing the entire original image, it is not necessary to add the position information of the region of interest when saving the image, so that the process can be simplified. (6) As another invention, in each of the above inventions, an index image is generated based on either a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored or a predetermined area determined in advance. Alternatively, an image display method and an image display device for displaying the index image by reducing the original image to generate the index image are also included.

(7) As still another invention, in each of the above inventions, a desired image is selected on the display screen in which index images are displayed in a list, and the original image of the selected index image is read out and saved. An image display method and an image display device for displaying the image in the size when the image is displayed are also included.

In this image display method and image display device,
Based on either the predetermined area specified when the original image was stored, or a predetermined area that was set in advance,
Since the index image generation means generates index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image and the display means displays a list, a state of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped and a desired image can be obtained from the plurality of images. Makes it easier to choose.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an image display method and an image display device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a basic method of an image display method as an example of the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus (image display apparatus) used in an image display method as an embodiment of the present invention and an image display apparatus as an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of saving an image in the image display method of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the image display in the image display method of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows a processing procedure at the time.

<Structure of Image Display Device> First, the structure of the image display device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The image display device shown in FIG. 2 is roughly divided into an operation unit 10 for receiving various instructions and operations from an operator, an image processing device 20 for executing image processing, and various devices such as a medical diagnostic device. The image storage unit 30 stores image data, and the display unit 40 displays the image data from the image processing apparatus 20.

Further, the image processing apparatus 20 controls the operation of the entire image display apparatus, and the image processing unit 2 which will be described later.
2 includes a control unit 21 that controls image processing, an image processing unit 22 that executes various types of image processing, and an image temporary storage unit 23 that temporarily stores image data for display.

Here, at the time of image saving, an instruction to execute saving and setting of a region of interest are input from the operation unit 10, and an instruction to select a displayed list image is input.
The content of this instruction input is supplied to the control unit 21.

Here, the region of interest is a region of a portion representing the feature of each image determined by the operator for use as an index when selecting an image. That is, in the present embodiment, it means an area used as an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image at the time of display.

Therefore, a region of interest is a region included in the original image and designated by the operator, and an index image is smaller than the region of interest or the original image generated according to preset conditions. Say the image.

Based on the instruction from the operation unit 10, the control unit 21 adds the information about the image storage and the position of the region of interest to the image storage unit 30 and instructs the image storage. Also,
When displaying an image, a plurality of only the regions of interest are read out by referring to the added information of the regions of interest and supplied to the image processing unit 22. Then, when there is a reading instruction by selection from any one of the displayed regions of interest, the entire image data corresponding to the reading is selected from the image storage unit 30.

The image processing section 22 generates an index image from the read image data of the plurality of regions of interest, and executes image processing for gathering the plurality of index images into one screen image for list display and various other image processing. To do.

The image temporary storage unit 23 temporarily stores the image data for display generated by the image processing unit 22, and outputs it as an image signal matching the scanning frequency of the display unit 40. <Image display processing procedure (1): basic example> With respect to the operation of the image display apparatus configured as described above and the processing procedure of the image display method, the principle operation will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. .

When an operator issues an image display instruction through the operation unit 10, the image processing unit 22 controls each of the plurality of image data stored in the image storage unit 30 under the control of the control unit 21. , An index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image is generated (FIG. 1S
1).

As a method of generating this index image, it is conceivable to cut out the area designated for the original image at the time of saving or reduce the entire original image. The control unit 21 gives an instruction for selecting such a method for generating an index image, designating a region to be cut out, a reduction ratio, and the like, and the image processing unit 22 in accordance with the instruction executes processing.

The size of the index image is determined according to the size of one frame displayed as a list by dividing the screen when displaying the image. Here, the operation unit 10
From the plurality of original images to be displayed instructed by the image processing unit 22 until a predetermined number is displayed for list display.
Repeats the generation of the index image (S2 in FIG. 1). The index images are sequentially stored in the image temporary storage unit 23.

The predetermined number for displaying the list means the number of index images to be arranged when the list is displayed on one screen. A predetermined number of index images generated in the image temporary storage unit 23 in this way are displayed as a list on the display unit 40 (S3 in FIG. 1).

Therefore, in this image display method, since index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image are generated and displayed in a list, the states of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped and desired from the plurality of images. Makes it easy to select the image.

