JPS62297976A - Window setting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability and to shorten the setting time with a window setting device by securing the automatic switch between the rough and fine controls in response to the operating speed of a knob and inhibiting the fine control before the rotation of the knob is stopped in a rough control mode. CONSTITUTION:Both the window width sampling value DELTAWW and the window level sampling value DELTAWL are applied to a comparator 1, a controller 2 and a fine control window calculation part 4 in response to the operating speed of a knob. The controller 2 outputs a signal to a terminal A in a fast mode for mode output of a comparator 1 and then a signal to a terminal B in a slow mode for mode output and when the controller 2 decides a fine control mode respectively. A FAST mode window calculation part 5 reads the window value out of a window value memory 6 at every reception of output of a divider 3 and correct the window value with the addition or subtraction of the prescribed value. The part 4 corrects the window value with the correction value corresponding to the value DELTAWW or DELTAWL.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] 3. Detailed Description of the Invention [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention specifies a necessary area in a diagnostic image, such as an image reconstructed by a CT scanner. This is related to window settings 5All for.

(Prior art) For example, an image reconstructed by an Xl1l CT scanner is formed as pixel data with as many as 4000 tones depending on the X-ray absorption coefficient of the composition at each position on the tomographic plane to be transported. . On the other hand, W3, which is distinguishable by human vision,
The tone is a gray scale, that is, there are at most several dozen gradations of black and white.

Therefore, when making a diagnosis while viewing a diagnostic image such as an image reconstructed by a CT scanner, the f! I (window level), - Specifies the width of pixel data values per gradation (window width) and displays the corresponding pixel data at the specified gray scale (shade level corresponding to the step of CT value). There is a demand for observing images, and the window setting device is used to set the window that is the condition for that purpose.

Conventionally, settings for this type of apparatus are determined by the amount of operation of a window switch provided on the operation console of the CT scanner.

That is, the window switch is provided with two rotating knobs of relatively large diameter (one for window level WL and one for window width WW), and a rotary encoder is directly connected to the rotating shaft of each knob. and,
Rotate each of the above knobs in the forward and reverse directions to
Set the level WL and window width WW. These window level WL and window width ~■~V are determined by sampling and counting the output pulse signal of the rotary encoder that is generated in response to the operation direction and operation f'l''l of each of the above-mentioned knobs, and is determined by the count value. In other words, the rotary encoders for window width and window level output pulses with a frequency corresponding to the operation speed of the knob together with a direction signal corresponding to the rotational operation direction of the knob, and This output pulse is sampled at a predetermined sampling frequency, and the sampling value ΔWW for the window width and the window width are
Since it is output as a level sampling value ΔWL, this is added/subtracted and counted to obtain a window value.

In this way, the window level\VL and window width WW can be set by operating each of the above knobs,
A window with a desired window level W and window width WW can be set. In such conventional devices, the set value is determined by sampling and counting the output pulses of the rotary encoder that is rotated in conjunction with the operation of the knob, and the number of output pulses of the rotary encoder is determined by the rotation speed. Since the output value increases in accordance with the speed at which the knob is turned, the output value increases in accordance with the speed at which the knob is turned.

However, since the value corresponding to the operation becomes the set value, it is simply said that the faster the knob is turned, the faster the target value is reached, but the amount of operation of the knob itself does not change.

There is also a window setting device using a snap switch. This is equipped with a snap switch for pulse generation for coarse II and a snap switch for pulse generation for fine adjustment, and when making coarse adjustments, set the snap switch for coarse MV to positive (+).
Alternatively, operate the snap switch for fine adjustment to the positive (+) or negative (-) side to count the output pulses and roughly adjust them to near the target amount, and then operate the fine adjustment snap switch to the positive (+) or negative (-) side to count the output pulses. is counted and set as the target amount.

However, even with this method, setting operations can only be performed at a fixed speed.

We are also considering a method in which various switches are provided that correspond to the values of window level WL and window width ~vW that can be installed in advance, and settings can be made by operating the desired switch among these switches. It will be done.

According to this method, it is possible to set a desired target value with a single operation, but since there are many types of switches, a problem arises in the area in which the switches are provided.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, in the conventional apparatus used in practical use, when setting the window level WL and the window width WW, the amount of operation is determined according to the difference from the current setting value. You have to operate a knob for several minutes, or you have to operate a snap switch by an amount corresponding to the opening from the current setting value.

