Showing papers on "Image file formats published in 1992"

Compressed image virtual editing system

Abstract: In an image compression system using a typical image compression scheme, a pointer array is provided to point to each of the many MCUs in a compressed image file. From all the blocks of an image, a subset of the blocks is selected as a virtual image. The virtual image is edited, and each edited block is compressed into an edited block. The edited block is compressed into an edited MCU and placed in an edited block region, and the pointer to the original MCU is changed to point to the new MCU. In this way, the pointer array can be modified to perform an Undo operation. An edge table is provided to hold values where each value, when combined with the differential value for a block on the edge of the virtual image, provides an absolute value for the block without reference to blocks beyond the edge of the virtual image. The entries in the edge table are determined from the compressed MCUs without the blocks being fully decompressed. More than one edge table can be provided. In an image editor, a virtual image is decompressed from a compressed image, the virtual image is processed, and recompressed. The recompressed, edited blocks are then placed in an edited block memory. In an alternate embodiment, values to be combined with a differential value are held in an offset table for all the selectable blocks.

Image enhancement system

Abstract: This specification discloses a process and system for processing a digitally stored image on a digital computer. The system scans and digitizes an image, separate text from non-text components, enhances and deskews the image, compresses the resulting image file, and stores the enhanced, deskewed, and compressed file for later transmission, optical character recognition, or high quality printing or viewing of the image.

Metric information extraction from spot images and the role of polynomial mapping functions

Abstract: This paper handles the aspect of metric information extraction from SPOT images and focuses mainly on sensor modelling and the geometric accuracy potential of polynomial mapping functions, and secondly on the use of these functions for automated derivation of DTMs and generation of digital orthophotos. The sensor modelling is based on V. Kratky’s strict geometrical model. First, an accuracy analysis is provided based on points of varying definition quality covering the whole image format and having a height range of 1700 m. Different computation versions and an accuracy comparison is presented. Kratky also provides polynomial mapping functions to transform from image to image, object to image, and image to object space. The mapping functions are much faster, easier to implement, and almost equally accurate as compared to strict transformations. The accuracy of these functions will be assessed. This is crucial, since these polynomial functions are subsequently used for automatic DTM and orthophoto generation. The automatic DTM generation is based on a modified version of the Multiphoto Geometrically Constrained Matching (MPGC). The polynomial functions for the image to image transformation are used to define geometric constraints in image space. Thus, the search space is reduced along almost straight epipolar lines and the success rate and reliability of matching increase. The deviation of the epipolar lines from straight lines will be analysed for different image positions, heights and height approximations. The generation of digital orthophotos is fully automated and is based on polynomial functions modelling the object to image transformation. Aspects regarding speed and accuracy will be analysed.

Video printer for printing plurality of kinds of images of different image formats

Abstract: A video printer for printing a plurality of kinds of images having different image formats, consisting of an image memory for storing image data of one image portion of an input image signal, an image data processing unit for converting image data from the image memory into image printing data, an image printing unit for executing an image printing based on image printing data from the image data processing unit, an input image format decision unit for deciding an image format of an image signal inputted to the image memory, an image format decision unit for deciding an image printing format determined by either an image printing sheet or an ink sheet set to the image printer, an operating portion for inputting an instruction of an operator, and a system controller for controlling the image memory or the image data processing unit so that the image signal inputted to the image memory is printed to match the image printing format, based on an input signal decision signal from the input image format decision unit, an image printing decision signal from the image printing format decision unit and an instruction signal from the operating portion.

Communication terminal apparatus and its control method

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus and its control method which allow the parallel execution of a plurality of communications with use of a plurality of data channels. The terminal apparatus comprises an image main controller and a voice main controller which can be operated independently of each other, two network controllers operated as associated with the operations of these image and voice main controllers respectively, two image transmission control circuits which are operated independently of each other, and an image file capable of storing image and voice data, thereby realizing the simultaneous execution of image and image communications and the simultaneous execution of voice and voice communications on a duplex communication basis.