<Image display processing procedure (2): List display by clipping> Next, the operation of the image display device for generating an index image by clipping and the processing procedure of the image display method will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4. It will be described below with reference.

The processing procedure of the image display method for generating the index image by this clipping can be divided into the processing procedure for storing the image shown in FIG. 3 and the processing procedure for displaying the image shown in FIG.

First, referring to FIG. 3, the processing procedure at the time of saving the image will be described step by step. Processing procedure during image storage: Image data obtained by image diagnosis or the like is sent from a block not shown in FIG. 2 to the control unit 21, and the image processing unit 22 stores the image data in the image temporary storage unit 23. Is rewritten in a predetermined cycle, so that an image is displayed on the display unit 40 as a moving image.

When the operator determines that the image is a desired image, the operator inputs an instruction to save the display image from the operation unit 10 (S1 in FIG. 3). Here, the control unit 2
1 displays an image at the moment when an instruction to save an image is displayed in a static state on the display unit 40, and inquires the operator about the region of interest via the display screen (FIG. 3S).
2).

Here, the region of interest is a region of a portion representing the characteristics of each image determined by the operator for use as an index when selecting an image later. That is, in the present embodiment, it refers to a region used as an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image when displaying an image.

For example, FIG. 5 is displayed when a save instruction is issued.
Consider a case where an image obtained by ultrasonic diagnosis as in (a) is displayed. When the operator issues an instruction to save the display image from the operation unit 10, the screen displayed as a moving image until then becomes a still image (FIG. 5A),
A region of interest input frame A is displayed on the display screen as a region of interest input inquiry (FIG. 5B).

The region-of-interest input frame A is for determining the contents of the index image as the region of interest displayed in a list at the time of image display described later. Therefore, the region of interest input frame A is determined according to the size of one frame of the region of interest displayed as a list by dividing the screen when displaying an image to be described later.

In the example shown here, it is assumed that the display screen is divided into 12 (3 divisions in the vertical direction and 4 divisions in the horizontal direction) and 12 regions of interest are simultaneously displayed as a list as an index image. The size of the ROI input frame A is determined.

Therefore, if the number of divisions of the display screen and the size of the ROI input frame at the time of image selection are made to be the same, it is possible to use other division numbers and aspect ratios (shapes). The region-of-interest input frame A is displayed near the center of the display screen by the control unit 21, but can be moved vertically and horizontally in the display screen by the position input device (mouse, trackball, etc.) of the operation unit 10. Is possible.

As the ROI input frame A, in addition to the rectangular outer frame as shown in FIG. 5A, marks indicating four corners and the like, and the ROI input frame A Various displays such as reverse display can be considered.

Although the size of the ROI input frame is determined according to the number of ROIs displayed during image display, the size of the ROI input frame can be changed during processing as needed. You may leave it. In this case, it is possible to change the size of the ROI input frame without changing the aspect ratio and to change the size by changing the aspect ratio. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate the index image according to the size of the thing to be noticed.

In addition, it is possible to make the quadrangle ROI input frame into a circle, or to match the shape itself of the part recognized as an area to be noticed by the operator. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate only the notable one as the index image.

Further, with respect to the number of regions of interest displayed during image display and the size of the region of interest input frame, a predetermined number or size may be changed before the processing is started, or a plurality of preset predetermined values may be set. Alternatively, the operator may freely change the contents of the preset itself.

If the operator moves the region of interest input frame A to a desired position (region of interest) with a pointing device or the like attached to the operation unit 10 and instructs execution (continuation) of image storage, the control unit Reference numeral 21 stores the image data in the image storage unit 30 with the position data (X coordinate, Y coordinate) of the center or four corners of the ROI input frame A added to the displayed image data as additional information (S5 in FIG. 3).

When the operator gives an instruction to save an image without moving the ROI input frame A, the image data is stored in the image storage unit 30 with the center position of the image data added as additional information. Allow (Fig. 3 S3, S4, S
5).

The reason why the center position is added as the accompanying information in this way is that the center position is highly likely to include image features. Therefore, if it is known in advance that another position is likely to include the characteristics of the image, the other position may be set as additional information.

When the size of the ROI input frame is constant, the center position or the coordinates of the four corners of the ROI may be stored together with the image data as additional information.
When the size or shape of the ROI input frame A is changed, the data of the changed size or shape is also saved as accompanying information.

