JPH0267077A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To efficiently perform image recording on a recording material by setting the magnification and the crisscross position relation of an image corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the number of output images. CONSTITUTION:An image processing circuit 10 consists of a video signal reading part 14, a video signal processing part 16 to store the output signal of the video reading part 14 transiently and also, applies a prescribed processing, a thermal head driving part 20 to drive a thermal head 18 corresponding to the output signal from the video signal processing part 16, and a control part 22 to control the image processing circuit 10. And a magnification conversion processing and a crisscross conversion processing to convert the crisscross position relation are applied on the image signal corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image and the number of images to be recorded, then, recording is performed on the recording material. In such a way, it is possible to record and form the image on the recording material leaving a few of space part on the recording material.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image recording device that records one or more images on a recording material. The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that efficiently records an image on a recording material by setting the magnification and vertical and horizontal positional relationship of the image accordingly.

[Background of the Invention] In the medical field, in addition to conventionally used X-ray imaging devices, various medical imaging diagnostic devices such as ultrasound imaging devices, X-ray CT, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging devices are becoming widespread. . This type of medical image diagnostic apparatus obtains image information of the affected area by injecting ultrasonic waves, X-rays, etc. from outside the patient's body and detecting changes in the ultrasonic waves, X-rays, etc., and uses this image information to
For example, it is displayed as a visible image on a CRT monitor. Therefore, doctors etc. only need to diagnose the affected area via the image displayed on the monitor. In particular, since other affected areas can be easily displayed as needed during diagnosis, the diagnostic work can be done accurately. Moreover, it can be carried out quickly.

In this case, in addition to visually viewing the affected area displayed on the monitor of the medical image diagnostic device, it is also necessary to observe continuous changes in the affected area together with the patient in order to refer the patient to another hospital. Therefore, it is desirable to record the image displayed on a monitor as a hard copy on a record carrier. For this reason, various image recording devices are employed. For example, a multi-format camera device records the image displayed on a CRT monitor on a photosensitive recording material screen by screen via an optical system, or modulates the intensity of a light beam based on a video signal corresponding to the image displayed on a CRT monitor. However, a laser printer device or the like is employed that records an image on a photosensitive recording material by scanning the intensity-modulated light beam using an optical deflector.

Incidentally, it is desirable to efficiently record a plurality of images on recording materials such as films output from these image recording devices in order to secure storage space.

FIGS. 1a and 1b show an example in which an image 2 is recorded on a film F using a conventional image recording apparatus. In this case, if the vertical direction a and the horizontal direction of the image 2 are outputted in accordance with the sub-scanning direction 15 and the main scanning direction width of the film F, a considerable amount of blank space 4 where the image 2 is not recorded will be generated on the film F, which is wasted. There is a problem that occurs.

In addition, when multiple images 2 are recorded on the film F as shown in Figure 1, the size of each image 2 cannot be set to a sufficiently large size, making it difficult to observe the images 2. It also causes drawbacks.

Therefore, for example, in the multi-format camera device mentioned above, the direction of the CRT monitor with respect to film F is set at 90°.
By changing and setting, the longitudinal direction of image 2 (first
There is one in which the horizontal direction b) in the figure corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the film F (sub-scanning direction A in FIG. 1), and the margin portion 4 is made as small as possible.

However, with this device, once the direction of the CRT monitor is set, it is practically impossible to change it. Therefore, it has been pointed out that there is a problem that it cannot be easily handled when outputting various images with different aspect ratios.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in order to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and it is extremely easy to use by setting the magnification and vertical and horizontal positional relationship of the image according to the aspect ratio of the image and the number of output images. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording device that can efficiently record an image on a recording material with a simple configuration.

[Means for achieving the object] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image recording method for recording one or more images on a recording material having a predetermined recording area based on an image signal output from an image signal source. The recording device includes a frame memory that stores the image signals in a matrix format on an image-by-image basis, and reads out the image signals stored in the frame memory in row-wise order or column-wise order according to output conditions, and reads out the image signals stored in the frame memory in row-wise order or column-wise order according to output conditions. and an image conversion means that performs magnification conversion processing on the image signal, and records the image in a predetermined recording area of the recording material according to the aspect ratio of the image signal from the image signal source and the number of output images. shall be.

[Embodiments] Next, preferred embodiments of the image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 indicates an image processing circuit of a thermal printer device to which the image recording device according to the present invention is applied. Here, the thermal printer device is a device that records an image on the heat-sensitive recording material F using a heating element. The image processing circuit 10 includes a video signal reading section 14 that reads a video signal introduced from an image signal source (not shown) via a video signal input terminal 12, and the video signal reading section 1.
a video signal processing unit 16 that temporarily stores the output signal from 4 and performs predetermined processing;
It basically consists of a thermal head drive section 20 that drives the thermal head 18 in accordance with an output signal from the image processing circuit 10, and a control section 22 that controls the image processing circuit 10.

