CA1164581A - Time reversal imaging apparatus for displaying x-ray images or the like - Google Patents
Time reversal imaging apparatus for displaying x-ray images or the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA1164581A CA1164581A CA000389404A CA389404A CA1164581A CA 1164581 A CA1164581 A CA 1164581A CA 000389404 A CA000389404 A CA 000389404A CA 389404 A CA389404 A CA 389404A CA 1164581 A CA1164581 A CA 1164581A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- images
- video recorder
- display apparatus
- digital
- lower limit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B15/00—Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record carriers or containers therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function
- G11B15/005—Programmed access in sequence to indexed parts of tracks of operating tapes, by driving or guiding the tape
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
- G11B17/005—Programmed access to indexed parts of tracks of operating discs, by guiding the disc
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B19/00—Driving, starting, stopping record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function ; Driving both disc and head
- G11B19/20—Driving; Starting; Stopping; Control thereof
- G11B19/26—Speed-changing arrangements; Reversing arrangements; Drive-transfer means therefor
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/005—Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording
- G11B27/007—Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording reproducing continuously a part of the information, i.e. repeating
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/02—Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
- G11B27/022—Electronic editing of analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
- G11B27/026—Electronic editing of analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals on discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/02—Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
- G11B27/031—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
- G11B27/034—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals on discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/102—Programmed access in sequence to addressed parts of tracks of operating record carriers
- G11B27/105—Programmed access in sequence to addressed parts of tracks of operating record carriers of operating discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/19—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier
- G11B27/28—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B2220/00—Record carriers by type
- G11B2220/20—Disc-shaped record carriers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
- Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images, comprising a video disc recorder for storing a series of images, forward and reverse controls for caus-ing the recorder to reproduce the images in either a forward sequence or a reverse sequence, the recorder having image label channels for reproducing image label number signals to identify each of the stored images, upper and lower limit registers for establishing upper and lower limits of the image label number signals, upper and lower comparators for comparing the currently produced image label number signals with the upper and lower limits for actuating the reverse control when the current image label number signals correspond with the upper limit and for actuating the forward control when the current image label number signals correspond with the lower limit, and a display monitor for displaying the images reproduced by the recorder, whereby the images are repetitively dis-played in forward and reverse sequences between the upper and lower limits.
Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images, comprising a video disc recorder for storing a series of images, forward and reverse controls for caus-ing the recorder to reproduce the images in either a forward sequence or a reverse sequence, the recorder having image label channels for reproducing image label number signals to identify each of the stored images, upper and lower limit registers for establishing upper and lower limits of the image label number signals, upper and lower comparators for comparing the currently produced image label number signals with the upper and lower limits for actuating the reverse control when the current image label number signals correspond with the upper limit and for actuating the forward control when the current image label number signals correspond with the lower limit, and a display monitor for displaying the images reproduced by the recorder, whereby the images are repetitively dis-played in forward and reverse sequences between the upper and lower limits.
Description
; L15 ~3 1 FI~LD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to display apparatus for displaying a series of images. The invention is particularly advantageous for displaying a series of stored X-ray images representing the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, or other bodily functions in certain situations.
BACKGROUND OF T~IE IMVENTION
The present invention is particularly well adapted for displaying a series of X-ray difference images, produced 10 as disclosed and claimed in U.S. patent No. 4,204,225, issued May 20, 1980r upon the application of the present applicant, Charles A. Mistretta, or as disclosed and claimed in UOS.
patent No. 4,204,226, issued May 20, 1980, upon the application of Charles A. Mistretta, Robert A. Kruger and Theodore L. ~ouk.
A series of such X-ray difference images w:Lll show the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, as, for example, in the coronary arteries, the carotid arteries, or bypass grafts around such arteries, or other bodily functions.
_BJECTS OF THE IN~ENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved display apparatus for repetitively displaying a series of images, such as a series of X-ray images showing the action of the heart or the circulation of the blood, so as to maximize the amount of information which can be obtained from observing such images.
A further object is to provide a new and improved display apparatus of the foregoing character which will enable the radiologist to obser~e and study the series of X-ray images for an indefinitely long period of time, as needed, while limiting the radiation exposure of the patient to a single series of images.
5 $ 1 _UMMAR~ OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other objects, the present invention pre~erably provides display apparatus for dis-playing a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising image storage means for storing a series of images, the image storage means having forward control means for causing the image storage means to reproduce the images in a forward sequence, the image storage meanshavingreverse control means for causing the image storage means to reproducethe images in a reverse sequence, the image storage means having label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images, upper limit means for establishing an upper limit of the label information, lower limit means for estab-lishing a lower limit of the label information, upper compar-ison means for comparing the currently produced label inform-ation with the upper limit and for actuating the reverse control means when the current label infor~ation corresponds with the upper limit, and lower comparison means for comparing the current label information with the lower limit and ~or actuating the forward control means when the current label in~ormation corresponds with the lower limit, whereby the images are repetitively reproduced in forward and reverse sequences between the upper and lower limits.
Display means, such as a televi.sion monitor, may be provided to display the images reproduced by the image storage means.
The image storage means may be in the form of an analog disc video recordex, a digital disc video recorder~
some other video recorder, a digital memory, incorporated in a computer or otherwise, or means for utilizing images stored on photographic film.
~ 3 6~$ 1 Means may be provided for varying the rate at which the images are reproduced by the image storage means.