In addition, conventional associated information (patient ID, patient name, various parameters at the time of image capturing) is also stored. The necessary number of images are stored with the accompanying information as described above, and the image data is stored in the image storage unit 30.

Processing procedure at the time of image display: When an operator gives an instruction to call an image through the operation unit 10 (FIG. 4S1), the control unit 21 stores the images stored in the image storage unit 30 and to be displayed as a list. For the data, the accompanying information is read (S2 in FIG. 4). Here, first, the position data of the region of interest is read as accompanying information.

Then, referring to the read position data of the region of interest, the control unit 21 cuts out the region of interest from the image data stored in the image storage unit 30 (S3 in FIG. 4).
That is, the control unit 21 cuts out only the image data corresponding to the ROI input frame centering on the position data of the ROI input frame A, and supplies it as an index image to the image processing unit 22.

If the size of the region of interest is changed when the image is saved, the control unit 21 refers to the data indicating the size and cuts out the region of interest of the required size as an index image. To

The image processing unit 22 stores the index image generated from the image data of the cut out region of interest in a predetermined position of the image temporary storage unit 23 (FIG. 4S).
4). The reading of the accompanying information and the generation of the index image by cutting out the region of interest are repeated for a predetermined number of sheets so that a predetermined number of image data of the region of interest are displayed as a list (S5 in FIG. 4).

Then, when a predetermined number of index images are generated in the image temporary storage unit 23, a list of index images is displayed on the display device 40. The state of this list display is shown in FIG.

Since the index image generated by cutting out the region of interest in this way is not generated by reducing the entire original image, the fine feature of the image is not lost and is suitable as an index for image selection. There is.

Further, reduction processing (reading of the entire image data + reduction processing) is performed for cutting out such a region of interest.
Is not included, the reading time and the image processing time are shortened. Therefore, when displaying a list of multiple images,
All the images can be displayed in a relatively short time, which is the time required for the above-described reduction processing.

In the list display of FIG. 6, other accompanying information (patient I) about the index image showing each region of interest is displayed.
D, patient name, and various parameters at the time of image capturing) may be superimposed and displayed. In this case, the control unit 21 reads out a necessary item of the accompanying information from the image storage unit 30, and the image temporary storage unit 23 synthesizes the image and the text.

Then, the operator moves the frame cursor B as shown in FIG. 7 to the index image of any one of the regions of interest by using the mouse, the trackball or the like of the operation unit 10 and reads it in a state of being superimposed on the desired index image. A desired original image is selected by operating the execution key (S6 in FIG. 4).

Although the frame cursor B is shown by a thick frame in FIG. 7, other shapes, color changes, brightness changes, etc. that make it clear that any index image is in the selected state, It may be a blinking cursor. Further, in FIG. 7, the image inside each index image is omitted.

With respect to the original image selected in this way, the control unit 21 reads the image data of the entire area from the image storage unit 30. Then, the image processing unit 22 that has received the read image data rewrites the contents of the image temporary storage unit 23 and displays the entire read original image on the display unit 40 (S7 in FIG. 4).

Therefore, since this image display device generates index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image and displays them as a list, the states of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped, and desired images can be selected from the plurality of images. Makes it easy to select the image.

Further, since the index image is generated by cutting out, the detailed features of the image are not lost and it is suitable as an index for image selection. Further, since the reduction processing is not included, there is an advantage that the reading time and the image processing time are shortened.

<Image display processing procedure (3): Reduction list display> Next, the operation of the image display apparatus for generating an index image by reduction and the processing procedure of the image display method will be described.
This will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Regarding the reduced list display, it is not necessary to input the region of interest at the time of saving the image.
The process of displaying an image will be described. Processing procedure during image display: When an operator calls an image through the operation unit 10 (FIG. 8S1)
Then, the control unit 21 reads the entire original image for the image data stored in the image storage unit 30 and to be displayed as a list (S2 in FIG. 8).

Then, the ROI is reduced for the entire read original image data (S3 in FIG. 8). That is, the control unit 21 supplies the original image data to the image processing unit 22, and the image processing unit 22 generates the index image by the reduction processing. The image processing unit 22 stores the generated index image in a predetermined position of the image temporary storage unit 23.

In order to display a list of a predetermined number of image data of the region of interest, the index image generation by reading and reducing the original image is repeated for a predetermined number (S4 in FIG. 8).

