DE3715419A1 - IMAGE ARCHIVING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an image-filing system including: CRT monitor (12) for displaying an image directory in a split-screen fashion; CRT monitor (10) for displaying a corresponding list of attribute data; and mouse (14). If the screen of each of the two CRT monitors is constituted by picture elements of 640 (X-axis) x 480 (Y-axis), mouse (14) generates cursor coordinates ranging from (0,0) to (1279,479). The cursor coordinates from (0,0) to (639,479) are used for the screen of the attribute data-displaying monitor (10), and the cursor coordinates from (640,0) to (1279,479) are used for the screen of the image-displaying monitor (12). A host computer determines the range of the generated X-axis coordinate and applies the cursor to the appropriate monitor, with 640 subtracted for monitor (12). Accordingly, the cursor (16) can be moved not only within the screen of the attribute data-displaying monitor (10) but within the screen of the image-displaying monitor (12), by using one mouse (14). The cursor (16) can thus be moved freely between the screens of the two monitors. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to an image archive system according to the preamble of claim 1 or 7. In particular, the present invention relates to a Image archiving system, which a plurality of An show monitors used and using the of information on the majority of display Mon monitors are shown, drawn to a desired image can be gripped.

With a system for archiving or processing ei A large number of images become the images and proper identification data on different CRT-Mo monitors displayed. Be on one of the CRT monitors the images are shown on a smaller scale so that they represent a kind of image directory using the an operator can see the contents of a file can. On the other CRT monitor, the associated Labeling data in one place according to the  associated images are displayed, so this CRT monitor lists the identification data. Under Ver the operator chooses the list of identification data servicer the image they want to examine the reduced images in the image directory. The selected image will approximate to its original size Viewing enlarged. For determination or selection an image, a cursor is displayed on the monitor, by means of a pointing device, such as a keyboard, an electronic mouse, a light pen or one Digitizer is movable.

Although in a conventional system, a plurality of CRT monitors is used, the cursor is only on shown on one of these monitors. A picture is only determined based on the labeling data list or from selected and it cannot be used using the Image Di rectory can be selected.

Figure 4 shows an example of prior art systems. As shown, the identification data list is shown on a CRT monitor 1 and the image directory is shown on another CRT monitor 2 . An electronic mouse 3 , which is used to determine or select an image, is connected to the monitor 1 .

Observing the image directory and the labeling data list, an operator selects the image to be enlarged to the original size. The operator then moves a cursor 4 in the area in which the identification data of the selected image are shown by operating the electronic mouse 3 . A host computer (not shown) determines which tag data has been selected (based on the coordinates of the cursor) and reads the associated image data from an image file (not shown). The monitor 2 then shows the selected image in its original size instead of the image directory and the monitor 1 shows details of the identification data which belong to the image instead of the identification data list.

Fig. 5 shows a further example of systems of the prior art. In this example, a keypad 6 is arranged on a keyboard 5 and replaces the electronic mouse 3rd The keypad 6 includes numeric keys arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix in accordance with the number of images displayed on a monitor with a divided screen. In the example shown, three image fields are shown on monitor 2 . Each identification data field on the monitor 1 is assigned a number. In the example shown, numbers 1 to 3 are assigned to the upper row (from left to right), numbers 4 to 6 are assigned to the middle row (from left to right) and numbers 7 to 9 are assigned to the lower row (from left to right). By pressing the keypad 6 , the desired data can thus be selected.

As can be seen from what has been said so far, only that Label data list can be used to create an image determine or select. Because in some cases a picture could be selected or determined faster, by using the image directory can be said be that the systems of the prior art are not are particularly flexible and easy to use.

Using a keyboard with a keypad would be it is possible to select one of the CRT monitors first and then a sub-area on the screen of the chose monitor to determine. In this case both the labeling data list and the image di rectory can be used to select an image. The  necessary operating procedures are likely to be complex to be carried out. In addition, it would be as long as the Ta field to select or determine an image applied, impossible to deal with the case effectively, in the number of divisions on the screen will change.

It is therefore an object of the present invention outlined disadvantages of the prior art and to create an image archiving system in which the Cursor, by means of which any area on the image screen of a display unit determined or selected can be viewed continuously from the screen of an ad unit can be moved onto another by one Determination / selection device is operated so that it becomes possible an image based on the screen any display unit.

