GB2190569A

GB2190569A - Image-filing system

Info

Publication number: GB2190569A
Application number: GB08710962A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Akira Matsueda
Original assignee: Olympus Optical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1986-05-14
Filing date: 1987-05-08
Publication date: 1987-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2007-05-08
Also published as: JPS62266670A; DE3715419C2; GB2190569B; JPH0636172B2; DE3715419A1; GB8710962D0

Description

GB 2 190 569 A 1 SPECIFICATION to right). Therefore, appropriate data is

selectable by operating ten-key pad 6.

Image-filing system As can be seen from the foregoing, onlythe attribute data list can be used forthe designation or The present invention relates to an image-filing 70 selection of an image. Since, in some cases, an system, and more particularly to an image-filing image can be designated or selected more quickly by system which uses a plurality of display monitors using the directory image, it is impossibleto saythat and in which a desirable image is retrieved, using the prior art systems use interfaces flexible for users.

information shown on the plurality of display By using one keyboard with a ten-key pad, it may monitors. 75 be possible to first select one of the CRT monitors In a system used for filing or processing a large and then designate part of the screen on the selected number of images, images and attribute data CRT monitor. In this case, both the attribute data list associated with the images are displayed on and the directory image could be used forthe different CRT monitors. On one CRT monitor, the retrieval of an image. However, the necessary images are displayed on a reduced scale such that 80 operation might be complicated to perform. In they constitute a directory image (by which the addition, as long as the ten-key pad is used forthe operator can understand the contents of the file). On designation or selection of an image, itwould be the other CRT monitor, the attribute data is displayed impossible to effectively cope with the case where at a location corresponding to that of the related the number of divisions of the monitor screen is image, so thatthis CRT monitor shows a list of 85 changed.

attribute data. Using this attribute data list, the The present invention has been developed to solve operator selects one image he wants to observe, the above problems, and is intended to provide an among the miniature images in the directory image. image-filing system wherein the cursor, bywhich to The selected image is increased to its original size, designate or select an arbitrary portion of the screen for observation. Forthe designation or selection of 90 of a display unit, can be continuously moved from an image, a cursor is displayed on the monitor, and is the screen of one display unitto that of another by moved by use of a pointing device, such as a successively operating a designation/selecting keyboard, a mouse, a light pen, ora digitizer. means,thus enabling an imageto be retrieved onto In a conventional system, although a plurality& the basis of the screen of any display unit.

CRT monitors are used, the cursor is shown on only 95 To achieve this object, the image-filing system of one of them. An image is designated or selected only the present invention comprises: a first display unit from the attribute data list; it cannot be selected by for displaying an image; a second display unitfor use of the image directory. displaying attribute data associated with the image Figure 4 illustrates an example of the prior art displayed on the first display unit, the points on the systems. As illustrated, the attribute data list is 100 screens of the first and second display units being displayed on CRT monitor 1, and the directory image represented by use of the same coordinate system is shown on CRT monitor 2. Mouse 3, which is used so that different coordinates are assigned to forthe designation or selection of an image, is corresponding points between the screens of the connected to CRT monitor 1. first and second display units; and pointing means Observing the directory image and the attribute 105 for generating a coordinate signal in orderto data list, the operator selects which image should be designate any arbitrary point on the screens of the increased to the original size. The operatorthen first and second display units on the basis of the moves cursor 4to the area in which the attribute data coordinate signal.

associated with the selected image is shown, by This invention can be more fully understood from operating mouse 3. A host computer (not shown) 110 the following detailed description when taken in determines which attribute data is selected, on the conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in basis of the coordinates of the cursor, and readsthe which:

corresponding image data out of an imagefile (not Figure 1 is a schematic view of the image-filing shown). Then, CRT monitor 2 displaysthe selected system according to one embodiment of the present image with the original size, instead of the image 115 invention; directory, and CRT monitor 1 showsthe particulars Figure2 shows addresses generated by a mouse of the attribute data associated with that image, which explain the operating principle underlying the instead of the attribute data list. present invention; Figure 5 illustrates another example of the prior art Figure 3 is a block circuit diagram illustrating the systems. In this example, ten-key pad 6 is provided 120 image-filing system of the one embodiment; on keyboard 5, thereby replacing use of mouse 3. Figure 4 illustrates one example of conventional Ten-key pad 6 includes numeral keys arranged in a 3 image-filing systems; and x 3 matrix, in accordancewith the number of images Figure Sillustrates another example of displayed on the split-screen monitor. Here, nine conventional image- filing systems.