The video signal reading section 14 has a video interface 24 (hereinafter referred to as video I/F), and this video I/F2
4 is a composite video signal S, which is a video signal carrying information related to a cross section of a human brain, etc., from an image signal source such as an X-ray CT. will be introduced. The composite video signal So is connected to the video signal S at the video I/F 24.
1 and composite sync signal S2, respectively.
/D converter 26 and synchronization signal generation circuit 28. Note that a clock signal S3 is introduced into the A/D converter 26 from a synchronization signal generation circuit 28 based on the composite sync signal S2.

Digital image data S4, which is the output signal of the A/D converter 26, is introduced via a switch 30 into predetermined frame memories IJ, 32a to 32n constituting the video signal processing section 16. In this case, the video signal processing section 16 has a plurality of frame memories 32a to 32T1 that store digital image data S4 for each screen based on a video signal Sl taken in from an image signal source (not shown). In addition, the switching device 30
selects the frame memories 32a to 32n in which the digital image data S4 is to be stored based on a command from the CPU 34 constituting the control section 22.

Furthermore, the video signal processing section 16 includes a frame memo 1J32.
It has an image conversion section 35 that performs magnification conversion processing and vertical/horizontal conversion processing of the digital image data S4 stored in a to 32n. In this case, the thermal printer device is capable of recording images in the formats shown in FIGS. 3a to 3e based on an output selection command manually input from the operation panel 36 that constitutes the control unit 22 by the action of the image conversion unit 35. .

That is, FIG. 3a shows a case where one image P1 is recorded on the heat-sensitive recording material F, and in this case, the images P,
The image converting section 35 performs vertical/horizontal conversion processing so that the horizontal direction (a) and the vertical direction (a) of the image correspond to each other. Also, image P
.

is recorded by enlarging the digital image data S4 stored in the frame memory 32a to a preset magnification. FIG. 3 shows two images P2 on heat-sensitive recording material F,
In this case, images P2 and P3 are recorded.
The vertical/horizontal conversion process and the magnification conversion process are not performed. Similarly, FIGS. 3C to 3e show 4 sheets and 6 sheets for heat-sensitive recording material F.
This shows a case where nine images P4 to P2□ are recorded after magnification conversion and vertical/horizontal conversion as necessary.

On the other hand, the digital image data S4 subjected to the conversion process in the image conversion unit 35 is stored as line data S5 in a line buffer memory 38 having memory addresses corresponding to the number m of heating elements To to T+a-1 constituting the thermal head 18. It is introduced for each scanning line in the main scanning direction B on the thermosensitive recording material F in FIG. Line buffer memory 38
The line data S5 introduced into the thermal head drive circuit 42 comprising a shift register and the like constituting the thermal head drive section 20 is introduced through a parallel/serial converter 40 (hereinafter referred to as a P/S converter).

The output signal of the thermal head drive circuit 42 is transmitted to the m heating elements To to T, -3 that constitute the thermal head 18.
will be introduced in The heating elements To to T, -1 are arranged in parallel along the main scanning direction B of the heat-sensitive recording material F, which is transported in the sub-scanning direction A by a transport mechanism (not shown).

The image recording apparatus according to this embodiment is basically constructed as described above, and its operation and effects will be explained next.

In this case, the thermal printer device is connected to various medical image diagnostic devices (not shown) such as an X-ray CT or ultrasound imaging device via a video signal input terminal 12, and a doctor or the like can use the CRT monitor of the medical image diagnostic device. After observing the image displayed on the screen, etc., the desired image is obtained as a hard copy on the heat-sensitive recording material F. Note that this thermal printer device is small and easy to handle, has a simple device configuration, and is inexpensive. Furthermore, since the heat-sensitive recording material F on which an image has been recorded by this apparatus does not require any development treatment, it has the advantage that the -layer can be handled easily.

First, a doctor or the like confirms an image displayed on a CRT monitor or the like of a medical diagnostic device, and then uses the operation panel 36 to select an image to be recorded on the heat-sensitive recording material F. In this case, from the operation panel 36, for example, a mode in which only one image P1 is recorded (FIG. 3a), a mode in which two images P2 and P3 are recorded (FIG. 3b) , a mode for recording four images P4 to P7 (Fig. 3C), 6
Mode for recording images P to P13 (Fig. 3d)
, a mode for recording nine images P14 to P22 (FIG. 3e), etc. can be selected.