To solve this task, an image archiving system stem according to the present invention: a first Display unit for displaying an image; a second type which display unit for displaying identification data to the image displayed on the first display unit are proper, the dots on the screens of the first and second display units using the same coordinate system are represented so that different coordinates corresponding points between the screens of the first and second display units are assigned; and a display device to generate a coordinate signal by one point on the screens of the first and second Display units based on the coordinate signa to determine les.

Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the subclaims.  

Further details, features and advantages of this ing invention emerge from the following Be description with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

. Figure 1 shows schematically the image archiving system dung an embodiment of the present OF INVENTION in accordance with;

Fig. 2 addresses that he is generated by an electronic mouse and which he clarify the principle of operation, which is the basis of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the image archiving system according to the embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows an example of a conventional image archiving system; and

Fig. 5 shows another example of a conventional image archiving system.

As is apparent from FIG. 1, the image archiving system according to the present invention, like already known systems, has a CRT monitor 10 (CRT = cathode ray tube = CRT) for displaying a list of identification data, a CRT monitor 12 for displaying an image -Directory like a so-called window technology and an electronic mouse 14 . It can prove to be advantageous or pleasant for an operator if the arrangement of an image in the image directory corresponds to the arrangement of the associated identification data in the list. However, this correspondence is not absolutely necessary if the pictures and the associated identification data are appropriately assigned numbers.

In the system according to the present invention, a cursor 16 can be placed not only on the monitor 10 for displaying the identification data but also on the monitor 12 which shows the images by operating only the one electronic mouse 14 . In other words, by operating the mouse 14 , the cursor 16 can be moved back and forth between the screens of the two monitors 10 and 12 . Thus, the image that an operator wants to view in its original size can be selected based on either the label data list or the image directory. Even if the image directory is reorganized or replaced by replacing some images with new images, the images to be changed can be selected either via the identification data list or the image directory.

The cursor coordinates, which can be moved using the mouse 14 , are shown in FIG. 2. If the screen of each of the two monitors 10 and 12 consists of 640 ( X -axis) × 480 ( Y -axis) picture elements, the mouse generates 14 cursor coordinates which range from (0.0) to (1.279.479). The cursor coordinates from (0,0) to (639,479) are used for the monitor 10 to display the identification data and the cursor coordinates from (640,0) to (1,279,479) are used for the monitor 12 to display the image. In the embodiment shown, the cursor coordinates of the two screens are continuous in order to effectively use the coordinates that can be moved by the mouse 14 . If the available coordinates are sufficient in number, the cursor coordinates between the two screens do not have to be continuous or continuous.

If the X axis of the cursor coordinates generated by the mouse 14 satisfies the condition 0 × <640, a host computer (not shown) allows the cursor 16 to be displayed in corresponding areas on the monitor 10 . However, if the X axis of the cursor coordinates satisfies the condition 640 × 1,279, the host computer allows the cursor 16 to be displayed on the monitor 12 . In this case, the X axis on the monitor 12 is determined by subtracting 640 from the X value of the coordinates generated by the mouse 14 , whereas the Y axis on the monitor 12 is determined using the Y values of the coordinates . If the cursor 16 is controlled in this way, it can be moved freely between the two screens by actuating the one mouse 14 . The cursor 16 can thus be displayed on both monitors 10 and 12 without having to switch between the monitors. When a button on the mouse 14 is pressed, the host computer judges which image to enlarge, and this determination is made based on the cursor coordinates when the button is depressed.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the image archiving system according to the present invention for selecting and building a desired image from a large number of images. Referring to FIG. 3, a CPU 22, a data file 24, an image file 26, a Zeichenanzeige- memory 28, main memory 30, an A / D converter 32, an image memory 34, a D / A converter 36, a mouse Inter face 38 and a keyboard 40 with a CPU bus 20 in connection. The data file 24 is used to store a directory of label data and a directory of image data. The image file 26 is used for two types of image data: one type represents an image with a size of 640 × 480 (corresponds in size to the screen of a CRT monitor) and the other type represents a small image for the construction of the image directory. If the entire screen area is divided into four sections, the small picture has a size of 320 × 240 picture elements. A CRT monitor 42 , which serves for character display (identification data), is connected to the character memory 28 . Identification data can be displayed on the monitor 42 by writing it to the character display memory 28 . The main memory 30 stores the identification data and a specified program. The A / D converter 32 , the image memory 34 and the D / A converter 36 are connected to an image bus 44 , through which data of an image from the A / D converter 32 are written in the image memory 34 or from the image memory 34 can be read out to the D / A converter 36 (ie, the image is displayed on a CRT monitor 46 for image display). An electronic mouse 48 generates the above-mentioned cursor coordinates ranging from (0.0) to (1279.479).