Architecture of a high-performance PACS based on a shared file system

Abstract: The Picture Archive and Communication System developed by Loral Western Development Laboratories and Siemens Gammasonics Incorporated utilizes an advanced, high speed, fault tolerant image file server or Working Storage Unit (WSU) combined with 100 Mbit per second fiber optic data links. This central shared file server is capable of supporting the needs of more than one hundred workstations and acquisition devices at interactive rates. If additional performance is required, additional working storage units may be configured in a hyper-star topology. Specialized processing and display hardware is used to enhance Apple Macintosh personal computers to provide a family of low cost, easy to use, yet extremely powerful medical image workstations. The Siemens LiteboxTM application software provides a consistent look and feel to the user interface of all workstation in the family. Modern database and wide area communications technologies combine to support not only large hospital PACS but also outlying clinics and smaller facilities. Basic RIS functionality is integrated into the PACS database for convenience and data integrity.

Image information recording/reproducing device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To simplify a high speed processing and a file management by constituting the device so that a control file for showing a relation of each data is provided separately from image data, and information required for reproducing all image files, voice files, etc., is described. CONSTITUTION:In image files B-E, head areas 1-4 and image data areas 1-4 are provided, and in an attribute area of a header, information required for reproduction is described. In a control file A, information required for reproducing an image is described. At the time of reproduction, it is enough to referring to only this file, and by the information recorded therein, various tables for reproduction can be grasped. According to this constitution, when the control file A is read in at the time of installing an IC memory card, or at the time of turning on a power source, an attribute of the file is confirmed, and preparations for an expansion/reproduction processing of a compressed image, etc., are executed, the image can be reproduced at a high speed by a simple processing. Also, when a target image file is migrated to a personal computer, a DC component of an image extracted at the time of compressing the image file in order to facilitate the management is utilized and a small screen for a key is made, and it is also possible to describe it together with table information of the control file.

Image information recorder

Abstract: PURPOSE: To make an editing processing efficient and to enable a high-speed processing by simultaneously storing grouping information expressing the mutual relation between image information in the attribute information part of an image data part and/or a control file. CONSTITUTION: Respective image files B-E are provided with header areas 1-4 and image data areas 1-4, and information required for reproducing images is described in the attribute areas of header areas. On the other hand, image data are recorded in the image data areas 1-4. Further, the various kinds of information required for reproducing images are described in a control file A expressing the relation between respective data separately from the image data. Then, when a recording medium (IC memory card) is inserted (mounted) or a power source is turned on, the control file A is read, the attributes of respective files are confirmed, and the expansive reproducing processing or the like of previously compressed images is prepared. At the time of reproducing, the control file A is referred to. COPYRIGHT: (C)1994,JPO&Japio

Television image format conversion system including noise reduction apparatus

Abstract: A television signal receiver processes a television signal representing a letterbox image display format with a main image region, and a bar region containing auxiliary information to help convert from interlaced to progressive scanning. The auxiliary information is processed in a signal path including a nonlinear amplitude expander and apparatus for modifying the operation of the signal path as a function of the noise content of the television signal.

Image file retrieval system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To perform fast retrieval by retrieving image data of full size from a main file part after reading out reduced image data from a sub file part and retrieving an image and narrowing down a target. CONSTITUTION:When the image data is retrieved, a key word is inputted from a keyboard 7 first, and the reduced image data on which a corresponding key word is attached is read out from the sub file part 42 of a storage device 4 to display memory 2, and plural images are multi-displayed on a display 5, and a targeted image is narrowed down by observing and retrieving multi- displayed images. Hence, a selected image of full size is read out from the main file part 41 of the storage device 4, and it is displayed on the entire screen of the display 5. In such a way, the fast retrieval can be performed, which shortens retrieval time.

Method and device for processing information

Abstract: PURPOSE:To realize data linkage between various applications without being conscious of the data format of each application by registering data to be data-linked to a data buffer by plural data formats CONSTITUTION:At the time of executing the data linkage between plural applications through the buffer, the data to be data-linked is stored in the buffer by being converted into plural kinds of the data formats For instance, the data is stored after being converted into the data format itself of the application having generated that data, character code format, and image format, etc Then, each converted data is stored corresponding to the name of the data format respectively Next, at the time of reading out the data stored in the buffer in order to execute the data linkage, the data stored in the data format which the application having been started can process is read out of stored data

Acquisition and analysis of throughput rates for an operational department-wide PACS

