JPWO2002042727A1 - MTF measurement value display system and method for CRT monitor - Google Patents

Abstract

The MTF measurement value display system of the CRT monitor can display the MTF measurement capture pattern image on a workstation that stores the diagnostic image information of the patient and the diagnostic image information and a display device that displays the diagnostic image information. A display device, a light-receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device to take in the MTF measurement capture pattern image of the display device, and a local maximum point of the MTF measurement capture pattern image connected to the light-receiving sensor and built in the workstation. Means for extracting the minimum point, means for extracting the maximum and minimum points of the MTF measurement incorporated pattern image built in the workstation connected to the means for extracting processing, means for calculating the MTF from the processing information, and calculating the MTF Performance parameter including MTF present in a display device connected to the means for performing Composed of a memory to store.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a diagnostic image information obtained by imaging a patient, a workstation for storing the diagnostic image information, and an MTF measurement value display of a display device for displaying the diagnostic image information.
BACKGROUND ART In recent years, CRT image diagnosis using a CRT monitor has been active in the United States and Europe. As of 2000, the penetration rate in the world market is about 5 to 8%, and it is said that it will be spread to about 70% in the next 8 years. As CRT (or any display) imaging diagnostics replaces traditional diagnostic X-ray film with an electronically-displayed display system, electrically-displayed diagnostic display monitors are significantly more expensive than X-ray film. Since the image quality deteriorates at a high speed, the monitor performance parameters (brightness, gamma characteristics, MTF, etc.) can be easily maintained and quantitatively measured in consideration of the security of the diagnosing doctor and the guarantee of the patient to be diagnosed. It becomes important. This is because the deterioration of the image quality due to a change with time may cause an erroneous diagnosis.
Therefore, at present, the maintenance of the monitor is periodically performed. Among them, it is particularly important to quantitatively measure MTF (Modulation Transfer Function). The MTF is the degree of lightness and darkness (range of luminance values) that can be displayed on a monitor, and is entirely white (DC). The luminance A in FIG. 3A is set to 100% as a reference and another frequency f (FIG. 3B or 3C). ), The brightness of the white portion of the striped pattern is represented by b (f), and the MTF (f) at this f is represented by (Equation 1).
MTF (f) = (b (f) / A) * 100 (Equation 1)
FIG. 3B shows an image in the case of the low frequency fl at the top and a change in luminance at the bottom. That is, although the black portion and the white portion are alternately and continuously striped, the width of the white portion and the black portion is not small. In this case, the MTF is (b (fl) / A) * 100 because the amplitude of the luminance change is b (fl).
FIG. 3C shows an image in the case of a high frequency (fh), and the change in luminance is shown in the lower part. That is, the black portion and the white portion are alternately and continuously striped, but the width of the white portion and the black portion is small. In this case, the MTF is (b (fh) / A) * 100 because the amplitude of the luminance change is b (fh).
FIG. 3D is a graph showing the relationship between MTF and frequency. In general, the higher the frequency, the lower the MTF. Further, the MTF value decreases as the CRT is used for a longer time.
However, conventionally, MTF measurement is actually performed visually by a person who maintains a CRT, and there is no quantitative measurement data. Human visual observations are not objective and rigorous data because variations always occur due to individual differences, and thus it is difficult to accurately compare MTF values.
Also, conventional MTF measuring instruments, which are large-scale at the laboratory level, are expensive, take a long time to perform the measurement, and can be used for experiments, but are difficult to maintain.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an MTF measurement system capable of easily measuring and recording an MTF of a target CRT diagnostic image in a short time and recording a change with time.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION An MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention includes: a diagnostic image information obtained by imaging a patient; a workstation for storing the diagnostic image information; and a display device for displaying the diagnostic image information. A display device which can be displayed on the display device, a light-receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device to capture the captured pattern image for MTF measurement of the display device, and a light-receiving sensor connected to the light-receiving sensor and built in the workstation for MTF measurement. Means for extracting the maximum point and the minimum point of the captured pattern image, and extracting the maximum point and the minimum point of the captured pattern image for MTF measurement built in the workstation connected to the extracting means, and calculating the MTF from the processing information. And the MT present in the display connected to the means for calculating the MTF. Composed of a memory for storing the performance parameters, including.
The manufacturing information or the performance information of the display device or the environmental information is linked and recorded in a memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF.
This environment information is characterized by comprising luminance and gamma characteristics.
A memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation.
This MTF measurement captured pattern image is characterized by simultaneously including a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of the MTF value to be obtained.
A method for displaying an MTF measurement value of a CRT monitor, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a diagnostic image information obtained by imaging a patient; a workstation storing the diagnostic image information; and a display method displaying the diagnostic image information. A light receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device, a step of taking in an MTF measurement capture pattern image of the display device, and means for extracting and processing a maximum point and a minimum point are connected to the light receiving sensor and built in the workstation. Extracting a maximum point and a minimum point from the MTF measurement captured pattern image data, and extracting the maximum point and the minimum point of the MTF measurement captured pattern image from the information extracted by the MTF calculating means; A step of calculating and storing the calculated MTF information in a performance parameter including the MTF. Consisting of a process to be stored in the directory.
The manufacturing information or the performance information of the display device or the environmental information is linked and recorded in a memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF.
This environment information is characterized by comprising luminance and gamma characteristics.
A memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation.
This MTF measurement captured pattern image is characterized by simultaneously including a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of the MTF value to be obtained.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention. The MTF measurement value display system includes a CRT monitor 2, a workstation 4 connected to the CRT monitor 2, and a CCD sensor 6 connected to the workstation 4.
The CRT monitor 2 is a monitor of the workstation 4 and displays medical images. The image device is not limited to the CRT, but may be any device capable of displaying images on a computer such as a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, and a workstation such as an EL display.
