JP3143297B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image of image data such as an X-ray image or a secondary electron image (hereinafter referred to as SEI) by an X-ray microanalyzer, or image data such as a thermograph representing a temperature distribution. It relates to a processing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art X-ray images of X-ray microanalyzers and SE
In I, thermographs, and the like, two-dimensional data distribution is displayed on a screen by shading specific colors or by multi-color classification. In such a case, the level of data at an arbitrary point in the two-dimensional image displayed on the screen is known by displaying the gray scale or the color scale of color classification as a reference in the same screen. I can do it.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a configuration of a conventional X-ray microanalyzer and an example of a screen display thereof. 6A, reference numeral 71 denotes an electron beam, 72 denotes a sample, 73 denotes a characteristic X-ray, 74 denotes a spectral crystal, 75 denotes an X-ray detector, 76 denotes a measuring unit, 77 denotes a control operation unit, and 78 denotes an image processing unit. , 79 are display means, and in FIG. 6B, 81 is a two-dimensional image (X-ray image) representing, for example, the detected concentration distribution of the characteristic X-ray of the specific element, and 82 is the vicinity of the two-dimensional image 81. Is a pixel density scale or a color scale (hereinafter, simply referred to as “scale”).

In the X-ray microanalyzer shown in FIG. 6A, when an electron beam 71 is irradiated on a sample 72, characteristic X-rays 73 are generated from elements existing near the surface of the sample 72. This is separated by the spectral crystal 74 and the X-ray detector 75 is used.
To detect. The number of detections of the X-ray detector 75 is
Then, the intensity of the characteristic X-ray is measured. Such an operation is performed by the control arithmetic unit 77 while scanning the electron beam 71 in a certain two-dimensional field of view, thereby capturing the two-dimensional density distribution of the characteristic X-rays in the field of view. be able to. When this two-dimensional density distribution is displayed on the display means 79 by the image processing means 78, a two-dimensional image 81 as shown in FIG. 6B is drawn, for example. When examining a specific point of interest in the two-dimensional image 81, the measurer compares the display color of the point of interest with the color of the scale 82 and determines the density of the characteristic X-ray at the point of interest. You can know.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a configuration of a conventional thermographic apparatus and an example of a screen display thereof. 8A, reference numeral 91 denotes an object; 92, an infrared ray emitted by the object 91; 93, an infrared detector; 94, a control operation unit; 95, an image processing unit; 96, a display unit; In (B), reference numeral 97 denotes a thermograph as a two-dimensional image, and 98 denotes a scale displayed near the thermograph 97.

In FIG. 8A, a subject 91 always emits an infrared ray 92 corresponding to its temperature unless it is at absolute zero. When this infrared ray 92 is detected by an infrared detector 93 while scanning over a certain visual field, In addition, a two-dimensional distribution of temperature in the visual field can be captured. The detected temperature distribution is used as control arithmetic means 94,
When displayed on the display means 96 by the image processing means 95,
For example, a thermograph 97 as shown in FIG. 8B is drawn. When examining the point of interest in the thermograph 97, the display color of the point of interest can be compared with the color of the scale 98, as in the case of the X-ray microanalyzer.

Further, for example, in an X-ray microanalyzer, after forming characteristic X-ray images of a plurality of elements in the same field of view in multicolor, respectively, the two-dimensional distribution data of the plurality of characteristic X-ray images are superimposed on each other. The two screens are combined and displayed. For example, for a certain visual field on a sample, an X-ray image created with characteristic X-rays of copper is displayed in a multi-color display with a reddish color, and the same visual field on the same sample is displayed with X-rays of aluminum. The created X-ray images are displayed in multicolor by being classified by blue color and superimposed to create one two-dimensional image with a composite color. By looking at such a composite image, portions having the same composition of copper and aluminum are displayed in the same composite color, and therefore, a distribution having the same phase can be displayed.