The label means may produce the label information in the form of label number signals. The upper and lower limits may be established by upper and lower registers which may be set or loaded with the label number si~nals when the image storage means is adjusted to the images at the desired upper and lower limits.
The upper and lower comparison means may take the form of upper and lower digital comparators for comparing the currently produced label number signals with the upper and lower limits, loaded in the upper and lower registers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
_ Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description of illus-trative embodiments, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a display apparatus to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
Fig.2 is afragmentary schematic block diagram, corre-sponding to a portion of Fig~ 1, but showing a modified embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
As just indicated, Fig. 1 illustrates a display apparatus 10 for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like. The display apparatus 10 comprises image storage means 12 for storing a series of images, such image storage means preferably being in the form of a video disc recorder, which may be of the analog type, as contemplated in Fig. 1, or the digital type, as contemplated in Fig. 2. However, any other suitable video recorder may be employed, for recording the images magnet-ically or otherwise.
Moreover, the image storage means 12 may be in the form of a memory, such as a digital electronic memory, whether incorporated in a computer or otherwise. Further-more, the image storage means 12 may be in the form of means for utilizing images stored on photographic film, such as motion picture film.
In Fig. l, the display apparatus 10 involves a tele-vision or video system. The sequential images stored by the image storage means 12 are in the form of video or television signals, derived from a television camera by way of an image subtraction system, as disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned background patents, for example. The television camera may be trained upon an X-ray image intensification screen. The ~-ray images may be produced in rapid succession, to show the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, or some other bodily function.
~s shown in Fig. l, the image storage means 12 has a video input channel 14 for receiving the video signals re-presenting the successive X-ray images to be stored. It is only necessary to produce and store a single series of X-ray images. Thus, the radiation exposure to the patient is minimized.
For brevity in the following description, the image storage means 12 will often be referred to as a video recorder, but it will be understood that other image storage means may be employed.
The video recorder 12 is capable of reproducing the stored images in either a forward sequence or a reverse sequence. In reproducing the images~ the video recorder 12 produces video signals which are supplied to a video or television monitor 16, for converting the video signals into visible television images, corresponding to the X-ray images.
The video recorder 12 of Fig. 1 has a speed control 18, for varying the rate at which the stored images are re-produced. The video recorder 12 also includes adjusting means 20, illustrated as a stepping control, whereby the video recorder can be adjusted to reproduce any stored image in the recorded series.
The video recorder 12 of Fig. 1 has forward control means for causing the video recorder to reproduce the stored images in a forward sequence, such forward control means including a fast forward input 22, adapted to receive a control signal which will cause the video recorder 12 to reproduce the stored images in a forward direction. The video recorder 12 also has reverse control means for causing the recorder to reproduce the images in a reverse sequence, such reverse control means including a fast reverse input 24 for receiving a control signal to actuate the reproduction of the stored images by the video recorder in a reverse sequence.
The video recorder of Fig. 1 also has label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images. Such label information may comprise image label numbers, stored by the video recorder along with the images, and adapted to be reproduced in the form of label number signals, accompanying the reproduced video signals corre-sponding to the stored images. In the video recorder 12 of Fig. 1, such label means may include a plurality of image label number output channels 26, adapted to supply output signals corresponding to multidigit binary image numbers in parallel form, foursuch channels being shown in Fig. 1.
When a larger num~er of digits is needed, a correspond-ingly larger number of output channels may be provided.
The system of Fig. 1, involving four digits or bits, has a capacity of sixteen (24) different image identification num~bers. By adding additlonal digits, the capacity can be increased to thirty-two, sixty-four or any higher number.
The display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 includes upper and lower limit means 28 and 30 for selectively establishing upper and lower limits of the label information. Such upper and lower limit means 28 and 30 axe illustrated in the form of upper and lower limit data registers which can be select-ively loaded to any label number within the capacity of the system. The illustrated data registers 28 and 30 have respective multichannel inputs 32 and 34 which are con-nected to the correspondingoutputs 26 of the video recorder 12. Thus, the image number signals being reproduced by the ~ideo recorder 12 are applied in parallal form to the inputs 32 and 34 of the upper and lower data registers 28 and 30.
T~e data registers 28 and 30 also have selectively operable loading or setting controls 36 and 38, illustrated as setting switches, which may be operated to load any desired input signals into the respective data registers 28 and 30 For example, the upper limit may be set by using the stepping control 20 to adjust the video recorder 12 to the image which is desired as the upper limit. The video recorder 12 then supplies a corresponding image number to the upper limit data register 28, by way of the output channels 26 and the input channels 32. This image number may be loaded into the data register 28 by operating the loading or setting switch 36~ Similarly, the lower limit may be set by opex-ating the stepping control 22 to adjust the video recorder 12 -to the image which is deslred as the lower limitA The video recorder 12 then supplies the corresponding image number to the lower limit data register by way of the output channels 26 and the input channels 34. This image number is loaded into the data register 30 by operating the setting switch 38. The upper and lower limit image numbers remain loaded in -the upper and lower limit data registers 28 and 30, until the setting switches 36 and 38 are again operated, when some change in the limits is desired.
The display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 includes upper and lower comparison means 40 and 42 for comparing the currently produced label information from the video recorder 12 with the respective upper and lower limits established by the data registers 28 and 30, such upper and lower comparison means being illustrated as comprising respective upper and lower comparatr~rs 44 and 46, which, through the medium of a flip-flop 48 are adapted to supply actuating control signals to the forward and reverse input channels 22 and 24 of the video recorder 12.