The CRT monitor 2 has a memory 12 for recording its manufacturing date, serial number, manufacturing information including a manufacturing place, and performance information such as luminance, gamma characteristics, and MTF including aging.
The CRT monitor 2 further has a function of displaying a captured image pattern (FIG. 4) for measuring MTF.
The workstation 4 includes a maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8 connected to the CCD sensor 6 therein and an MTF calculation software 10 connected to the maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8.
The maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8 receives data obtained by the CCD sensor 6 capturing a captured image pattern for measuring the MTF displayed on the entire CRT monitor 2. The maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8 finds and captures the maximum point and the minimum point of the luminance for each frequency from the received image pattern for measuring the MTF.
The MTF calculation software 10 obtains b (f) from the difference between the maximum point and the minimum point of the luminance obtained by the maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8.
On the other hand, A in Expression 1 is obtained from the difference between the luminance of the white part and the luminance of the black part which are DC. The MTF is obtained from b (f) and A.
The CCD sensor 6 has a function of capturing a captured image pattern for measuring the MTF displayed on the entire CRT monitor 2. As a feature, the CRT monitor 2 may be scanned, but it is more preferable to collectively capture all images. This is because the imaging time is shortened and the subsequent processing time is shortened by setting the imaging data to a necessary minimum data amount. Further, the imaging device is not limited to the CCD sensor, but may be a CMOS imaging device or the like. Preferably, the use of a CCD sensor results in a low production cost, so that it can be reproduced at a lower price compared to conventional devices.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention. The MTF measurement value display system includes a CRT monitor 2, a workstation 4 connected to the CRT monitor 2, a keyboard / mouse 16 connected to the workstation 4, and a CCD sensor 6 connected to the workstation 4. You.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a captured image pattern displayed on a monitor in the MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention.
The image pattern diagram shows six image pattern examples for measuring the MTF of each frequency in the horizontal direction of the CRT monitor and the MTF of each frequency in the vertical direction of the CRT monitor.
FIG. 4 (a) shows a combination pattern of a low frequency and a limit frequency in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 4 (b) shows a combination pattern of a low frequency and the limit frequency in the vertical direction. FIG. 4C shows a combination pattern of a plurality of different frequencies in the horizontal direction, FIG. 4D shows a combination pattern of a plurality of different frequencies in the vertical direction, and FIG. FIG. 4 (f) shows a combination pattern of a plurality of different frequencies in the horizontal and vertical directions.
In addition, as a combination of patterns, a DC component without a frequency component, that is, a pattern of only white and black, and a pattern of an AC component for measuring MTF and simultaneously including a low frequency, a limit frequency, and a plurality of other frequencies are prepared. You may. Using this pattern has the advantage of simultaneously measuring both values of A and b (f) in Equation 1, which is the reference value.
Further, these patterns are only examples and need not be displayed all. The pattern to be displayed is not limited to the pattern shown here.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a method of displaying an MTF measurement value of a CRT monitor according to the present invention.
First, the start (A2) CRT monitor 2 displays a captured image pattern for measuring MTF on its screen (A4). This is for measuring the MTF.
The CCD sensor 6 captures a captured image pattern for measuring MTF on the screen of the CRT monitor 2 (A6). At this time, it is possible to take an image by a scanning method in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, but it is more preferable to take an image in a batch.
The maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8 receives data obtained by the CCD sensor 6 capturing a captured image pattern for measuring the MTF displayed on the entire CRT monitor 2.
The maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8 finds and takes in the maximum and minimum points of luminance for each frequency from the received image pattern for measuring the MTF (A8).
At this time, the validity of the data such as the absence of a maximum point or a minimum point is determined. If the data is invalid, the process returns to the maximum / minimum point extraction process, and if the data is valid, the process proceeds to the next step (A10).
The MTF calculation software 10 obtains b (f) from the difference between the maximum point and the minimum point of the luminance obtained by the maximum / minimum point extraction processing software 8.
On the other hand, A in Expression 1 is obtained from the difference between the luminance of the white part and the luminance of the black part which are DC. The MTF is obtained from b (f) and A (A12).
At this time, the validity of the data whose MTF is 0 or the like is determined. If the data is invalid, the process returns to the local maximum / minimum point extraction process, and if valid, the process proceeds to the next step (A14).
If the data is valid, the MTF calculation software 10 records the MTF measurement result in the memory 12 for recording performance information such as luminance, gamma characteristic, and MTF including a change with time in the CRT monitor 2 (A16). Then, the process ends (A18). By recording luminance, gamma characteristics, and MTF including time-dependent changes, environmental information at the time of image diagnosis is recorded in medical diagnosis, so that it is possible to easily measure and record whether the diagnosis is always performed in an optimal environment. It can be used as important evidence information in medical trials.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the MTF measurement value display system of a CRT monitor according to the present invention, an image diagnosis monitor using a conventional CRT display periodically performs brightness (low, high) and gamma correction. By adding the MTF measurement according to the present invention to only the curve, all the important parameters of the CRT diagnostic monitor are aligned, and the diagnostic accuracy can be quantitatively maintained.
Further, quantitative information of the MTF can be obtained, the performance of the monitor can be objectively confirmed, and can be combined as performance data of the monitor at the time of diagnosis. This makes it possible to prove that the diagnosing doctor has made the diagnosis in a similar environment.
Further, since it is only necessary to capture an image of one pattern to measure the MTF value, it does not take much time.
In addition, since the MTF measurement is performed with a simple CCD sensor, it can be realized with an extremely simple and inexpensive system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention;
3A is a schematic diagram showing the luminance in the case of DC and the image thereof, FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the luminance in the case of low frequency (fl) and the schematic diagram thereof, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of luminance in the case of (fh), and FIG. 4D is a graph showing a relationship between MTF and frequency.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a captured image pattern displayed on a monitor in the MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a method of displaying an MTF measurement value of a CRT monitor according to the present invention.