FIG. 7 shows such an example. That is, in a certain visual field, an X-ray image 83 of a specific element is displayed in a different color using, for example, red A to E shown on a scale 84. Further, for the same field of view, an X-ray image 85 of another specific element is displayed in a different color using, for example, a blue color F to J shown on a scale 86. These two two-dimensional images 83 and 85 are created for the same visual field, and when displayed in a superimposed manner, the distribution of the composition of the two specific elements can be known. In this case, the color of each part of the image 87 superimposed, because it is displayed a red A~E and blue F~J as the color of the synthesized A ₁ to E ₃ in each occurrence, the same synthetic The locations indicated by the colors can be considered to have the same composition. Note that the scale 88 in such a composite image often displays such composite colors A _{1 to} E ₃ .

[0009]

However, in such a conventional image processing apparatus, although a scale as a reference is displayed on the same screen, for example, when a multi-color display is performed, eight or sixteen colors are displayed. , 32 colors, and so on, are divided into colors and brightness at many levels, so that it is possible to recognize at a glance which color on the scale the color of an arbitrary point of interest in the two-dimensional image corresponds to. It is very difficult. At times, 128-color display is also performed. For example, visually recognizing the difference in the level of a portion displayed in the same system of colors is a task that requires considerable difficulty even for an experienced person.

Conversely, when it is desired to know how a certain color portion on the scale is distributed in a two-dimensional image, it is necessary to make a visual judgment. It was very difficult to distinguish the parts.

Such a problem also occurs when analyzing a composite image as shown in FIG. 7, that is, a certain color on a scale of one specific element and a scale of another specific element. It was even more difficult to determine how the locations associated with a certain color (ie, a phase of a particular composition) were distributed.

Further, in a composite image as shown in FIG. 7, a point of interest in the composite image is set,
Similar difficulty has arisen when examining the distribution of a phase having the same composition as the point of interest. In particular, when displayed in a composite color, even if the composition (that is, the combination of the original colors) is different, the composite color may be the same gray as a result, so that accurate judgment can be made visually. It was almost impossible to expect.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above various problems and to provide an image processing apparatus capable of immediately recognizing which position on a scale a point of interest in a two-dimensional image corresponds to. And

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of easily identifying a portion corresponding to a certain density or color on a scale from another portion in a two-dimensional image. .

Still another object of the present invention is to combine data of a plurality of two-dimensional images created for the same field of view into one image.
When displayed as one image, a composite portion corresponding to a certain density or color on each scale of the data of the original two-dimensional images can be easily identified from other parts in the two-dimensional image. An image processing device is provided.

Further, another object of the present invention is to combine data of a plurality of two-dimensional images created for the same field of view to obtain one image.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that can easily identify a portion formed of the same data combination as a point of interest in the field of view from other portions when displaying the two images.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a two-dimensional image represented by shading on a screen or a multi-color image. An image processing device that displays the represented two-dimensional image and displays the gray scale or the multi-color scale in the vicinity of the two-dimensional image on the same screen. Input means for designating the position of the image, and reading the designated position from the two-dimensional image and identifying the scale position on the density scale or the color scale corresponding to the image density or color development of the position. Processing means for performing various processes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, a two-dimensional image represented by shading or a two-dimensional image represented by different colors is displayed on a screen, and the two-dimensional image is displayed in the same screen. In an image processing apparatus for displaying the gray scale or the multi-color scale in the vicinity of a two-dimensional image, an input unit for designating a desired scale position on the density scale or the color scale, and the density Processing means for reading the scale position on a scale or a color scale, and performing a process identifiable from another image portion on an image portion corresponding to the density or color at the scale position in the two-dimensional image. It is characterized by having.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to claim 4 is
On the screen, while displaying a plurality of two-dimensional images or multicolor two-dimensional images related to the same field of view, in the vicinity of each of the plurality of two-dimensional images in the same screen, the shade scale or the multicolor color In an image processing apparatus for displaying a scale, an input means for individually designating a desired scale position on each of the density scale or the color scale, and reading each of the scale positions individually, Processing means for extracting an image portion corresponding to the density or color at each scale position in the image, and displaying on the screen a two-dimensional image corresponding to a logical product of the extracted plurality of image portions. It is characterized by.