On the other hand, when displaying CT images for clinical purposes, or when taking images or photographs, the window value (window level and window width values) is, for example, r50J.
, rloOJ, r150J, etc., are often set to sharp values, and there is a large difference between the desired setting values.

However, with the conventional method described above, it is necessary to operate the knob or snap switch just enough to fill the gap between the target setting value and the current setting value, and the operation is difficult and time-consuming when changing the setting. It takes.

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to automatically switch between coarse adjustment and fine adjustment depending on the operating speed of the knob, and not to move to fine adjustment until the knob stops rotating during coarse adjustment. It is an object of the present invention to provide a window setting device that improves operability and shortens setting time in this manner, and facilitates changing the settings of window values.

[Structure of the invention]

(Means for solving problems) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

In other words, a rotary encoder generates pulses corresponding to the rotational speed of the operating section along with polarity information corresponding to the rotating direction of the operating section, and the output of this rotary encoder is sampled, and coarse adjustment or fine adjustment is performed depending on the number of sampled pulses. A comparison means for selecting an adjustment mode, and when the selection mode of this comparison means is coarse adjustment, a predetermined correction value for coarse adjustment is obtained every time the above-mentioned sampling is performed a predetermined number of times, and when fine adjustment is performed, a predetermined correction value for coarse adjustment is obtained. After the above pulse output during adjustment is completed, a correction value corresponding to the above sampling value is obtained, and each setting window of the window width and window level is adjusted by this correction value with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the above operation unit. It is constructed using a correction setting means for updating values and setting a window value, and a conversion means for converting the density value of image data based on the setting window value set by the correction setting means.

(Function) In such a configuration, when the operating section is rotated, a pulse corresponding to the rotational speed of the operating section is generated from the rotary encoder. The output of this rotary encoder is sampled and input to the comparison means. This comparison means selects coarse adjustment mode or fine adjustment mode depending on the number of sampled pulses. The correction setting means obtains a predetermined correction value for coarse adjustment each time the above-mentioned sampling is performed a predetermined number of times during coarse adjustment, and obtains the above-mentioned pulse during coarse adjustment during fine adjustment, depending on the mode selected by the comparison means. If the output is completed, obtain a correction value corresponding to the sampling value, and update each set window value of window width and window level by this correction value with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the operation unit. , to set the window value. Then, the conversion means converts the density value of the image data based on this setting window value.

Therefore, if the operating section is rotated quickly, the window value will be updated in predetermined coarse steps, and if the operating section is rotated slowly, the window value will be updated in fine steps.

In addition, if you turn the operation unit quickly to perform coarse adjustment (when changing the window value with a rounded value), the rotary encoder output due to low-speed rotation until the operation unit stops is insensitive to the window. No value changes are made.

In this way, the present invention automatically switches between coarse adjustment and fine adjustment depending on the operation speed of the operation section (knob), thereby improving operability and shortening the setting time. settings can be changed easily.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main structure of an apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is the input value ΔW from the rotary encoder
A comparator 2 for determining each mode of rough adjustment (fast mode) and fine adjustment (slow mode: 5LOW mode) upon receiving ~■ or ΔWL is configured by, for example, a microcomputer. The controller 2 has an output terminal (A) for coarse adjustment (fast mode) and an output terminal (B) for fine adjustment (slow mode). Also, controller 2
checks the direction and magnitude of increase/decrease in the input value Δ~VW or ΔWL at each predetermined sampling interval, so that the rotary encoder does not mistake low-speed rotation in the radius line from high-speed rotation to stop as fine adjustment mode. Therefore, the magnitude of the current input value ΔW L N (or ΔWLN) is compared with the previous input value ΔWLN-1 (or ΔWWN-1), and if the previous input value is smaller than this time, the mode output of comparator 1 is adjusted as a fine adjustment. Even in slow mode, the output terminal (
Suppress output from B). Further, when the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode and the determination result is fine adjustment, a command signal is given to the fine adjustment window calculating section 4 every time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is received. 3 is a frequency divider, and this frequency divider 3 receives the output from the output terminal (A) of the controller 2 in the first mode, and outputs an output every time the output reaches a preset number M. The fine adjustment window calculation unit 4 calculates ΔWW and ΔWL in the fine adjustment mode.
This is a window calculation unit for fine adjustment that calculates a window value based on the received information. That is, each time the fine adjustment window calculation unit 4 receives an output from the output terminal (B) of the controller 2, it reads out the window value stored in the window value memory 6, and applies the input value ΔWW or the window value to the window value stored in the window value memory 6. Correction corresponding to the value of ΔWL (for example, - times or one-tenth times)
is performed with the polarity corresponding to the direction of rotation of the knob, and the in-to-value memory 6 is updated and stored. 5 is a FAST mode window calculation unit, which calculates the current setting window value (window (stored in the value memory 6) to obtain a new setting window field. This determined value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6. Reference numeral 7 denotes a window calculation unit which calculates a new display gradation value to be given to the image data in the range corresponding to the set window value based on the window value stored in the window value memory 6.