The upper limit comparator 44 of Fig. 1 is adapted to compare the currently produced image label signals from the video recorder 12 with the upper limit label signals from the data register 28. Thus, the upper limit comparator 44 has a first set of input channels 50 connected to the output channels 52 of the upper limit data register 28, and a second set of input channels 54 connected to the output channels 26 of the video recorder 12.
Similarly, the lower limit comparator 46 of Fig. 1 compares the currently produced image number signals ~rom the video recorder 12 with the lower limit output signals from the data register 30~ Thus, the lower limit comparator 46 has a first set of input channels 56 which are connected to the output channels 58 of the lower limit data register 30, and a second set of input channels 60 connected to the output channels 26 of the video recorder 12.
The flip-flop 48 of Fig. 1 is of the R-S type, having set and reset inputs 62 and 64. The set input 62 is connected to the output 66 of the lower limit comparator 46.
The reset input 64 is connected to the output of the upper limit comparator 68. .~s shown, the flip-flop 48 has a ~
output 70, connected to the fast forward input 22 of the video recorder 12, and a complementary or Q output 72 con-nected to the fast reverse input 24 of the video recorder 12.
A double pole stop-start switch 74 is connected into the lines 76 and 78 between the outputs 70 and 72 of the flip-flop 48 and the control inputs 22 and 24 of the video recorder 12.
During normal operation of the video recorder 12, the double pole swi~ch 74 is closed. The opening of the switch 74 is effective to stop the video recorder 12.
~ n the operation of the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, the video disc recorder 12 serves as image storage means, to record or store a series of images, as, for example, X-ray images representing the action of the heart~ the circul-ation of the blood, or some other bodily function. To cite a more specific example, the X-ray images may represent the movement of an X-ray contrast med.um through the coronary arteries of the heart, or through bypass grafts around the coronary arteries~ It is difficult and tedious to analyze a series of such X-ray images, using an ordinary display system.
With the display apparatus 10 of Fig~ 1, the X-ray images are repetitively displayed in forward and reverse sequences between upper and lower limiting images. To set up or program the display apparatus 10 for such operation, the stop start switch 74 is opened, to prevent automatic operation of the display apparatus 10. sy using the stepping control 20, the video recorder 12 is adjusted to-the desire~ upper limit image, which is viewed on the video monitor 16. At this time, the image number outputs 26 of the video recorder 12 produce image number signals to identify the upper limit image. These image number signals are loaded into the upper limit data register 28 by momentarily operating the upper limit set switch 36.
To set the lower limit, the step control 20 is again operated to adjust the video recorder 12 to the desired lower limit image, as viewed on the video monitor 16. The video recorder 12 then produces image number signals at its output channels 2~, corresponding to the lower limit image. These image number signals are loaded into the lower limit data re~ister 30 by momentarily operating the lower limit set switch 3$.
To commence automatic operation of the display appa-ratus 10, the stop-start switch 74 is then closed. The video recorder 12 reproduces the stored images in a f orward sequence, until the upper limit image is reached, at which time the upper limit comparator indicates that the image number signals at both sets of input channels 50 and 54 are the same, where~
upon the upper limit comparator 44 supplies an output signal to the reset input 64 of the flip-flop 48. The Q output 72 of the flip-flop 48 then supplies an actuating signal to the fast reverse input 24 of the video recorder 12. Such control signal causes the video recorder 12 to reproduce the stored images in a reverse sequence, until the lower limit image is reached. The lower limit comparator 46 then indicates that -the image number signals at both sets of input channels 56 and 60 are the same, whereupon the comparator 46 supplies an output signal to the set input 62 of the flip-flop ~8. The Q output 70 of the flip-flop 48 then supplies an actuating signal to the fast forward input 22 of the video recorder 12.
Accordingly, the video recorder 12 is again caused to reproduce -the stored images in a forward sequence. Thus, due to the alternate Eunctioning of the upper and lower limit comparators 44 and 46 at the upper and lower limiting images, and the alter-nate setting and resetting of the flip-flop 48~ the video recorder 12 is caused to reproduce the stored images in a time reversal mode, in which the images are alternately reproduced in forward and reverse se~uences, for as long as may be desired by the operator.
By closely watching the time reversal sequencing of the images t as displayed on the television monitor 16, an expert radiologist can analyze and evaluate the X-ray images much more accurately and rapidly than with ordinary display systems. The display apparatus of the present invention is particularly valuable for evaluating the circulation of the blood through the coronary arteries, or through bypass grafts around the coronary arteries.
In some cases, it is advantageous to employ the speed control 18 to vary the rate at which the images are reproduced by the video recorder 12. For example, increasing the speed of the video recorder 12 may increase the amount of available information to be derived by observing the time reversal display of the images on the television monitor 16. By displaying the images faster than they were taken originally, the temporal integration properties of the eye can be used to perceive a greater quantum of statistical ~-ray information per unit time than that which was present during the original X-ray exposure secuence.
The display apparatus 10 can be used very advantageously to provide a dynamic time reversal display of sequential X-ray images, such as those obtained using image subtraction techniques as disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned background patents. A single series of radiographic images may be taken originally, to minimize the exposure of the patient to radiation.
These images may then be displayed repetitively in forward and reverse sequences, using the display apparatus of the present invention. Because only one series of radiographic images is required, the images can be taken under optimal high exposure conditions at separated time intervals and under optimal readout conditions, such as slow scan television readout. The images are then stored so that they can be reproduced with the dynamic time reversal display. The speed of the video recorder, or other i~age storage device employed in -the apparatus, can be increased to increase the rate at which the images are re-produced and displayed.