Further, the image processing apparatus according to claim 6 is
Overlaying multiple gray-scale 2D distribution data or multi-color 2D distribution data created for the same field of view,
1 is displayed on the screen according to the combined shades or combined colors.
In an image processing apparatus that displays two two-dimensional images, input means for specifying a desired position in the field of view of the two-dimensional image, and reads the specified position from the field of view of the two-dimensional image, For each of the plurality of two-dimensional images, a scale position corresponding to the density or color of the designated position is detected, and a scale corresponding to the logical product of the image portions corresponding to the density or color at each scale position is detected. Processing means for displaying a two-dimensional image on a screen.

[0021]

According to the present invention, since a scale displayed near a two-dimensional image is subjected to an identification process such as adding a marker, a point of interest in the two-dimensional image is designated by a cursor or the like. Then, identification display of a marker or the like is performed at a scale position corresponding to the pixel density or color of the point of interest, and the corresponding portion can be immediately recognized.

Conversely, if a specific position on the scale is designated by using the identification means such as the marker as a pointer, a portion corresponding to the scale position in the two-dimensional image can be easily identified from other portions. Since a process that can be recognized is performed, a portion in the two-dimensional image corresponding to an arbitrary density or color on the scale can be immediately recognized.

Further, when a plurality of two-dimensional images related to the same visual field are combined and displayed as one image, if an arbitrary position is designated for each scale of each original two-dimensional image, the scale of those two-dimensional images can be adjusted. Since only the position where the position data is combined is identified and displayed in the combined image, analysis and the like can be easily performed.

Further, when a plurality of two-dimensional images of the same visual field are combined and displayed as one image, an arbitrary point of interest in the combined image is designated by a cursor or the like, and the point of interest is determined. Since only the portion composed of the same data combination is identified and displayed in the image after the combination, the analysis and the like can be easily performed.

[0025]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a measuring means such as an X-ray microanalyzer or a thermographic apparatus, 2 denotes a control operation means, 3 denotes an input means, 4 denotes a processing means, and 5 denotes a display means. Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described using the case of performing image processing in an X-ray microanalyzer as an example.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, when the measuring means 1 of the X-ray microanalyzer is controlled and driven by the control arithmetic means 2, for example, a two-dimensional X-ray intensity distribution can be measured in a certain visual field of the sample. When the two-dimensional distribution data obtained as a result is displayed on the display unit 5 by the processing unit 4, a two-dimensional image 21 that is color-coded in, for example, a multi-colored color is displayed as shown in an example of a screen display in FIG. In the vicinity of the two-dimensional image 21, a color scale 22 is displayed for multi-color reference used for displaying the two-dimensional image 21.

In this embodiment, when a point of interest in the two-dimensional image 21 is designated by, for example, the cursor 23 by the input means 3, the processing means 4 reads the position in the image designated by the cursor 23. Next, in the processing means 4, the designated position (the position of the cursor 23)
The scale position on the color scale 22 corresponding to the color development is calculated. In the two-dimensional image 21 illustrated in FIG. 2, the position of the cursor 23 is displayed in a color “D”.
The corresponding scale position on the color scale 22 is
Naturally, this is the position of the color "D". And
The processing means 4 displays a marker 24 or the like at a corresponding scale position on the color scale 22 so as to be distinguishable from other color scale portions.

As a method of performing an identifiable process on the scale position, other than displaying the marker 24, for example, the entire frame of the color "D" may be surrounded by a thick frame or a white frame, or The brightness of the column of the color “D” can be made stronger or blinking than other portions.

The original data used to create the two-dimensional image 21 is usually recorded as a numerical value such as an X-ray intensity value. In the example shown in FIG. Since only a certain portion is displayed in color "D", if the position specified in the image by the processing means 4 is found, the original numerical data is accessed to make the color scale 22 more accessible. It is possible to indicate a fine position. For example, in the example of FIG.
If the data of the X-ray intensity value at the position designated by the cursor 23 is “28”, the identification display by the marker 24 or another method does not indicate the entire frame of the color “D”. The position of “28” may be specifically shown.