Then, when a predetermined number of index images are generated in the image temporary storage unit 23, a list of index images is displayed on the display device 40 (FIG. 8S).
5). This is shown in FIG.

Since the index image generated by reducing the region of interest in this way is generated by reducing the entire original image, the overall state of the image can be grasped and used as an index for image selection. It is possible.

Incidentally, in the list display of FIG. 9, other accompanying information (patient I
D, patient name, and various parameters at the time of image capturing) may be superimposed and displayed. In this case, the control unit 21 reads out a necessary item of the accompanying information from the image storage unit 30, and the image temporary storage unit 23 synthesizes the image and the text.

Then, the operator moves the frame cursor B as shown in FIG. 7 to the index image of one of the regions of interest by using the mouse, the trackball or the like of the operation unit 10 and reads it in a state of being superimposed on the desired index image. A desired original image is selected by operating the execution key (S6 in FIG. 8).

With respect to the original image selected in this way, the control unit 21 reads the image data of the entire area from the image storage unit 30. Then, the image processing unit 22 that has received the read image data rewrites the contents of the image temporary storage unit 23 and displays the entire read original image on the display unit 40 (S7 in FIG. 8).

Therefore, in this image display device, since index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image are generated by reduction and displayed in a list, it is possible to visually grasp the states of the plurality of original images, and to display the plurality of images. It becomes easy to select a desired image from.

Further, since the index image is generated by reduction, it represents the entire state of the image. Therefore, it is suitable for displaying or selecting an image that needs to be characterized based on the shape of the entire original image or the general tendency of the image.

Regarding this reduction, in addition to the case of reducing the entire original image as described above, when a region of interest larger than the region in which the index image is to be displayed is designated at the time of saving the image, the region of interest is reduced. It is also possible to display it. In this case, since the reduction rate is small, the detailed features are not easily lost, and the rough tendency of the image can be represented.

<Image display processing procedure (4): List display by cutout and reduction> Next, the operation of the image display device for generating an index image by cutout and reduction and the processing procedure of the image display method will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Note that, regarding the list display by the cutout and the reduction, there is a case where the region of interest is input at the time of saving the image, and a case where the region of interest is not input, but the case where the region of interest is input at the time of saving the image. Has already been described with reference to FIG.

That is, the image display in the case where the region of interest is input and the region of interest is not stored at the time of image storage is stored will be described in this embodiment.

Processing procedure at the time of image display: When the operator gives an instruction to call an image through the operation unit 10 (FIG. 10S1), the control unit 21 stores the images stored in the image storage unit 30 and to be displayed as a list. For the data, accompanying information is read (S2 in FIG. 10). Here, first, the position data of the region of interest is read as accompanying information.

Then, it is checked whether or not the accompanying information of the read region of interest exists (FIG. 10S3). When the accompanying information of the ROI exists, the control unit 21 refers to the read position data of the ROI and cuts out the ROI from the image data stored in the image storage unit 30. That is, the control unit 21 cuts out only the image data corresponding to the ROI input frame centering on the position data of the ROI input frame A, and supplies it as an index image to the image processing unit 22. If the size of the ROI is changed when the image is saved, the control unit 21 refers to the data indicating the size and cuts out the ROI of the required size as an index image. Then, the image processing unit 22 stores the index image generated from the cut-out image data of the region of interest in a predetermined position of the image temporary storage unit 23 (FIG. 10S4).

If the associated information of the region of interest does not exist, the entire original image is read and the region of interest is reduced for the entire read original image data. That is, the control unit 21 supplies the original image data to the image processing unit 22, and the image processing unit 22 generates the index image by the reduction processing. The image processing unit 22 stores the generated index image at a predetermined position in the image temporary storage unit 23 (S5 in FIG. 10).

As described above, in order to display a list of a predetermined number of index images, generation of a predetermined number of index images by cutting or reducing according to the presence or absence of the accompanying information of the region of interest is repeated (S6 in FIG. 10). ).

Then, when a predetermined number of index images are generated in the image temporary storage unit 23, a list of index images is displayed on the display device 40 (FIG. 10S).
7). Incidentally, in the list display, other accompanying information (patient ID, patient name, various parameters at the time of image capturing) may be superimposed and displayed on the index image indicating each region of interest. In this case, the control unit 21 controls the image storage unit 30.
The necessary items of the incidental information are read from, and the image temporary storage unit 23 synthesizes the image and the text.