Abstract: The accurate prediction of image throughput is a critical issue in planning for and acquisition of any successful Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Bottlenecks or design flaws can render an expensive PACS implementation useless. This manuscript presents a method for accurately predicting and measuring image throughput of a PACS design. To create the simulation model of the planned or implemented PACS, it must first be decomposed into principal tasks. We have decomposed the entire PACS image management chain into eight subsystems. These subsystems include network transfers over three different networks (Ethernet, FDDI and UltraNet) and five software programs and/or queues: (1) transfer of image data from the imaging modality computer to the image acquisition/reformatting computer; (2) reformatting the image data into a standard image format; (3) transferring the image data from the acquisition/reformatting computer to the image archive computer; (4) updating a relational database management system over the network; (5) image processing-- rotation and optimal gray-scale lookup table calculation; (6) request that the image be archived; (7) image transfer from the image archive computer to a designated image display workstation; and (8) update the local database on the image display station, separate the image header from the image data and store the image data on a parallel disk array. Through development of an event logging facility and implementation of a network management package we have acquired throughput data for each subsystem in the PACS chain. In addition, from our PACS relational database management system, we have distilled the traffic generation patterns (temporal, file size and destination) of our imaging modality devices. This data has been input into a simulation modeling package (Block Oriented Network Simulator-- BONeS) to estimate the characteristics of the modeled PACS, e.g., the throughput rates and delay time. This simulation provides estimates on what a radiological department can expect from a PACS in terms of throughput and delay.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Document image filing system having input color mode selecting capability

Abstract: In an image filing system including an image scanner having at least a color mode and a monochrome mode as image input mode, for inputting document images; a key device for designating the image input mode of the image scanner, an image file for storing document image data inputted from the image scanner and a display screen on which the document images are displayed, a background corresponding to the image input mode is outputted when the document image inputted for the image scanner is displayed on the display screen. If a monochrome document is inputted for processing in a full color or multicolor mode, a monochrome input image and the background which is specific to the full color or the multicolor mode are outputted. Accordingly, a user which looks at the display notices that he or she should change the input mode and inputs the document image again prior to registration of the inputted image in a file.

A data processing system and method for handling interchangeable image objects for documents having a plurality of sizes

Abstract: A data processing system and method handles interchangeable image objects for documents having diverse sizes and formats. This enables storing, printing and displaying images of documents having a variety of sizes on different types of equipment in the same system. Compressed A and B size document images are stored in a first type image file which is Mixed Object Document Content Architecture format (MO:DCA-P), having a field for the size of the document image. C to E size document images are each divided into component tile images which are each compressed and stored in a second type image file which has a format interchangeable with the format of the first image file, but includes map data relating the tile images to the document image. A preview image can be included in the image file, which can be immediately displayed or printed while the tile images are being decompressed. The second image file is in a second type Mixed Object Document Content Architecture format (MO:DCA-X), which has the same overall format as the MO:DCA-P format. The preview image is concealed in a NoOP field and is used typically by those I/O devices in the system which are capable of handling C to E size documents. This enables the two types of image files to be commingled in a common system storage, permitting the interchangeability of the image objects for documents of diverse size.

X-ray imaging system with observable image during change of image size

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray imaging system, comprising an X-ray image intensifier tube in which the electron-optical system can be adjusted to a number of different image formats. By making the image format increase or decrease visibly on the exit screen in the event of a change of image format, annoying visual adjustment effects are avoided and a patient can be continuously observed also in the event of a change of format. Because of the gradual high-voltage variation of the power supply for the electron-optical system, associated with a visible variation of the image format, the output resistance of the power supply circuit may be high. Furthermore, due to the gradual change of the mean intensity on the exit screen of the X-ray image intensifier tube, the control behavior of the automatic exposure control and the automatic gain control of the X-ray imaging system are influenced in a positive sense.

Image file system with multiple control image transfer between first and second filing system storage

Abstract: An electronic image filing system includes a reader for reading desired information from a first storage medium containing a plurality of information, a storing device for storing the image read by the reader into a second storage medium, and a controller for controlling the store operation of the storing device. The image on the first storage medium can be retrieved by either the controller or the reader. Following information can be retrieved before the information read by the reader has been stored into the second storage medium.