A display box 25 is provided near the two-dimensional image 21.
May be provided, and the coordinates (X-coordinate, Y-coordinate) of the position in the image designated by the cursor 23 and the like and the data value of the position (X-ray intensity value in the present embodiment) may be displayed. . In addition, the designation of the noted point by the input unit 3 is as follows.
In addition to the operation performed by moving the cursor 23 from a mouse or a keyboard, the operation may be directly specified on the screen of the display unit 5 by, for example, touch input.

Next, a second embodiment of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen display according to the present embodiment. As in FIG. 2, a two-dimensional image 31 displayed in a multi-colored manner and a color scale 3
2 is displayed. In the example of FIG.
First, the measurer specifies a desired scale position on the color scale 32 via the input means 3. This specification
For example, it can be performed by a pointer 34 displayed on the side of the color scale 32. Then, the processing means 4 reads the designated scale position. And
The processing means 4 performs a process that can be distinguished from other image portions on the image portion colored with the color at the scale position in the two-dimensional image 31. FIG.
In the example of the above, since the pointer 34 designates the position of the color “C” on the color scale 32, the portion displayed in the color “C” in the two-dimensional image 31 is changed by changing the luminance. Is processed so as to be distinguishable from the part.

As a method of designating the scale position, in addition to the method using the pointer 34, a frame of the designated color of the scale can be surrounded by a thick frame or a white frame, or the luminance can be changed. In addition, as a method of performing an identifiable process on the image portion, in addition to the method of making the brightness of the portion different from other portions as described above, the region of the image portion is surrounded by a thick frame or a white frame, or The color of the image portion can be changed to a special color or blink.

As described with reference to the example of FIG. 2, the original data used to create the two-dimensional image 31 is usually X data.
Since the numerical value such as the line intensity value is recorded, the designation of the scale position by the pointer 34 or the like is also performed by “color“ C ””.
It can be specified by a fine numerical value on the scale instead of a rough one like. In that case, on the two-dimensional image 31, for example, only the portion corresponding to the specified numerical value is displayed so as to be identifiable, instead of the entire portion displayed in the color “C”. In such a case, a separate display column is provided near the two-dimensional image 31,
The numerical value or numerical value range at the designated scale position may be displayed.

The designation of the scale position by the input means 3 is performed not only by moving the pointer 34 from a mouse or a keyboard, but also by directly designating a specific position on the scale from the screen of the display means 5 by touch input. There may be. Alternatively, a numerical value on the scale may be input and designated from a keyboard or the like, the pointer 34 or the like may be displayed at a position corresponding to the numerical value, and the above-described image processing may be performed.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the display positions and shapes of the marker 24 and the pointer 34 are different.
It goes without saying that the marker 24 and the pointer 34 can be shared.

Next, a third embodiment of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a screen display according to the present embodiment. For the same visual field, a plurality of two-dimensional images 41 and 44 displayed in different colors in a multi-color color, and a composite two-dimensional image 47 thereof, The example which displays each color scale 42, 45, 48 is shown.

In the example of FIG. 4, first, the measurer individually specifies a desired scale position for each of the plurality of color scales 42 and 45 via the input means 3. This designation can be performed in the same manner as in the example of FIG. 3 described above, and can be performed by, for example, pointers 43 and 46 displayed beside the respective color scales 42 and 45. Then, the processing means 4 individually reads the designated scale position. Then, the processing means 4 individually takes out the image portion colored with the color at the scale position from each of the plurality of two-dimensional images 41 and 44. Then, a two-dimensional image corresponding to the logical product of the plurality of extracted image parts is displayed on the screen.