frames of imageare displayed on CRTmonitor2.A 125 Figurel is a schematic view illustrating the number is assigned to each attribute data on CRT image-filing system according to one embodiment monitor 1. In this example, numbers 1-3 are assigned of the present invention. Like conventional ones, the to the upper row (from leftto right), numbers 4-6 are image-filing system of the present invention assigned to the middle row (from leftto right), and comprises CRT monitor 10 for displaying a list of numbers 7-9 are assigned to the lower row (from left 130 attribute data, CRT monitor 12 for displaying a 2 GB 2 190 569 A 2 directory image in a split-screen manner, and mouse mouse I/F38, and keyboard 40 are connected to CPU 14. It may be convenient for the operator if the bus 20. Data file 24 is used for storing a directory of location of an image, included in the directory image attribute data and a directory of image data. Image corresponds to that of the associated attribute data file 26 is used for two kinds of image data: one of the list. However, this correspondence is not 70 representing an image with a size of 640 x 480 (the absolutely necessary if appropriate numbers are same size as the screen of a CRT monitor), and the assigned to the images and the associated attribute other representing a small-sized image used for data. constituting the directory image. If the entire screen In the system of the present invention, cursor 16 is divided into four sections, then the small-sized can be displayed not only on the screen of attribute 75 image has a size determined by 320 X 240 picture data-displaying monitor 10 but on the screen of elements. CRT monitor 42, used for displaying image-displaying monitor 12 by use of only one characters (attribute data), is connected to character mouse 14. In otherwords, cursor 16 can be moved display memory 28. Attribute data can be displayed between the screens of thetwo monitors 10 and 12 on CRT monitor42 by writing it in character display by operating mouse 14. Accordingly, the image 80 memory 28. Main memory 30 stores the attribute which the operatorwants to look atwith the original data and a predetermined program. A/D converter size can be designated on the basis of eitherthe 32, image memory 34, and DIA converter36 are attribute data list orthe directory image. Even when connected to image bus 44, through which, data on the directory image is reconstructed or altered by an image is written from A/D converter 32 into image replacing some images with new ones, the images to 85 memory 34, or is read outfrom image memory 34to be altered can be designated from eitherthe attribute DIA converter 36 (i. e., the image is displayed on data list orthe directory image. image-displaying CRT monitor46). Mouse 48 The cursor coordinates which mouse 14 can cover generates the above-noted cursor coordinates, are illustrated in Figure 2. If the screen of each of two which rangesfrom (0,0) to (1279,479).

CRT monitors 10 and 12 is constituted by picture 90 The operation of the system shown in Figure 3 will elements of 640 (X-axis) x 480 (Y-axis), mouse 14 be described. Using keyboard 40, the operatorenters generatesthe cursor coordinates ranging from (0,0) the name of a file the contents of which he wantsto to (1279,479). The cursor coordinates from (0,0) to see. In response to the file name entered, CPU 22 (639,479) are used forthe screen of attribute reads the corresponding attribute f ile out of data file data-displaying monitor 10, and the cursor 95 24 and transfers it into main memory 30. The coordinatesfrom (640,0) to (1279,479) are used for attribute file includes: attribute data on a plurality of the screen of image-displaying monitor 12. In this images constituting the directory image (four embodiment,the cursor coordinates of the two images in the above embodiment); address screens are continuous, so as to effectively use the information representing where data on a directory coordinates mouse 16 can provide. If the coordinates 100 image (i.e., four small-sized images each constituted available are sufficient in number,the cursor by 320 X 240 picture elements) is stored in imagefile coordinates need not be continuous between the 26; and address information representing where two screens. data on fou r images with the original size is stored in If the X-axis of the cursor coordinates generated by image file 26. Among these, CPU 22 writes part of the mouse 14 is 0:5 X < 640, the host computer (not 105 attribute data in character display memory 28, so as shown) permits cursor 16to be shown in the to permit itto be displayed according to a corresponding regions on monitor 10. If, however, predetermined format. In the case of an image used the X-axis of the cursor coordinates is 640:5 X:5 for medical purposes, the attribute data includes 1279,the host computer permits cursor 16 to be information regarding a patient name, a date of shown on monitor 12. In this case, the X-axis on 110 photography, a photographed portion, the name of a monitor 12 is determined by subtracting 640 from doctor in charge, and the name of a disease judged.