[0003]
A light-receiving sensor that captures an image, and means for extracting a maximum point and a minimum point based on data obtained by measuring the luminance from an MTF measurement captured pattern image that is connected to the light-receiving sensor and built in the workstation, Means for calculating MTF from information on extraction processing of maximum and minimum points of luminance of an MTF measurement incorporated pattern image built in the workstation connected to means for extraction processing, and display connected to means for calculating MTF And a memory for storing performance parameters including MTF in the apparatus and sequentially storing the performance parameters at the time of medical diagnosis based on an image and recording a change with time.
The manufacturing information or the performance information of the display device or the environment information including the luminance and the gamma characteristic is linked and recorded in a memory that sequentially stores the performance parameters including the MTF at the time of medical diagnosis using an image and records a change with time. It is characterized by.
A memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation.
This MTF measurement captured pattern image is characterized by simultaneously including a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of the MTF value to be obtained.
A method for displaying an MTF measurement value of a CRT monitor, the method comprising the steps of: displaying a diagnostic image information obtained by imaging a patient; a workstation storing the diagnostic image information; and a display method displaying the diagnostic image information. A step in which a light-receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device captures an MTF measurement capture pattern image of the display device, and means for extracting and processing a maximum point and a minimum point are connected to the light-receiving sensor and built in the workstation. Extracting the maximum and minimum points from the MTF measurement captured pattern image data, and extracting the maximum and minimum points of the MTF measurement captured pattern image from the information extracted by the MTF calculating means. And calculating the calculated MTF information by using a performance parameter including MTF as an image. Comprising the step of recording the time course and sequentially stored during medical diagnosis.
The manufacturing information or the performance information of the display device or the environment information including the luminance and the gamma characteristic is linked and recorded in a memory that sequentially stores the performance parameters including the MTF at the time of medical diagnosis using an image and records a change with time. It is characterized by.