Then, the operator moves the frame cursor B as shown in FIG. 7 to the index image of any one of the regions of interest by using the mouse, the trackball or the like of the operation unit 10 and reads it in a state of being superimposed on the desired index image. A desired original image is selected by operating the execution key (S8 in FIG. 10).

With respect to the original image selected in this way, the control unit 21 reads the image data of the entire area from the image storage unit 30. Then, the image processing unit 22 that has received the read image data rewrites the contents of the image temporary storage unit 23 and displays the entire read original image on the display unit 40 (S9 in FIG. 10).

Therefore, in this image display device, the index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image are generated by clipping and reducing and are displayed as a list, so that the states of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped, and the plurality of original images can be visually recognized. It becomes easy to select a desired image from the images.

Then, since the index image is generated by cutting or reducing according to the presence or absence of the accompanying information when the image is saved, it is necessary to judge the features from the entire original image and the region of interest of the original image. It is suitable for displaying and selecting both when it is necessary to judge the characteristics from the details.

Although the image data obtained by ultrasonic diagnosis is used in the above description of each embodiment, the image display method and the image display apparatus shown in this embodiment are not limited to the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and radiation CT. It can also be used in various image display devices such as devices. Further, it can be used in various image display devices that display a plurality of images.

[0099]

【The invention's effect】

(1) In the invention of the first image display method, since the index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image are generated and displayed in a list, it is possible to visually grasp the states of the plurality of original images, It becomes easy to select a desired image from the images.

(2) In the invention of the second image display device, since the index image generation means generates index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image and the list is displayed on the display means, a plurality of original images are displayed. You can visually understand the situation of
It becomes easy to select a desired image from a plurality of images.

(3) In the invention of the third image display device, based on either the predetermined area designated when the original image is stored, or the predetermined area determined in advance,
Since the index image generation means generates index images of a predetermined size smaller than the original image and the display means displays a list, a state of the plurality of original images can be visually grasped and a desired image can be obtained from the plurality of images. Makes it easier to choose.

(4) In the invention of the fourth image display device, based on either a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored or a predetermined area predetermined,
Since the index image generating means generates an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image by cutting it out from the original image and the list is displayed on the display means, the list display can be executed at high speed, and a plurality of images can be displayed. It becomes easy to select a desired image. In addition, when the image is saved, the position information of the region of interest is added, and when selecting the image, the part of the region of interest can be read according to the added position information, so reduction processing is not necessary and processing time is shortened. To be done.

(5) In the fifth image display device invention, in this image display device, the index image generation means generates and displays an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image. Since the list is displayed by the means, it is possible to visually grasp the entire state of the plurality of original images, and it becomes easy to select a desired image from the plurality of images. Further, when the index image is generated by reducing the entire original image, it is not necessary to add the position information of the region of interest at the time of saving the image, so that the process can be simplified.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an image display method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the image display device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when an image is saved in the image display method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of image display of the image display method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of an ROI input frame.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of list display in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of a frame cursor according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of image display of the image display method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of list display by reduction according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of image display of the image display method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional image display device that performs image selection based on an image accompanying information list.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of displaying an image accompanying information list.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 operation unit 21 control unit 22 image processing unit 23 image temporary storage unit 30 image storage unit 40 image display unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical display location G09G 5/00 510 G09G 5/36 520G 530 520P 5/36 520 A61B 6/03 360P 8/00 / / A61B 5/055 G06F 15/62 P 6/03 360 322C 8/00 A61B 5/05 380 (72) Inventor Takao Shiibashi 127 7 Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An image display method comprising: generating an index image having a predetermined size smaller than an original image for each of a plurality of images and displaying a list of the plurality of index images. 2. An index image generating means for generating an index image of a predetermined size smaller than the original image for each of the plurality of images, and a display for displaying a list of the plurality of index images generated by the index image generating means. An image display device comprising: 3. The index image generating means is a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored, or
The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the index image is generated based on any one of predetermined regions. 4. The index image generating means is a predetermined area designated when the original image is stored, or
3. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein either one of the predetermined regions determined in advance is cut out from the original image and generated. 5. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the index image generating means reduces the original image to generate an index image.