This device uses a setting operation means similar to the conventional system in which a rotary encoder is directly connected to each knob for window width and window level. That is,
Each of the rotary encoders for window width and window level outputs a pulse with a frequency corresponding to the operation speed of the knob along with a direction signal corresponding to the rotational operation direction of the knob, and this output pulse is also output at a predetermined sampling rate. It is sampled at the frequency and given to the comparator 1, the controller 2, and the fine adjustment window calculating section 4 as a sampling value ΔWW for window width and a sampling value ΔWL for window level. The comparator 1 uses a preset reference value, a sampling value ΔWW for this window width, and a window width.
Compare the level sampling value ΔWL and check whether the mode is fast mode (coarse/fine adjustment mode) or fine adjustment mode (S
LOW Nislow mode), the reference values include a reference value ΔW W c for the window width and a reference value ΔW L c for the window level. That is, the comparator 1 compares the input value ΔWW or ΔWL with the corresponding reference value ΔW W c or ΔW L c,
Depending on whether the input value is larger or smaller than the reference value, it is determined whether the mode is fast mode or slow mode and outputs the mode output.

Furthermore, based on the window value set in the window value memory 6, the window calculation unit 7 calculates a new gradation value to be given corresponding to the image data value in order to give a gradation corresponding to the set window value. , this calculation result is stored in a memory (not shown) in the form of a gradation conversion table.

Next, the operation of this device having the above configuration will be explained.

This device uses a setting operation means similar to the conventional system, in which rotary encoders are directly connected to each of the window width and window level knobs. In other words, the rotary encoders for window width and window level output pulses with a frequency corresponding to the operating speed of the knob together with a direction signal corresponding to the rotational operating direction of the knob, and these output pulses are is sampled at a sampling frequency of , and provided to the comparator 1, the controller 2, and the fine adjustment window calculating section 4 as sampling values ΔW to V for the window width and sampling values ΔWL for the window level.

Then, the comparator 1 uses the preset reference value, the sampling value ΔWW for this window width, and the window width.
The sampling value ΔW for level is compared with the level sampling value ΔW to determine whether the mode is fast mode or slow mode. Since the reference values include the reference value ΔW W c for the window width and the reference value ΔW L c for the window level, the comparator 1 inputs the input value ΔWW or ΔWL and the corresponding reference value ΔW W c or ΔWLC. The input value is compared, and depending on whether the input value is larger or smaller than the reference value, it is determined whether the mode is fast mode or slow mode, and a mode output is output. The controller 2 also controls the input value ΔW.
For each sampling of W or ΔWL, the above input value ΔWW
Alternatively, the magnitude of ΔWL with respect to the previous sampling value is compared, and it is determined whether or not the deceleration occurs during a breather during manual high-speed rotation operation. As a result, even if the mode output from comparator 1 is in slow mode, it is possible to know when it is a deceleration that occurs during a breather during hand-cranked high-speed rotation operation, and fine-tuning can be performed in this state. Try not to.

Upon receiving the mode output from the comparator 1 every time the input value ΔWW or ΔWL is sampled, the controller 2 sends a signal to the frequency divider 3 when the mode output of the comparator 1 is the fast mode; When the mode output of the device 1 is the slow mode and the judgment of the controller 2 is fine adjustment, a signal is given to the fine adjustment window calculation section 4.

Now, if the knob is turned quickly, the comparator 1 generates a fast mode mode output at each sampling interval, and therefore generates an output from the output terminal (A) each time it receives the mode output. This output is sent to the frequency divider 3, and the frequency divider 3 generates an output every time the input from the controller 2 reaches a predetermined number M, and supplies it to the FAST mode window calculation section 5. Each time the FAST mode window meter section 5 receives the output from the frequency divider 3, it reads out the window value stored in the window value memory 6 and sets a predetermined value (for example, "100") in the rotation direction of the knob. Add or subtract and correct accordingly. Then, this corrected new setting window value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6. As a result, the values in the window value memory 6 are updated at predetermined time intervals and in steps of rloOJ.