Next, a composite video signal S carrying image information of the affected area is sent from a medical diagnostic device (not shown).

is introduced into the video I/F 24 via the video signal input terminal 12. In this case, the video I/F 24 sends the video signal St whose video amplitude and bed scale level are adjusted to correspond to the full scale voltage of the A/D converter 26 to the signal input terminal of the A/D converter 26. Along with introducing
The composite video signal S. The synchronization signal is separated from the synchronization signal and introduced into the synchronization signal generation circuit 28 as a composite sync signal S2. The synchronization signal generation circuit 28 is, for example, P
The horizontal synchronizing signal constituting the composite sync signal S2 is multiplied by a predetermined value, and is output as a clock signal S to the A/D.
The signal is introduced into a clock input terminal (not shown) of the converter 26.

The video signal S introduced into the A/D converter 26 is converted into digital image data S4 every clock signal S3 and introduced into the switch 30. The switch 30 sends a frame memo to the A/D converter 26 based on the command from the C:PU 34! Switch and connect J32a to 32n in sequence. A/
The digital image data S4 output from the D converter 26 is first introduced into the frame memory 32a, and this frame memo! One screen worth of digital image data S4 on J32a
is stored. Next, the composite video signal S of the next screen is input via the video signal input terminal 12. When input, one screen worth of digital image data S4 obtained from this composite video signal S0 is stored in the frame memory 32b via the switch 30. Similarly, digital image data S for each screen is stored in the frame memories 32c to 32n, respectively.

Frame memo as above! The digital image data S stored in J32a to 32n is subjected to vertical/horizontal conversion processing and magnification conversion processing in the image converting section 35 based on the output selection command input from the operation panel 36, and is then stored as line data S in the line buffer. is introduced into memory 38. The line data Ss introduced into the line buffer memory 38 is introduced into the thermal head drive circuit 42 via the P/S converter 40 that constitutes the thermal head drive section 20. The thermal head drive circuit 42 connects heating elements To to Tfi-1 that constitute the thermal head 18.
A drive current pulse corresponding to the line data S is supplied to the line data S. As a result, the heating elements To to T- generate heat, and thermal print recording is performed on the heat-sensitive recording material F as one scanning line.

On the other hand, when the recording of the scanning line is completed, the image converting section 35
transfers digital image data S, for forming the next scanning line, to the line buffer memory 38. Then, thermal print recording is performed on the thermal recording material F in the same manner as in the case described above. In this case, the thermal recording material F is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction A shown in FIG. 3 while being pressed against the thermal head 18 by a platen roller (not shown). Therefore, the desired images shown in FIGS. 3a to 3e are two-dimensionally recorded on the thermosensitive recording material F.

Next, the image vertical/horizontal conversion process and magnification conversion process in the image converting section 35 will be explained.

In this case, the frame memories 32a to 32n include the fourth
As shown in the figure, the main scanning direction (
The address corresponding to the horizontal direction b) of images Pl to P2□ shown in FIG.
The address corresponding to the sub-scanning direction (vertical direction a of images P1 to P22 shown in FIG. 3) is y (y=ylSy2, . . .
yt), pixel data a constituting the digital image data S4 in the area specified by the address (x, y).
X, is stored in matrix format.

First, when an output selection command to output one image PI to the heat-sensitive recording material F is manually input from the operation panel 36,
The image conversion unit 35 converts (Xt, y
t), (Xt, Y2)・” (Xt, 3'), (
Xi-1+ Y+)”・(XI-1+ yi)・”
By reading the pixel data a8. in the order of (xt, 3/+)・"(Xl, 3'J), that is, in the order of A3, A2...A1 directions shown in FIG.
Performs vertical/horizontal conversion of the horizontal direction.

Next, an enlargement process is performed to record the image P1 at a predetermined size in the recording area of the heat-sensitive recording material F.

In this case, there are various methods for enlarging the image.

For example, when enlarging by an integral number, the same pixel data aX
Enlargement processing can be performed by repeatedly generating y in the vertical direction a and horizontal direction according to the enlargement ratio and allocating it to a predetermined frame memory. Also, adjacent pixel data a8. Enlargement processing can also be performed by weighted averaging. In this case, it is possible to obtain a smoother image P+ than in the above method. In order to obtain a larger enlargement ratio, when allocating the enlarged pixel data a, l to the predetermined frame memory, the pixel data aX
By overflowing a part of the frame memory and storing only important parts in the frame memory, it is possible to obtain an image P1 with a large enlargement ratio without increasing the capacity of the frame memory.

As described above, the pixel data a8. is sequential line buffer memory 38
is introduced as line data S. After being transferred to the thermal head driving section 20 as described above, the image P1 is transferred to the thermal recording material F as shown in FIG. 3a.
is recorded.