The operation of the system according to FIG. 3 will now be described in the following. Using the keyboard 40 , the operator enters the name of a file whose contents they want to see. When the file name is entered, the CPU 22 reads the associated characteristic data file from the data file 24 and transfers it to the main memory 30 . The identification data file here comprises: identification data for a plurality of images which form the image directory (four images in the described embodiment); Address information indicating where data is stored on an image directory (ie four small images each 320 × 240 pixels) in the image file 26 ; and address information indicating where data of four original size images are stored in the image file 26 . From this data, the CPU 22 writes parts of the characteristic data into the character display memory 28 and thus allows it to be displayed there in a defined format. In the event that the image is used for medical purposes, the identification data include information relating to the name of a patient, the date of the photograph, the description of the photographed section, the name of the responsible doctor and the diagnosis concerned.

The CPU 22 supplies the addresses of the image directory to the image file 26 and transfers the image directory to the image memory 34 to obtain an image directory like that of FIG. 1. The D / A converter 36 reads this image directory data from the image memory 34 as a function of the scanning behavior of the CRT monitor and converts the image directory data into analog signals so that an image is displayed on the CRT monitor 46 . In this way, a characteristic list is also displayed on the CRT monitor 42 and an image directory is shown on the CRT monitor 46 . CPU 22 also allows cursor 16 to be displayed on either monitor 42 or monitor 46 .

By viewing the screens of monitors 42 and 46 , the operator decides which image they want to see on an enlarged scale. In the following it is assumed that the operator selects the image on the basis of the characteristic list. In this case, the cursor 16 is brought to a suitable position on the monitor 42 and then the button on the mouse 48 is operated.

When data is displayed in the format shown in Fig. 1, four pieces of characteristic data are displayed in the following areas of the screen: a lower left area [(0,0) to (319, 239)]; a lower right area [(320, 0) to (639, 239)]; an upper left area [(0.240) to (319, 479)] and an upper right area [(320, 240) to (639, 479)]. When the coordinates generated by the mouse 48 are (480, 360), it is determined that the characteristics shown in the upper right area of the screen are selected. The CPU 22 reads from the main memory 34 the addresses which indicate where the original size image associated with the selected characteristics is stored in the image memory 26 and the read address is supplied to the image memory 26 . The original size image is then transferred to the image memory 34 at 640 × 480 pixels. The original size of the image is thus also displayed on the monitor 46 . At the same time, the screen of the monitor 42 is controlled so that detailed information regarding the selected characteristic data is displayed here instead of the characteristic data list.

In some cases, it may be more practical or more convenient for the operator to select an image based on the image directory. In these cases, the operator moves the cursor 16 onto the image directory on the monitor 46 by operating the mouse 48 . After the cursor 16 is positioned in the area where the image desired by the operator is displayed, the operator actuates the switch button on the mouse 48 .

If the image directory is shown in the format of FIG. 1, there are four images which form the image directory in the following areas of the screen: lower left area [(640, 0) to (959, 479)] ; lower right range [(960, 0) to (1279, 239)]; upper left area [(640, 240) to (959, 479)]; and upper right area [(960, 240) to (1279, 479)] If the coordinates generated by the mouse 48 are (900, 400), it is judged that the image in the lower left area of the screen has been selected. The subsequent operations are similar to those performed when the image is selected based on the list of characteristics. More specifically, from the main memory 30 , the CPU 22 reads the address indicating where the original size image belonging to the selected image is stored in the image memory 26 and the read address is supplied to the image memory 26 so that a Original size image with 640 × 480 picture elements is displayed on the monitor 46 . At the same time, the screen of the monitor 42 is controlled so that detailed information regarding the selected image is displayed instead of the characteristic list. In the described embodiment, the cursor coordinates generated by the mouse 48 are divided in half so that one half is assigned to the screen of the monitor 42 and the other to the screen of the monitor 46 . If this technology is used in a data archiving system in which image data and the associated identification data are displayed in corresponding areas on different monitors, any point on the screens of the monitors can be selected using only a single electronic mouse. Thus, an image can be obtained based on the display from any of the monitors, so that an interface is created which is practical and flexible. Since the movement of the mouse (ie the movement distance of the cursor) can also be steplessly controlled, the cursor can be moved to the desired point on the screens. The system according to the invention is also suitable for the case in which the number of divided sections of the image directory changes.