As already indicated, Fig. 2 illustrates a modified embodiment in the form of a modified display apparatus 110 including a digital video disc recorder 112, instead of the analog video recorder 12 of Fig. 1. Otherwise, the display apparatus 110 is generally similar to the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. The description o~ Fig. 1 is also applicable to Fig. 2, except as may be described herein. To facilitate the extension of the description of Fig. 1 to Fig. 2, many of the components shown in Fig. 2 are being given the same reference characters as in Fig. 1, or the same reference characters increased by 100.
Thus, it will be understood that the digital video dlsc recorder 112 of Fig. 2 is adapted to record images in the orm of digital video signals. The recorder 112 has a video input channel 114 for receiving the digital video signals to be recorded. Such digital video signals may represent the successive X-ray images to be stored. The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 has a speed control 118, for varying the rate at which the stored images are reproduced.
The recorder 112 also includes adjusting means 120, illus-trated as a stepping control, whereby the video recorder can be ad~usted to reproduce any stored image in the recorded series.
The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 has forward control means, as in Fig. 1, for causing the recorder to reproduce the stored images in a forward sequence, such forward control means including the fast forward input 22, as in Fig. 1, adapted to receive a control signal which will cause the re-corder 112 to reproduce the stored imayes in A forward direction.The digital video recorder 112 also has reverse control means for causing the recorder to re roduce the images in a reverse sequence, such reverse control means including the fast reverse input 2~, as in Fig. 1, for receiving a control signal to actuate the reproduction of the stored images by the recorder 112 in a reverse sequence.
The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 also has label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images. Such label information may comprise image label numbers, stored b~ the recorder along with the images, and adapted to be reproduced in the form of label number signals, J~
accompanying the reproduced video signals corresponding to the stored images. In the digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2, such label means may include the image label number output channels 26, as in Fig. 1, adapted to supply output signals corresponding to multidigit binary image numbers in parallel form, foursuch channels heing shown in Fig. 2, as in Fig. 1.
When more than four digits are desired, a correspondingly larger number of output channels may be provided.
The televison or video monitor 16 may be the same in 10 Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1. However, the digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 preferably feeds its digital video output signals to a buffer memory 131, which in turn supplies its output to a digital-to~analog converter 133. At its output, the converter 133 supplies analog video signals which are fed to the tele-vision monitor 16, so that the images reproduced by the digital video recorder 112 will be displayed by the television monitor 16.
Otherwise, the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2 may be the same as the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. The con-nections to the forward control input 22, the reverse control input 24, and the image number signal outputs 26 may be the same in Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1.
The operation of the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2 is the same as described in connection with Fig. 1, except that the images are supplied to the digital video recorder 112 in the form of digital video signals, and are recorded and re-produced as digital video signals. The buffer memory 131 and the digital-to-analog converter are effective to convert the digital video signals into analog video signals, which are conver-ted into visible images by the television monitor 16.
The time reversal mode of operation, as described in connection with Fig. 1, as to the display apparatus 10, is the same, with respect to the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2.
Other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may ~e employed, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
This invention relates to display apparatus for displaying a series of images. The invention is particularly advantageous for displaying a series of stored X-ray images representing the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, or other bodily functions in certain situations.
BACKGROUND OF T~IE IMVENTION
The present invention is particularly well adapted for displaying a series of X-ray difference images, produced 10 as disclosed and claimed in U.S. patent No. 4,204,225, issued May 20, 1980r upon the application of the present applicant, Charles A. Mistretta, or as disclosed and claimed in UOS.
patent No. 4,204,226, issued May 20, 1980, upon the application of Charles A. Mistretta, Robert A. Kruger and Theodore L. ~ouk.
A series of such X-ray difference images w:Lll show the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, as, for example, in the coronary arteries, the carotid arteries, or bypass grafts around such arteries, or other bodily functions.
_BJECTS OF THE IN~ENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved display apparatus for repetitively displaying a series of images, such as a series of X-ray images showing the action of the heart or the circulation of the blood, so as to maximize the amount of information which can be obtained from observing such images.
A further object is to provide a new and improved display apparatus of the foregoing character which will enable the radiologist to obser~e and study the series of X-ray images for an indefinitely long period of time, as needed, while limiting the radiation exposure of the patient to a single series of images.
5 $ 1 _UMMAR~ OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other objects, the present invention pre~erably provides display apparatus for dis-playing a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising image storage means for storing a series of images, the image storage means having forward control means for causing the image storage means to reproduce the images in a forward sequence, the image storage meanshavingreverse control means for causing the image storage means to reproducethe images in a reverse sequence, the image storage means having label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images, upper limit means for establishing an upper limit of the label information, lower limit means for estab-lishing a lower limit of the label information, upper compar-ison means for comparing the currently produced label inform-ation with the upper limit and for actuating the reverse control means when the current label infor~ation corresponds with the upper limit, and lower comparison means for comparing the current label information with the lower limit and ~or actuating the forward control means when the current label in~ormation corresponds with the lower limit, whereby the images are repetitively reproduced in forward and reverse sequences between the upper and lower limits.
Display means, such as a televi.sion monitor, may be provided to display the images reproduced by the image storage means.
The image storage means may be in the form of an analog disc video recordex, a digital disc video recorder~
some other video recorder, a digital memory, incorporated in a computer or otherwise, or means for utilizing images stored on photographic film.