In the example of FIG. 4, the pointer 43 specifies the position of the color "C" on the color scale 42, and the pointer 46 specifies the position of the color "H" on another color scale 45. First, the two-dimensional image 4
In 1, the portion displayed in the color “C” is extracted, and in another 2D image 44, the portion displayed in the color “H” is extracted. Then, a portion corresponding to the logical product of those portions (the portion displayed in the color “C ₃ ” in the two-dimensional image 47 after synthesis) is displayed on the screen. In addition,
At this time, in the two-dimensional image 47 after the combination, only the portion displayed in the color “C ₃ ” may be displayed on the screen, or the other portion may be displayed, and then the color “C ₃ ” may be displayed. By changing the brightness of a portion, the portion may be made identifiable from other portions. In the color scale 48 displayed together with the two-dimensional image 47 after the synthesis, the color “C
_A pointer 49 or a marker may be displayed at a position corresponding to " ₃ ".

In the example shown in FIG. 4, modifications such as an input method for designating a scale position, a display method of a designated scale position, and a method of enabling discrimination in a synthesized two-dimensional image are described below. This is the same as in FIG. In addition, the plurality of two-dimensional images 41 and 44, the combined two-dimensional image 47, and the like may be displayed at the same time on the same screen, or the plurality of two-dimensional images 41 and 44 may be displayed.
May be displayed individually one by one, and finally, the synthesized two-dimensional image 47 may be displayed.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen display according to the present embodiment. A plurality of two-dimensional images 54 and 58 displayed in different colors in the same visual field, and their combined two-dimensional images 51 and 62 are shown. And an example in which the respective color scales 52, 55, 59, 63 are displayed.

In the example of FIG. 5, first, an image of a certain visual field is displayed on the screen. The first image may be a two-dimensional image 51 obtained by synthesizing a plurality of two-dimensional images 54 and 58 created for the field of view. For example, when synthesizing an X-ray image, the first image is the SEI regarding the same field of view.
It may be. In short, any image may be used as long as the image is related to a specific visual field. In the example of FIG. 5, an example using the two-dimensional image 51 synthesized as described above will be described.

Next, the measurer specifies a point of interest in the two-dimensional image 51 via the input means 3. This designation can be performed using the cursor 53 or the like, as in the example shown in FIG. Then, the processing means 4 reads the designated position.

Next, the processing means 4 applies the position specified by the cursor 53 or the like to the plurality of two-dimensional images 54 and 58 created for the visual field, and sets the respective color scales at the specified position. The upper scale position is individually detected. In the example of FIG. 5, the position of the cursor 53 is within the area displayed in color “C” in one of the two-dimensional images 54, and thus the two-dimensional image 54 is set as a scale position on the color scale 55. The position of the color “C” is detected. In another two-dimensional image 58, since the position of the cursor 53 is within the area of the color “H”, the position of the color “H” is set as the scale position on the color scale 59 for the two-dimensional image 58. Detect. At this time, the markers 56 and 60 may be displayed at the detected scale positions on the color scales 55 and 59, respectively.

Next, the processing means 4 generates a portion corresponding to the scale position detected in each of the two-dimensional images 54 and 58 (that is, the two-dimensional image 54 is displayed in color "C"). In the other two-dimensional image 58, the entire region displayed is detected as a whole, and the two-dimensional image 62 corresponding to the logical product of those regions is finally displayed. ing. As described above, a portion corresponding to such a logical product displays the same phase having a specific composition in a composition of an X-ray image.

In the example of FIG. 5, the part corresponding to the logical product is the area displayed in color "C ₃ " of the two-dimensional image 62, that is, the areas 64 and 65, and the final two-dimensional image Only the areas 64 and 65 may be displayed on the screen, but other parts are also synthesized and displayed.
Only the portions 4 and 65 may be processed and displayed so as to be distinguishable from other portions. Further, for example, an area 64 of the X-ray image synthesized in this way is displayed on the image displaying the SEI.
And 65 are superimposed and displayed. Further, in the color scale 63 corresponding to the two-dimensional image 62, a marker 66 or the like is displayed at the corresponding scale position (the position of the color “C ₃ ” in the example of FIG. 5) so that it can be distinguished from other scale parts. Processing may be performed.