[0004]
A memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation.
This MTF measurement captured pattern image is characterized by simultaneously including a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of the MTF value to be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention;
3A is a schematic diagram showing the luminance in the case of DC and the image thereof, FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the luminance in the case of low frequency (fl) and the schematic diagram thereof, and FIG. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of luminance in the case of (fh), and FIG. 4D is a graph showing a relationship between MTF and frequency.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a captured image pattern displayed on a monitor in the MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a method of displaying an MTF measurement value of a CRT monitor according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to the present invention. The MTF measurement value display system is connected to the CRT monitor 2, the workstation 4 connected to the CRT monitor 2, and the workstation 4.

Claims (10)

In a workstation that stores diagnostic image information and diagnostic image information obtained by capturing a patient and a display device that displays diagnostic image information,
A display device capable of displaying a captured pattern image for MTF measurement, a light receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device for capturing the captured pattern image for MTF measurement of the display device, and a workstation connected to the light receiving sensor and connected to the workstation. Means for extracting the maximum and minimum points of the MTF measurement import pattern image, and extracting the maximum and minimum points of the MTF measurement import pattern image built in the workstation connected to the extraction processing means An MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor, comprising: a unit for calculating an MTF from processing information; and a memory that is present in a display device connected to the unit for calculating the MTF and stores performance parameters including the MTF. 2. The MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to claim 1, wherein manufacturing information, performance information, or environmental information of the display device is linked and recorded in a memory storing the performance parameters including the MTF. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the environment information includes luminance and gamma characteristics. 4. The MTF measurement value display system for a CRT monitor according to claim 1, wherein a memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the captured pattern image for MTF measurement includes a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of an MTF value to be obtained at the same time. 6. MTF measurement value display system for CRT monitor. A workstation storing diagnostic image information and diagnostic image information obtained by capturing a patient and a display method of displaying diagnostic image information,
A step of displaying an MTF measurement capture pattern image on a display device, a step of capturing an MTF measurement capture pattern image of the light-receiving sensor attached to the front of the display device, and a means for extracting and processing a maximum point and a minimum point. A step of extracting the maximum point and the minimum point from the MTF measurement capture pattern image data which is connected to the light receiving sensor and built in the workstation, and a MTF measurement capture pattern image based on information extracted by the MTF calculating means. Calculating the MTF from the extraction processing information of the maximum point and the minimum point of the above, and storing the calculated MTF information in a memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein manufacturing information, performance information, or environmental information of the display device is recorded in a memory that stores the performance parameters including the MTF in a linked manner. The method according to claim 7, wherein the environment information includes luminance and gamma characteristics. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein a memory for storing the performance parameters including the MTF is built in the workstation. 10. The MTF measurement captured pattern image according to claim 6, wherein a DC component pattern as a reference value at the time of calculating the MTF value and an AC component pattern of the MTF value to be obtained are simultaneously included. How to display MTF measurement value on CRT monitor.

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