The present invention is not based on that described Embodiment limited, rather are different Modifications possible. In the described execution all the scaled down pictures, which the Form image directory within the display area displayed on a screen. However, if the file is a large one Number of images, it may be possible that not all images can be displayed at the same time.  

For example, there may be a case where each of the reduced images is formed from 320 × 240 picture elements. (In this case there are eight images in one file.) If the screen of a monitor has the display format according to FIG. 1, however, only four images can be shown at the same time. In such a case, images that are unimportant for an operator must be replaced with new ones. In the context of the present invention, it is readily possible to do justice to this fact. More specifically, the images to be replaced with new ones are selected using either the existing image directory or the tag data list. The operator inputs a suitable signal via the keyboard, by means of which the unnecessary images are deleted and new images are displayed. It is assumed that the images of the upper right and lower left areas on the screen are selected using the mouse. Based on the coordinates generated by the mouse, the CPU detects the areas in which unnecessary images are displayed. The CPU continues to read out new image data, shows the corresponding images in the areas recorded and thus replaces the unnecessary images. If the image directory is thus restructured by replacing part of the images with new images, the operator can select the images to be replaced, either via the identification data list or the image directory.

In the described embodiment, two CRT-Mo nitore uses: one to display the pictures and the others to display the identification data. It can however, three or more CRT monitors are also straightforward be used. In this case, the coordinates area available from the electronic mouse is expanded and the expanded coordinate designation rich becomes appropriate depending on the number  of the CRT monitors to be used in sections below Splits. With this it is possible to create an interface which is flexible in use, just like that in of the described embodiment.

The pointing device is not an electronic one Mouse limited. It's also a keyboard, a digitizer, a light pen or the like possible, through which the electronic mouse is replaceable.

In summary, the present invention makes it possible Lich, any point on the screen a display device as well as an image on the Basis of the information of each display device to receive.

Claims (8)

1. Image archiving system, characterized by
first and second display devices ( 10 , 12 ) for displaying different types of information, the first and second display devices having screens to which different coordinates of the same coordinate system are assigned; and
a pointing device ( 14 ) which, in response to the operation of an operating member, generates a coordinate signal for selecting an arbitrary point on the screens of the first and second display devices on the basis of the generated coordinate signal. 2. Image archiving system according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the first display device  Represents image and that the second display device Labeling data represents what the image is are associated with the first display device. 3. Image archiving system according to claim 2, characterized marked that a coordinate on the picture screen of the first display device continuously on the screen of the second display device transforms. 4. Image archiving system according to claim 2, characterized characterized in that the first display device a number of window-style images nik represents and the second display device List of labeling data, which each that of the images on the first display device are associated with, the coordinate on the picture screen of the first display device continuously on the screen of the second display device transforms. 5. Image archiving system according to claim 4, further characterized by a display control device which controls the first and second display devices of the type that
if one of the images which is displayed on the first display device in the window technology is selected by the pointing device, the first display device only displays the selected image on its full display area, thereby replacing the images displayed in window technology and the second The display device only shows the identification data belonging to the selected image on its full display area, so that the identification data list is replaced; and
if one of the identification data from the list which is selected on the second display device by the pointing device, the first display device only shows the image of the selected identification data on its full display area, thereby replacing the images displayed in window technology and the second display only shows the selected identification data on its full display area, so that the identification data list is replaced. 6. Image archiving system according to claim 4, further characterized by a display control device, which are the screens of the first and second an pointing devices controls such that when off choice of an image or identification data which on the screen of the first or second display device are shown, the selection done by the pointing device, the selected one Image or the identification data by another Image or identification data can be replaced. 7. Image archiving system, characterized by
a first display device ( 46 ) for displaying an image;
a second display device ( 42 ) for displaying identification data associated with the image displayed on the first display device; cursor display means ( 22 ) for displaying a cursor on any point on the screens of the first and second display means; and
a pointing device ( 48 ) for changing the cur position by actuating an actuating component, the cursor being able to be moved beyond the display area of either the first or second display device and relating to the display area of the other display device. 8. Image archiving system according to claim 7, characterized characterized that two continuous coordinates the same coordinate system the screens of the assigned to the first and second display device are, the display means a coordinates signal generated, which is in response to Betä the actuation part changes continuously, wherein the cursor display device the Dar position of the cursor at one point accordingly of the coordinate signal allowed.