~ 3 6~$ 1 Means may be provided for varying the rate at which the images are reproduced by the image storage means.
The label means may produce the label information in the form of label number signals. The upper and lower limits may be established by upper and lower registers which may be set or loaded with the label number si~nals when the image storage means is adjusted to the images at the desired upper and lower limits.
The upper and lower comparison means may take the form of upper and lower digital comparators for comparing the currently produced label number signals with the upper and lower limits, loaded in the upper and lower registers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
_ Further objects, advantages and features of the present invention will appear from the following description of illus-trative embodiments, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a display apparatus to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
Fig.2 is afragmentary schematic block diagram, corre-sponding to a portion of Fig~ 1, but showing a modified embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
As just indicated, Fig. 1 illustrates a display apparatus 10 for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like. The display apparatus 10 comprises image storage means 12 for storing a series of images, such image storage means preferably being in the form of a video disc recorder, which may be of the analog type, as contemplated in Fig. 1, or the digital type, as contemplated in Fig. 2. However, any other suitable video recorder may be employed, for recording the images magnet-ically or otherwise.
Moreover, the image storage means 12 may be in the form of a memory, such as a digital electronic memory, whether incorporated in a computer or otherwise. Further-more, the image storage means 12 may be in the form of means for utilizing images stored on photographic film, such as motion picture film.
In Fig. l, the display apparatus 10 involves a tele-vision or video system. The sequential images stored by the image storage means 12 are in the form of video or television signals, derived from a television camera by way of an image subtraction system, as disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned background patents, for example. The television camera may be trained upon an X-ray image intensification screen. The ~-ray images may be produced in rapid succession, to show the action of the heart, the circulation of the blood, or some other bodily function.
~s shown in Fig. l, the image storage means 12 has a video input channel 14 for receiving the video signals re-presenting the successive X-ray images to be stored. It is only necessary to produce and store a single series of X-ray images. Thus, the radiation exposure to the patient is minimized.
For brevity in the following description, the image storage means 12 will often be referred to as a video recorder, but it will be understood that other image storage means may be employed.
The video recorder 12 is capable of reproducing the stored images in either a forward sequence or a reverse sequence. In reproducing the images~ the video recorder 12 produces video signals which are supplied to a video or television monitor 16, for converting the video signals into visible television images, corresponding to the X-ray images.
The video recorder 12 of Fig. 1 has a speed control 18, for varying the rate at which the stored images are re-produced. The video recorder 12 also includes adjusting means 20, illustrated as a stepping control, whereby the video recorder can be adjusted to reproduce any stored image in the recorded series.
The video recorder 12 of Fig. 1 has forward control means for causing the video recorder to reproduce the stored images in a forward sequence, such forward control means including a fast forward input 22, adapted to receive a control signal which will cause the video recorder 12 to reproduce the stored images in a forward direction. The video recorder 12 also has reverse control means for causing the recorder to reproduce the images in a reverse sequence, such reverse control means including a fast reverse input 24 for receiving a control signal to actuate the reproduction of the stored images by the video recorder in a reverse sequence.
The video recorder of Fig. 1 also has label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images. Such label information may comprise image label numbers, stored by the video recorder along with the images, and adapted to be reproduced in the form of label number signals, accompanying the reproduced video signals corre-sponding to the stored images. In the video recorder 12 of Fig. 1, such label means may include a plurality of image label number output channels 26, adapted to supply output signals corresponding to multidigit binary image numbers in parallel form, foursuch channels being shown in Fig. 1.
When a larger num~er of digits is needed, a correspond-ingly larger number of output channels may be provided.
The system of Fig. 1, involving four digits or bits, has a capacity of sixteen (24) different image identification num~bers. By adding additlonal digits, the capacity can be increased to thirty-two, sixty-four or any higher number.
The display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 includes upper and lower limit means 28 and 30 for selectively establishing upper and lower limits of the label information. Such upper and lower limit means 28 and 30 axe illustrated in the form of upper and lower limit data registers which can be select-ively loaded to any label number within the capacity of the system. The illustrated data registers 28 and 30 have respective multichannel inputs 32 and 34 which are con-nected to the correspondingoutputs 26 of the video recorder 12. Thus, the image number signals being reproduced by the ~ideo recorder 12 are applied in parallal form to the inputs 32 and 34 of the upper and lower data registers 28 and 30.
T~e data registers 28 and 30 also have selectively operable loading or setting controls 36 and 38, illustrated as setting switches, which may be operated to load any desired input signals into the respective data registers 28 and 30 For example, the upper limit may be set by using the stepping control 20 to adjust the video recorder 12 to the image which is desired as the upper limit. The video recorder 12 then supplies a corresponding image number to the upper limit data register 28, by way of the output channels 26 and the input channels 32. This image number may be loaded into the data register 28 by operating the loading or setting switch 36~ Similarly, the lower limit may be set by opex-ating the stepping control 22 to adjust the video recorder 12 -to the image which is deslred as the lower limitA The video recorder 12 then supplies the corresponding image number to the lower limit data register by way of the output channels 26 and the input channels 34. This image number is loaded into the data register 30 by operating the setting switch 38. The upper and lower limit image numbers remain loaded in -the upper and lower limit data registers 28 and 30, until the setting switches 36 and 38 are again operated, when some change in the limits is desired.