the X value of the coordinates generated by mouse CPU 22 supplies the address of the directory image 14, butthe Y-axis on monitor 12 is determined by into imagefile 26, and transfers the directory image using the Yvalues of the coordinates as they are. If data into image memory 34, so as to obtain a cursor 16 is controlled in thisfashion, it can be 115 directory image such as that shown in Figure 1. D/A moved freely between the two screens by operating converter 36 reads out this directory image data from one mouse 14. Therefore, cursor 16 can be permitted image memory 34 in accordance with the scanning to be displayed on both monitors 10 and 12, without of the CRT monitor and converts the directory image the necessity of changing overthe monitors. If the data into analog signals, whereby the image is switch button of mouse 14 is depressed,the host 120 displayed on CRT monitor46. In this way, an computerjudges which image should be increased attribute data list is displayed on CRT monitor42, in size, on the basis of the cursor coordinates when and a directory image is shown on CRT monitor46.

the switch button is depressed. Further, CPU 22 permits cursor 16 to be displayed on Figure 3 is a blockcircuit diagram of the system for either CRT monitor 42 or CRT monitor46.

selecting and retrieving a desired image from among 125 While looking atthe screens of CRT monitors 42 a large number of images,the system being an and 46, the operator decides which image he wants embodiment of the present invention. As shown in to observe on the increased scale. Let it be assumed Figure 3, CPU 22, data file 24, imagefile 26, character thatthe operator designates the image on the basis display memory (CRT I/F) 28, main memory 30, A/D of the attribute data list. In this case, the operator converter 32, image memory 34, D/A converter 36, 130 moves cursor 16to the proper position on CRT 3 GB 2 190 569 A 3 monitor 42 and pushes the switch button of mouse anyone of the CRT monitors, thus providing 48. interfaces which are useful ad flexible for users. In If data is displayed according to the format shown addition, since the movement of the mouse (i.e., the in Figure 1, then four pieces of attribute data are moving distance of the cursor) can be controlled respectively shown on the following areas on the 70 steplessly, the cursor can be moved to any desirable screen: a lower left area [(0,0) to (319,239)]; a lower point on the screens. Accordingly, the system of the rig ht area [(320,0) to (639,239)]; an u pper left area present invention can cope with the situation where [(0,240) to (319,479)1; and an upper right area the number of divided sections of the directory [(320,240) to (639,479fl. If the coordinates generated image is changed.

by mouse 48 are (480,360), then it is judged thatthe 75 The present invention is not limited to the above attribute data shown in the upper right area of the embodiment. It can be modified in various manners.

screen is selected. From main memory 34, CPU 22 In the above embodiment, all the small-sized images reads outthe address representing where the constituting the directory image are displayed within original-size image related with the selected attribute the display area on one screen. However, if onefile data is stored in imagefile 26, and and the readout 80 contains a large number of images, it may not be address is supplied to image file 26. In responseto possible to simultaneously display all the this, the original-size image with 640 x 480 picture small-sized images. For instance, there may be a elements is transferred to image memory 34. case where each of the small- sized images isformed Accordingly, the original-size image is displayed on by 320 x 240 picture elements. (in this case, eight CRT monitor46. At the same time, the screen of CRT 85 images are included in one file.) If the screen of a CRT monitor 16 is controlled such that it displays detailed monitor has the display format shown in Figure 1, information regarding the selected attribute data, onlyfour images can be shown simultaneously. In instead of the attribute data list. such a case, images which are unnecessary forthe In some cases, the operator mayfeel it more operator must be replaced with new ones. With the efficientto select an image on the basis of the 90 present invention, it is easyto cope with this directory image. In such cases, the operator moves situation. Specifically, the images which should be cursor 16to the directory image on CRT monitor46 replaced with new ones can be designated, using by operating mouse 46. After positioning cursor 16 at eitherthe present directory image orthe attribute the region where the image the operatorwants to data list. From the keyboard, the operator enters a observe is shown, the operator pressesthe switch 95 proper signal by which to clearthe unnecessary button of mouse 48. images and to permit the new images to be If the directory image is displayed according to the displayed. Let it be assumed thatthe images in the format shown in Figure 1, then four images upper right and upper left areas on the screen are constituting the directory image are shown on the designated by use of the mouse. On the basis of the following areas on the screen; a lower left area. 100 coordinates provided bythe mouse, the CPU detects (640,0) to (959,479)]; a lower right area [(960,0) to the areas in which the unnecessary images are (1279,239)]; an upper left area [(640,240) to shown. The CPU further reads out new image data (959,479)]; and an upper right area [(960,240) to and displays the corresponding images in the (1279,479)1. If the coordinate provided by mouse 48 detected areas, replacing the unnecessary images.