Note that, in the example of FIG. 5, modifications such as an input method for designating a point of interest in a two-dimensional image, a display method of a scale position, and a method of enabling discrimination in a two-dimensional image after synthesis are described. Is the same as in the case of FIGS. 2 and 3 above. Also, a plurality of two-dimensional images 51, 54, 58, 62
May be displayed simultaneously on one screen, but some or all of them may be sequentially displayed on the screen of the display device 5 one by one, and finally, the synthesized two-dimensional image 62 is displayed. You may make it.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, in this embodiment, the X-ray image in the X-ray microanalyzer has been described.
The present invention can be applied to other two-dimensional images such as EI, and can also be applied to image processing in a thermographic device or the like. Further, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied not only to a two-dimensional image displayed in a multi-colored manner but also to a two-dimensional image displayed in a single color or a shade of a similar color. In addition, in the image display examples in FIGS. 2 to 5, a description has been given of a case where the color is divided into five colors as a color scale. What is applicable to things is, of course, also obvious. FIG.
Also, in the example of FIG. 5, an example in which two images are applied as a plurality of two-dimensional images has been described, but this can be similarly applied to a case where three or more images are combined.

[0049]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, when analyzing and examining a two-dimensional image which is color-coded in multicolor or displayed in shades, the image and the reference are referred to. Correspondence with scale as
Alternatively, the distribution status of a portion having the same property in the image can be easily known, and analysis can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining another example of screen display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining still another example of screen display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining still another example of screen display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional X-ray microanalyzer and a display example thereof.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example and a display example of a conventional X-ray microanalyzer.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional thermographic device and a display example thereof.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Measurement means, 2 ... Control calculation means, 3 ... Input means, 4 ...
Processing means, 5 display means, 21, 31, 47, 62 ... two-dimensional image, 22, 32, 48, 63 ... scale, 24,
56, 60 ... marker, 34, 43, 46 ... pointer, 2
3, 53 ... cursor.

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A two-dimensional image represented by shading or a two-dimensional image represented by different colors by color on a screen, and the shading is displayed near the two-dimensional image on the same screen. In an image processing apparatus that displays a scale or the color scale of the multicolor, input means for designating a desired position in the two-dimensional image, and reading the designated position from the two-dimensional image, Processing means for performing an identifiable process on a scale position on the density scale or the color scale corresponding to the image density or color development at the position. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a marker is displayed beside the density scale or the color scale as the identifiable processing. 3. A two-dimensional image represented by shading or a two-dimensional image represented by multi-colors is displayed on a screen, and the shading is displayed near the two-dimensional image on the same screen. In an image processing apparatus for displaying a scale or the multi-color scale, input means for designating a desired scale position on the density scale or the color scale, and the scale position on the density scale or the color scale Processing means for reading the image portion and performing a process that allows the image portion corresponding to the density or color at the scale position in the two-dimensional image to be identified from other image portions. 4. A method for displaying a plurality of two-dimensional gray-scale images or multi-color two-dimensional images related to the same visual field on a screen, and displaying the gray scale or the gray scale near each of the plurality of two-dimensional images on the same screen. In the image processing apparatus for displaying the multi-color scale, input means for individually specifying a desired scale position on each of the density scale or the color scale, individually read each of the scale positions, Processing means for extracting an image portion corresponding to the density or color at each scale position from each of the two-dimensional images, and displaying on the screen a two-dimensional image corresponding to a logical product of the plurality of extracted image portions; An image processing apparatus comprising: 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a pointer is displayed on a side of the density scale or the color scale, and the scale position is designated using the pointer. 6. A plurality of two-dimensional density data or two-dimensional color multi-color distribution data created for the same visual field are superimposed, and one two-dimensional image is displayed on the screen by the synthesized density or the synthesized color. An input means for designating a desired position in the visual field of the two-dimensional image; reading the designated position from the visual field of the two-dimensional image; For each of the two-dimensional images, a scale position corresponding to the shade or color of the designated position is detected, and a two-dimensional image corresponding to the logical product of the respective image portions corresponding to the density or color at each scale position is displayed on the screen. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a processing unit for displaying the information on the top.