The display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1 includes upper and lower comparison means 40 and 42 for comparing the currently produced label information from the video recorder 12 with the respective upper and lower limits established by the data registers 28 and 30, such upper and lower comparison means being illustrated as comprising respective upper and lower comparatr~rs 44 and 46, which, through the medium of a flip-flop 48 are adapted to supply actuating control signals to the forward and reverse input channels 22 and 24 of the video recorder 12.
The upper limit comparator 44 of Fig. 1 is adapted to compare the currently produced image label signals from the video recorder 12 with the upper limit label signals from the data register 28. Thus, the upper limit comparator 44 has a first set of input channels 50 connected to the output channels 52 of the upper limit data register 28, and a second set of input channels 54 connected to the output channels 26 of the video recorder 12.
Similarly, the lower limit comparator 46 of Fig. 1 compares the currently produced image number signals ~rom the video recorder 12 with the lower limit output signals from the data register 30~ Thus, the lower limit comparator 46 has a first set of input channels 56 which are connected to the output channels 58 of the lower limit data register 30, and a second set of input channels 60 connected to the output channels 26 of the video recorder 12.
The flip-flop 48 of Fig. 1 is of the R-S type, having set and reset inputs 62 and 64. The set input 62 is connected to the output 66 of the lower limit comparator 46.
The reset input 64 is connected to the output of the upper limit comparator 68. .~s shown, the flip-flop 48 has a ~
output 70, connected to the fast forward input 22 of the video recorder 12, and a complementary or Q output 72 con-nected to the fast reverse input 24 of the video recorder 12.
A double pole stop-start switch 74 is connected into the lines 76 and 78 between the outputs 70 and 72 of the flip-flop 48 and the control inputs 22 and 24 of the video recorder 12.
During normal operation of the video recorder 12, the double pole swi~ch 74 is closed. The opening of the switch 74 is effective to stop the video recorder 12.
~ n the operation of the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1, the video disc recorder 12 serves as image storage means, to record or store a series of images, as, for example, X-ray images representing the action of the heart~ the circul-ation of the blood, or some other bodily function. To cite a more specific example, the X-ray images may represent the movement of an X-ray contrast med.um through the coronary arteries of the heart, or through bypass grafts around the coronary arteries~ It is difficult and tedious to analyze a series of such X-ray images, using an ordinary display system.
With the display apparatus 10 of Fig~ 1, the X-ray images are repetitively displayed in forward and reverse sequences between upper and lower limiting images. To set up or program the display apparatus 10 for such operation, the stop start switch 74 is opened, to prevent automatic operation of the display apparatus 10. sy using the stepping control 20, the video recorder 12 is adjusted to-the desire~ upper limit image, which is viewed on the video monitor 16. At this time, the image number outputs 26 of the video recorder 12 produce image number signals to identify the upper limit image. These image number signals are loaded into the upper limit data register 28 by momentarily operating the upper limit set switch 36.
To set the lower limit, the step control 20 is again operated to adjust the video recorder 12 to the desired lower limit image, as viewed on the video monitor 16. The video recorder 12 then produces image number signals at its output channels 2~, corresponding to the lower limit image. These image number signals are loaded into the lower limit data re~ister 30 by momentarily operating the lower limit set switch 3$.
To commence automatic operation of the display appa-ratus 10, the stop-start switch 74 is then closed. The video recorder 12 reproduces the stored images in a f orward sequence, until the upper limit image is reached, at which time the upper limit comparator indicates that the image number signals at both sets of input channels 50 and 54 are the same, where~
upon the upper limit comparator 44 supplies an output signal to the reset input 64 of the flip-flop 48. The Q output 72 of the flip-flop 48 then supplies an actuating signal to the fast reverse input 24 of the video recorder 12. Such control signal causes the video recorder 12 to reproduce the stored images in a reverse sequence, until the lower limit image is reached. The lower limit comparator 46 then indicates that -the image number signals at both sets of input channels 56 and 60 are the same, whereupon the comparator 46 supplies an output signal to the set input 62 of the flip-flop ~8. The Q output 70 of the flip-flop 48 then supplies an actuating signal to the fast forward input 22 of the video recorder 12.
Accordingly, the video recorder 12 is again caused to reproduce -the stored images in a forward sequence. Thus, due to the alternate Eunctioning of the upper and lower limit comparators 44 and 46 at the upper and lower limiting images, and the alter-nate setting and resetting of the flip-flop 48~ the video recorder 12 is caused to reproduce the stored images in a time reversal mode, in which the images are alternately reproduced in forward and reverse se~uences, for as long as may be desired by the operator.
By closely watching the time reversal sequencing of the images t as displayed on the television monitor 16, an expert radiologist can analyze and evaluate the X-ray images much more accurately and rapidly than with ordinary display systems. The display apparatus of the present invention is particularly valuable for evaluating the circulation of the blood through the coronary arteries, or through bypass grafts around the coronary arteries.
In some cases, it is advantageous to employ the speed control 18 to vary the rate at which the images are reproduced by the video recorder 12. For example, increasing the speed of the video recorder 12 may increase the amount of available information to be derived by observing the time reversal display of the images on the television monitor 16. By displaying the images faster than they were taken originally, the temporal integration properties of the eye can be used to perceive a greater quantum of statistical ~-ray information per unit time than that which was present during the original X-ray exposure secuence.
The display apparatus 10 can be used very advantageously to provide a dynamic time reversal display of sequential X-ray images, such as those obtained using image subtraction techniques as disclosed and claimed in the previously mentioned background patents. A single series of radiographic images may be taken originally, to minimize the exposure of the patient to radiation.