Even if the knobs are operated at a rapid speed, the rotational speed will be low for a while during the period when the operations are taking a breather. However, each time the input value ΔWW or ΔW is sampled, the controller 2 compares the magnitude of the input value ΔWW or ΔWL with respect to the previous sampling value, and determines whether this is a deceleration that occurs during a breather during hand-cranked high-speed rotation operation. Determine whether or not.

This allows you to know that even if the mode output from comparator 1 is in slow mode, it is a deceleration during hand-cranked high-speed rotation operation. do. That is, in this case, output from the output terminal (B) is suppressed.

As a result, when the knob is operated quickly, the window value changes, for example, from rloOJ to r200j-r300J.

When the knob is turned slowly, the comparator 1 generates a slow mode mode output at each sampling interval, so the controller 2 supplies a command signal to the fine adjustment window calculating section 4 each time it receives this mode output.

Then, the fine adjustment window calculation unit 4 reads the window value stored in the window value memory 6, adds or subtracts a correction value corresponding to the input value ΔWW or ΔW[ according to the rotation direction of the knob, Fix it. and,
This corrected new setting window value is updated and stored in the window value memory 6. That is, the window value will be finely adjusted.

Based on the window value thus set in the window value memory 6, the window calculation unit 7 calculates a new gradation value to be given to the image data in the range corresponding to the set window value.

This calculation result is stored in a memory (not shown) in the form of a gradation conversion table.

Then, based on the tone conversion table thus obtained, the N tone value of the image data is converted, and an image can be displayed on the display means using this tone.

According to this device, when the knob is operated as shown in FIG. 2, the following operations are performed.

Between a and b, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the reference value threshold 1iiT. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed.

Between b and c, the comparator 1 selects the first mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is greater than the threshold value T, which is the reference value. Then, a rough adjustment update is performed.

Between C-6, comparator 1 selects slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, which is the reference value, but controller 2 detects that the input value ΔWL or ΔWW is smaller than the previous one. Knowing that it is not a fine adjustment, neither mode is selected.

During this time, no updates are performed.

Between d and e, the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, so the slow mode is selected. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed.

Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder becomes greater than the threshold value T between e and f, the comparator 1 selects the first mode. Therefore, the window value is updated by rough adjustment.

Between f and Q, comparator 1 selects slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, which is the reference value, but controller 2 detects that the input value ΔWL or ΔWW is smaller than the previous one. Knowing that it is not a fine adjustment, neither mode is selected.

During this time, no updates are performed.

Although the knob is operated in the opposite direction between g-h-i, the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, so the slow mode is selected. Then, a fine adjustment update is performed.

Here, the controller 2 inputs the input value Δ at this time (N>
It is determined whether there is a fine adjustment or not by detecting whether WL or ΔWW is smaller than the previous time (N-1). If it is larger than N-1), flag smole is set.
is set to "1", and in other cases, the flag smode is set to rOJ, and it is determined whether or not it is a fine adjustment based on this flag. When the mode output of the comparator 1 is in the fast mode, the output terminal (A
> output (A output) and also sets the flag smod
Let e be -HrOJ. Then, it is detected whether the input value ΔWL or ΔWW in this time (N) is smaller than that in the previous time (N-1), and it is determined whether it is a fine adjustment or not.
At this time, the input value at this time (N) is WL or ΔWW
is larger than the previous time (N-1), flag smod
If e is "0", the flag smode is set to "1".

At other times, do not change the flag.

When the mode output of the comparator 1 is the slow mode, the controller 2 checks the current state of the flag smode. Then, if the flag smode is "1", controller 2
generates an output (B output) from four output terminals (B). Then, including when the flag smode is "0", the input value ΔWL or ΔWW in the current time (N) is the same as the previous time (N).
The input value ΔWL or ΔWW in this time (N) is smaller than the previous time (N-1). If the flag smocie is "O", the flag smo
Set de to "1". At other times, do not change the flag.

In this way, by operating and checking the flag smode, it is known whether or not the fine adjustment mode is set, and the output terminal (A) of the controller 2, depending on the mode output from the comparator 1,
By performing the output generation control from (B), it becomes possible to perform control corresponding to the conditions.