are (900,400), then it is judged that the image in the 105 As can be seen, when the directory image is lower left area of the screen is selected. The reconstructed by replacing part of the images with succeeding operations are similar to those new ones, the operator can designate the images to performed in the case where the image is selected on be replaced, from eitherthe attribute data list orthe the basis of the attribute data list. Specifically, from directory image.

main memory 30, CPU 22 reads outthe address 110 In the above embodiment, two CRT monitors are representing where the original-size image related used: one for displaying images; and the otherfor with the selected image is stored in image file 26, and displaying attribute data. However, three or more the readout address is supplied to imagefile 26, CRT monitors can be used in the present invention.

thereby permitting the original-size image with 640 In this case, the region of the coordinates provided X 480 picture elements to be displayed on CRT 115 bythe mouse is widened, and the widened region of monitor 46. At the same time, the screen of CRT the coordinates is properly divided into sections in monitor 42 is controlled such that it displays detailed accordance with the number of CRT monitors used.

information regarding the selected image, instead of By so doing, it is possible to provide interfaces the attribute data list. flexible for users, as in the above-mentioned In the above embodiment, the cursor coordinates 120 embodiment.

provided by mouse 48 are divided into halves such The pointing means is not limited to the mouse. A that one half is assigned to the screen of CRT monitor keyboard, a digitizer, a light pen, orthe like may be 42 and the other is assigned to the screen of CRT used, replacing the use of the mouse.

monitor 46. If this technique is applied to a data-filing As detailed above, the present invention has made system wherein image data and the associated 125 it possible both to designate any arbitrary point on attribute data are displayed in the corresponding the screen of any display means and to retrieve an areas of different CRT monitors, any arbitrary point image on the basis of the information on any display on the screens of thetwo monitors can be means.

designated by using only one mouse. Therefore, an image can be retrieved on the basis of the display of 4 GB 2 190 569 A 4

Claims

CLAIMS cursor display means for permitting a cursorto be

1. An image-filing system comprising: displayed at any arbitrary point on screens of the first first and second display means for displaying and second display means; and different kinds of information, thefirst and second pointing means for moving the position of the display means including screens to which different 70 cursor by use of an operating member, the cursor coordinates of the same coordinate system are being movable beyond a display area of one of the assigned; and first and second display means and entering a pointing means, which generates a coordinate display area of the other display means.

signal in responseto operation of an operating 8. An image-filing system according to claim 7, in member, for selecting an arbitrary point on the 75 which two continuous coordinates of the same screens of the first and second display means on the coordinate system are assigned to the screens of the basis of the coordinate signal generated. first and second display means, the pointing means

2. An image-filing system according to claim 1, in generates a coordinate signal which changes which thefirst display means displays an image, and continuously, in response to operation of the the second display means displays attribute data 80 operating member, and the cursor display means associated with the image displayed on the first permits the cursorto be displayed at a location display means. corresponding to the coordinate signal.

3. An image-filing system according to claim 2, in 9. An image-filing system, substantially as which a coordinate on the screen of the first display herein before described with reference to the means is continuous with that on the screen of the 85 accompanying drawings.

second display means.

4. An image-filing system according to claim 2, in which thefirst display means displays a plurality of images in a split-screen fashion, and the second Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (UK) Ltd,9187, D8991685.

display r-neans displays a list of attribute data Published byThe Patent office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London,WC2A lAY, associated with each of the images shown on the from which copies maybe obtained.

first display means, a coordinate on the screen of the first display means being continuous with that on the screen of the second display means.

5. An image-filing system according to claim 4, further comprising display control means, which controls the first and second display means in such a mannerthat:

when one of the images displayed on the first display means in the split-screen fashion is selected bythe pointing means, the first delay means shows onlythe selected image in its full display area, thereby replacing the images displayed in the split-screen fashion, and the second display means shows onlythe attribute data associated with the selected image, on its full display area, thereby replacing the list of attribute data; and when one attribute data included in the list displayed on the second display means is selected bythe pointing means, the first display means shows onlythe image corresponding to the selected attribute data, in its full display area, thereby replacing the images displayed in the split-screen fashion, and the second display means shows only the selected attribute data in its full display area, thereby replacing the list of the attribute data.

6. An image-filing system according to claim 4, further comprising display control means, which controls the screens of the first and second display means in such a mannerthat:

when an image or attribute data displayed on the screen of the first or second display means is selected bythe pointing means, the selected image or attribute data is replaced with another image or attribute data.

7. An image-filing system comprising:

first display means for displaying an image; second display means for displaying attribute data associated with the image displayed on the first displaymeans;