In this case, the margin 46 between the heat-sensitive recording material F and the image P1 is significantly smaller than that in the case where the image 2 is recorded in the state shown in FIG. Since the image P+ can be utilized and recorded in a sufficient size, it is extremely effective for observation and the like.

Next, the two images P2 and P3 are displayed from the operation panel 36.
When an output selection command is input to output a
From a (xt, yt), (x2゜yt)...(X I
ty I), (X l+ 3' 2)...(Xl
, yz)...(xl+y J)...(xt,
y''), that is, B, ,B,... shown in Figure 4.
・Read out 8 pieces of pixel data y in the order of “B” direction. This read pixel data aXy is stored in the line buffer memory 38 as line data S5 without being subjected to magnification conversion processing.
will be forwarded to. The line data S transferred to the line buffer memory 38 is transferred to the thermal recording material F by the thermal head driving section 20, as in the case described above.
2 and is reproduced as shown in FIG.

When the recording of the image P2 is completed, the CPU 34 transfers the digital image data S5 stored in the frame memo 1J32b to the thermal head drive unit 20 via the image conversion unit 35 and the line buffer memory 38, and similarly transfers the digital image data S5 stored in the frame memo 1J32b to the thermal head drive unit 20. Image P3 is recorded on F. In this case, as in the case of FIG. 3a, the heat-sensitive recording material F and images P2 and P3 are
Since there is a small margin 46 between the two images and images P2b and P3 are not reduced, it is possible to obtain images P2 and P3 that are efficient and suitable for observation.

Next, when an output selection command to output four images P4 to P is input from the operation panel 36, the image conversion unit 3
5 reads out the pixel data a and a constituting the digital image data S stored in the frame memories 32a to 32d in the order of AI, A2...A1 shown in FIG. 4, and performs vertical and horizontal conversion processing, Perform predetermined reduction processing.

In this case, there are various methods for reducing the images P4 to P7, as in the case of the enlargement processing described above. For example, a reduction ratio of 1/N can be obtained by taking in N pieces of pixel data a8y and finding their average value, or by selecting one piece of pixel data a8y from N pieces of pixel data a8y. In addition, from the synchronization signal generation circuit 28, the A/D
Adjust the sampling frequency of the clock signal S3 supplied to the converter 26 or use the frame memo 'J32
Pixel data a8.a to 32d output from pixel data a8. By first converting the signal into an analog signal and then reconverting it into a digital signal by adjusting the sampling frequency, the images P to P7 in the main scanning direction B can be reduced to a desired reduction ratio. Note that the reduction of the images P to P1 in the sub-scanning direction A is realized by slowing down the conveyance speed of the heat-sensitive recording material F in the sub-scanning direction A. In this way, the heat-sensitive recording material F
The states of images P4 to P recorded for are shown in Figure 3C.
Shown below. In this case, the margin portion 46 is small and the reduction ratio of the images P to P is also suppressed to a minimum.

Images P8 to P22 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3e can be recorded on the heat-sensitive recording material F by similar processing. Even in these cases, images P8 to P22 are efficiently recorded on the heat-sensitive recording material F.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, a magnification conversion process and an aspect conversion process for converting the vertical and horizontal positional relationship are performed on the image signal according to the aspect ratio of the image and the number of images to be recorded. The information is configured to be recorded on a recording material. In this case, since the image is recorded and formed extremely efficiently with a small margin on the recording material, the recording material can be utilized extremely effectively. Further, by effectively utilizing the recording surface of the recording material, the reduction ratio of the image is suppressed to a minimum, so it is possible to obtain an image that is easy to confirm.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
Of course, various improvements and changes in design are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a recorded image according to the prior art, FIG. 2 is an image processing circuit diagram of a thermal printer to which the image recording device according to the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 3 a to 3 e are images according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a recorded image obtained by a thermal printer device to which the recording device is applied. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of pixel data stored in a frame memory in the image processing circuit shown in FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Image processing circuit 14... Video signal reading part 16... Video signal processing part 18... Thermal head 20... Thermal head drive part 22... Control part 30... Switch 322
~32n...Frame memory

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) In an image recording device that records one or more images on a recording material having a predetermined recording area based on an image signal output from an image signal source, a frame memory stores the image signal in matrix form in units of images. and an image converting means for reading out the image signals stored in the frame memory in the row direction order or the column direction order according to output conditions, and performing magnification conversion processing on the image signals as necessary, An image recording apparatus that records an image in a predetermined recording area of a recording material according to the aspect ratio of an image signal from a signal source and the number of output images.