These images may then be displayed repetitively in forward and reverse sequences, using the display apparatus of the present invention. Because only one series of radiographic images is required, the images can be taken under optimal high exposure conditions at separated time intervals and under optimal readout conditions, such as slow scan television readout. The images are then stored so that they can be reproduced with the dynamic time reversal display. The speed of the video recorder, or other i~age storage device employed in -the apparatus, can be increased to increase the rate at which the images are re-produced and displayed.
As already indicated, Fig. 2 illustrates a modified embodiment in the form of a modified display apparatus 110 including a digital video disc recorder 112, instead of the analog video recorder 12 of Fig. 1. Otherwise, the display apparatus 110 is generally similar to the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. The description o~ Fig. 1 is also applicable to Fig. 2, except as may be described herein. To facilitate the extension of the description of Fig. 1 to Fig. 2, many of the components shown in Fig. 2 are being given the same reference characters as in Fig. 1, or the same reference characters increased by 100.
Thus, it will be understood that the digital video dlsc recorder 112 of Fig. 2 is adapted to record images in the orm of digital video signals. The recorder 112 has a video input channel 114 for receiving the digital video signals to be recorded. Such digital video signals may represent the successive X-ray images to be stored. The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 has a speed control 118, for varying the rate at which the stored images are reproduced.
The recorder 112 also includes adjusting means 120, illus-trated as a stepping control, whereby the video recorder can be ad~usted to reproduce any stored image in the recorded series.
The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 has forward control means, as in Fig. 1, for causing the recorder to reproduce the stored images in a forward sequence, such forward control means including the fast forward input 22, as in Fig. 1, adapted to receive a control signal which will cause the re-corder 112 to reproduce the stored imayes in A forward direction.The digital video recorder 112 also has reverse control means for causing the recorder to re roduce the images in a reverse sequence, such reverse control means including the fast reverse input 2~, as in Fig. 1, for receiving a control signal to actuate the reproduction of the stored images by the recorder 112 in a reverse sequence.
The digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 also has label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images. Such label information may comprise image label numbers, stored b~ the recorder along with the images, and adapted to be reproduced in the form of label number signals, J~
accompanying the reproduced video signals corresponding to the stored images. In the digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2, such label means may include the image label number output channels 26, as in Fig. 1, adapted to supply output signals corresponding to multidigit binary image numbers in parallel form, foursuch channels heing shown in Fig. 2, as in Fig. 1.
When more than four digits are desired, a correspondingly larger number of output channels may be provided.
The televison or video monitor 16 may be the same in 10 Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1. However, the digital video recorder 112 of Fig. 2 preferably feeds its digital video output signals to a buffer memory 131, which in turn supplies its output to a digital-to~analog converter 133. At its output, the converter 133 supplies analog video signals which are fed to the tele-vision monitor 16, so that the images reproduced by the digital video recorder 112 will be displayed by the television monitor 16.
Otherwise, the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2 may be the same as the display apparatus 10 of Fig. 1. The con-nections to the forward control input 22, the reverse control input 24, and the image number signal outputs 26 may be the same in Fig. 2 as in Fig. 1.
The operation of the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2 is the same as described in connection with Fig. 1, except that the images are supplied to the digital video recorder 112 in the form of digital video signals, and are recorded and re-produced as digital video signals. The buffer memory 131 and the digital-to-analog converter are effective to convert the digital video signals into analog video signals, which are conver-ted into visible images by the television monitor 16.
The time reversal mode of operation, as described in connection with Fig. 1, as to the display apparatus 10, is the same, with respect to the display apparatus 110 of Fig. 2.
Other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may ~e employed, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (29)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising image storage means for storing a series of images, said image storage means having forward control means for causing said image storage means to reproduce said images in a forward sequence, said image storage means having reverse control means for causing said image storage means to reproduce said images in a reverse sequence, said image storage means having label means for producing label information to identify each of the stored images, upper limit means for establishing an upper limit of the label information, lower limit means for establishing a lower limit of the label information, upper comparison means for comparing the current label information with said upper limit and for actuating said reverse control means when the current label inform-ation corresponds with said upper limit, and lower comparison means for comparing the current label information with said lower limit and for actuating said forward control means when the current label inform-ation corresponds with said lower limit, whereby said images are repetitively reproduced in forward and reverse sequences between said upper and lower limits.
2. Display apparatus according to claim 1, including display means for displaying the images reproduced by said image storage means.
3. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including an analog disc video recorder.
4. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including a digital disc video recorder.
5. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including an analog video recorder.
6. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including a digital video recorder.
7. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including an analog video recorder for magnetically recording video image signals.
8. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including a digital video recorder for magnetically recording video image signals.
9. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including a digital memory.
10. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including a computer having a digital memory.
11. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including means for utilizing images stored on photographic film.
12. Display apparatus according to claim 1, including means for varying the rate at which said images are reproduced by said image storage means.
13. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said lower limit means including means for changing said lower limit, said upper limit means including means for changing said upper limit.
14. Display apparatus according to claim 1, said image storage means including means for adjusting said image storage means to reproduce the images at the upper and lower limits, said upper limit means including means for setting the upper limit with said image storage means adjusted to the image at the desired upper limit, said lower limit means including means for setting the lower limit with said image storage means adjusted to the image at the desired lower limit.
15. Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising a video recorder for recording and reproducing a series of images, said video recorder including forward control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a forward sequence, said video recorder including reverse control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a reverse sequence, said video recorder including label means for producing label number signals to identify each of the recorded images, upper limit register means for registering an upper limit of the label number signals, lower limit register means for registering a lower limit of the label number signals, upper comparison means for comparing the current label number signals with said upper limit and for actuating said reverse control means when the current label number signals correspond with said upper limit, and lower comparison means for comparing the current label number signals with said lower limit and for actuating said forward control means when the current label number signals correspond with said lower limit, whereby said video recorder repetitively reproduces said images in forward and reverse sequences between the images corresponding with said upper and lower limits.
16. Display apparatus according to claim 15, including television display means for displaying the images reproduced by said video recorder.
17. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder includes an analog disc video recorder.
18. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder includes a digital disc video recorder.
19. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder takes the form of a digital video recorder.
20. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder takes the form of an analog video recorder.
21. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder takes the form of an analog video recorder for magnetically recording video image signals.
22. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder takes the form of a digital video recorder for magnetically recording video image signals.
23. Display apparatus according to claim 15, in which said video recorder includes means for varying the operating rate at which the images are reproduc ed by said video recorder.
24. Display apparatus according to claim 15, said upper limit register means including means for selectively setting said upper limit, said lower limit register means including means for selectively setting said lower limit.
25. Display apparatus according to claim 15, said label means including means for producing said label number signals in digital form, said upper and lower limit register means including upper and lower digital registers, said upper and lower comparison means including upper and lower digital comparators.
26. Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising a video recorder for recording and reproducing a series of images, said video recorder including forward control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a forward sequence, said video recorder including reverse control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a reverse sequence, said video recorder including label means for recording and reproducing label number signals with the recorded images to identify each of the recorded images, upper limit register means for registering an upper limit for the label number signals, lower limit register means for registering a lower limit for the label number signals, upper comparison means for comparing the current label number signals with said upper limit and for actuating said reverse control means when the current label number signals correspond with said upper limit, and lower comparison means for comparing the current label number signals with said lower limit and for actuating said forward control means when the current label number signals correspond with said lower limit, whereby said video recorder repetitively reproduces said images in forward and reverse sequences between the images corresponding with said upper and lower limits, said video recorder including means for adjusting said video recorder to selected images at the desired upper and lower limits, said upper limit register means including means for setting the upper limit with the video recorder adjusted to the selected image at the desired upper limit, said lower limit register means including means for setting the lower limit with said video recorder adjusted to the selected image at the desired lower limit.
27. Display apparatus for displaying a series of X-ray images or the like, comprising a digital disc video recorder for digitally recording and reproducing a series of images, said video recorder including forward control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a forward sequence, said video recorder including reverse control means for causing said recorder to reproduce the images in a reverse sequence, said video recorder including label means for recording and reproducing digital label number signals with the recorded images to identify each of the recorded images, an upper limit digital register for registering a digital upper limit for the label number signals, a lower limit digital register for registering a digital lower limit for the label number signals, an upper digital comparator for comparing the current digital label number signals with said digital upper limit and for actuating said reverse control means when the current label number signals correspond with said upper limit, and a lower digital comparator for comparing the current digital label number signals with said lower digital limit and for actuating said forward control means when the current label number signals correspond with said lower limit, whereby said video recorder repetitively reproduces said images in forward and reverse sequences between the images corresponding with said upper and lower limits, said video recorder including means for adjusting said video recorder to selected images at the desired upper and lower limits, said upper limit digital register including means for setting the upper limit with the video recorder adjusted to the selected image at the desired upper limit, said lower limit digital register including means for setting the lower limit with said video recorder adjusted to the selected image at the desired lower limit.
28. Display apparatus according to claim 15, said label means including image label channels for reproducing said label number signals and supplying said label number signals to said upper and lower comparison means.
29. Display apparatus according to claim 25, said label means including image label channels for reproducing the digital label number signals and supplying said signals to said upper and lower comparison means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20578280A | 1980-11-10 | 1980-11-10 | |
| US205,782 | 1980-11-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1164581A true CA1164581A (en) | 1984-03-27 |
Family
ID=22763624
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000389404A Expired CA1164581A (en) | 1980-11-10 | 1981-11-04 | Time reversal imaging apparatus for displaying x-ray images or the like |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0064539A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1164581A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1982001784A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0766613B2 (en) * | 1986-11-12 | 1995-07-19 | パイオニア株式会社 | Alternate operation control method for multiple disc players |
| US6213944B1 (en) | 1999-03-05 | 2001-04-10 | Atl Ultrasound, Inc. | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with a digital video recorder with visual controls |
| US6231510B1 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2001-05-15 | Atl Ultrasound | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system |
| US6231508B1 (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2001-05-15 | Atl Ultrasound | Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system with digital video image marking |
| DE102005057568B4 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2021-06-17 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Transmitting device and receiving device |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL173343C (en) * | 1972-03-29 | 1984-01-02 | Philips Nv | Apparatus for reading a disc-shaped record carrier with image and / or audio signals encoded in optical form. |
| NL7212015A (en) * | 1972-09-04 | 1974-03-06 | ||
| US3911211A (en) * | 1974-04-17 | 1975-10-07 | Zenith Radio Corp | Stop frame for optical playback system |
-
1981
- 1981-11-04 CA CA000389404A patent/CA1164581A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-11-06 WO PCT/US1981/001498 patent/WO1982001784A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1981-11-06 EP EP19810903178 patent/EP0064539A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0064539A1 (en) | 1982-11-17 |
| WO1982001784A1 (en) | 1982-05-27 |
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