The above operations can be summarized in a flowchart as shown in Fig. 3, and the mode output of comparator 1 in each section from a to i for the pattern shown in Fig. 2 when using the operations in this flowchart. , the contents of the flag smode of the controller 2, the status of the output terminals (A) and (B), and the actual adjustment state are summarized as shown in FIG.

That is, between a and b, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T. At this time, after sampling is performed even once, the input value ΔW or ΔWW in this time (N) becomes larger than the previous time (N-1), so the flag smode becomes "1" and the daily output is issued and fine-tuned updates are performed.

Between b and c, the comparator 1 selects the first mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is greater than the threshold value T. Then, after the A output is output, the flag smode
is reset to "0" and a coarse adjustment update is performed.

Between c-6, the comparator 1 selects the slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, but since the flag Sm0de is rOJ, no daily output is output and neither mode is selected. During this time, no updates are performed.

Between d and e, the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, so the slow mode is selected. However, since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is in the upward direction,
The input value ΔWL or ΔWW in this time (\) is different from the previous time (
N-1), so after sampling is performed even once, the flag smode becomes "1", and thereafter the daily output is output and fine adjustment updates are performed.

Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder becomes greater than the threshold value T between e and f, the comparator 1 selects the first mode. Therefore, the A output is output and the window value is updated by rough adjustment.

Between f and Q, comparator 1 selects slow mode because the angular velocity of the rotary encoder decreases from the threshold value T, but since it has been in coarse adjustment mode until now, the flag smode is rOJ, so from this Since controller 2 knows that this is not a fine adjustment, neither A nor daily output is output, and neither mode is selected. During this time, no updates are performed.

Between gh and gh, the knob is slowly turned in the opposite direction. Here, the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T, but since the angular velocity is in the opposite increasing direction, the flag smode is set to "1" and the slow mode is selected. Then, the daily output is output and fine adjustment updates are performed.

Since the angular velocity of the rotary encoder is smaller than the threshold value T between h and i, the slow mode is selected. Although the angular velocity is decreasing, the flag smode is "
Fine adjustment updates are performed starting from the nail with "1".

In this way, this device samples the output of the rotary encoder that generates pulses corresponding to the rotational speed of the knob, and selects coarse adjustment or fine adjustment mode depending on the magnitude of the sampled pulse number and the increase/decrease relationship before and after. In the adjustment mode, it is a large predetermined step width for coarse adjustment at a predetermined time interval, and in the fine adjustment mode, it is a step corresponding to the number of sampled pulses mentioned above after the rotary encoder pulse output in the coarse adjustment mode is finished. Obtain the correction value, update each setting window value of window width and window level with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the above knob by this correction value, set the window value, and also update this setting window value. The density value conversion of the image data is then performed. Therefore, by simply changing the rotation speed of the knob, if you turn the knob quickly, the window value will be updated in coarse steps, and if you turn it slowly, the window value will be updated in fine steps. Since the fine adjustment is not started until the knob stops rotating, it is possible to improve operability and shorten the setting time, making it easier to change the window value setting.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be practiced with appropriate modifications within the scope of the invention without changing its gist.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As detailed above, according to the present invention, coarse adjustment and fine adjustment are automatically switched depending on the operating speed of the knob, and fine adjustment is performed until the knob stops rotating during coarse adjustment operation. Since the window setting device is prevented from shifting, it is possible to improve the operability and shorten the setting time, and it is possible to provide a window setting device having features such as making it easy to change the setting of the window value.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main structure of the apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 to 4 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the apparatus. 1... Comparator, 2... Controller, 3... Frequency divider, 4... Fine adjustment window calculation unit, 5... FA
ST mode window calculation section, 6... Window value memory, 7... Window calculation section. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Claims] A rotary encoder generates pulses corresponding to the rotational speed of the operating section along with polarity information corresponding to the rotational direction of the operating section, and the output of this rotary encoder is sampled, and rough adjustment is made by the magnitude of the number of sampled pulses.
a comparison means for selecting a mode of fine adjustment, and when the selection mode of this comparison means is coarse adjustment, a predetermined correction value for coarse adjustment is obtained every time the above sampling is performed a predetermined number of times; After the above-mentioned pulse output during rough adjustment is completed, a correction value corresponding to the above-mentioned sampling value is obtained, and each setting of the window width and window level is set by this correction value with the polarity corresponding to the rotation direction of the above-mentioned operating section. The present invention is characterized by comprising a correction setting means for updating a window value and setting the window value, and a conversion means for converting the density value of image data based on the setting window value set by the correction setting means. Window setting device.