Endoscope image data compression device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To execute the image recording with use of an efficient image compression even in the use environment in which a correlation between image is varied by combining a compressing means for utilizing a correlation between images, and a compressing means for utilizing a correlation in the image. CONSTITUTION:When a user executes a release operation, an image displayed by a TV monitor 18A passes through an image file controller 3 and is sent to an image file device 4, predicted and encoded by predicting/encoding restoring devices 63, 65 and 67, a prediction error is recorded in a data recorder 69, and also, in a memory part in a controller 3, recording state data of a patient is held. When recording to the recorder 69 is finished, R, G and B image data are transferred and held in image memories 58, 60 and 62. Subsequently, when the release operation is executed, a CPU in the controller 5 decides whether a time interval extending from the previous time to this time exceeds a set time set in advance or not, and when it exceeds the set time, it is considered that a correlation to the previous image is small, therefore, it is recorded by image compression by prediction and encoding. On the other hand, when it is under the set time, it is predicted that the correlation to the previous image is high, therefore, the image compression is executed by using inter-frame prediction/ encoding.

Input method for image diagnosis in electronic card (clinical record) system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To automatically realize the entry of an image diagnosis and the input of a disease case by digitizing an image of an X-ray film, executing an image processing, and thereafter, synthesizing it with an electronic card (clinical record). CONSTITUTION:An image of an X-ray film is digitized by a digitizer 7 and registered in a medical image file device 9. In a doctor WS 4, an electronic card (clinical record) is retrieved from an electronic card file 2 and stored in a disk device. Also, image data is retrieved from the medical image file device 9 and displayed on an image WS 10. Subsequently, an instruction is given from the doctor WS 4 to the image WS 10, image processing such as outline extraction, feature extraction, etc., are performed, transferred, displayed in an image opinion display area of the electronic Karte by the doctor WS 4, and the synthesized data is stored in the disk device. In such a way, a medical image and its diagnosis are inputted automatically and can be inputted onto the electronic card.

Distributed architecture for image archival in a hospital-wide PACS

Abstract: A hospital-wide PACS project is currently under development at the University Hospital of Geneva. This system is based on an open architecture regrouping equipment from multiple vendors in a distributed topology. The image archival is organized in multiple locations geographically distributed in the hospital. These regional archives are logically linked together to provide a virtual access to all images generated from different imaging modalities. A standardized image storage format called PAPYRUS was designed based on ACR-NEMA definitions to unify the image storage and display functionalities. The PACS database is also fully integrated with the concurrent RIS and HIS. Images from different archive servers are hierarchically distributed to other temporary storage space on regional display servers. Clusters of workstations are regrouped around these local servers allowing a more efficient access to the images on local subnetworks. Special software tools were designed for the management of image distribution and maintenance of local storage space. In addition to pre- programmed and rule-based distribution of images to regional display servers, special requests can be posted by the users to initiate the transfer of additional image files from the archive servers to their local display server. The design and implementation of the system will be presented and methodological issues will be discussed. Results from preliminary simulations performed prior to the final implementation will be presented and compared to real measurements performed on the system in operation. The advantages and difficulties of implementing a distributed hierarchical storage of images will be reported.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Computer-based techniques for the optimal extraction of medical data from graphical paper records

Abstract: A system is described which uses a new technique for the conversion of two dimensional waveforms conventionally stored on pair to a one dimensional array of data values. Paper records containing the waveform data are first scanned using a high resolution, flatbed, black and white scanner. The two dimensional pixel based images that are captured are stored as image files in the computer. Three digital image processing techniques are applied to these stored images. The first is a heuristic method for the automatic removal of random noise and the filling in of gaps in the captured image which are errors introduced during the scanning process. The second technique involves thinning each pixel based waveform to derive its skeleton. In the final part of the processing, data values are extracted from the thinned waveforms. These values are then filtered to eliminate quantisation errors introduced in the scanning process. Results using ECG waveforms are presented.< >

Video file device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To make it possible to red out plural image files stored in the same disk by successively issuing image block reading commands and allowing the disk to successively read out the image blocks corresponding to the received commands. CONSTITUTION:A controller 101 controls the operation of plural disks in accordance with commands from a user and respective disks 1.102 to 4.105 store respective image files. Respective signal lines 110 to 113 are used for commands to respective I/Os 106 to 109 and reading image data are obtained through four image data signal lines X114, Y115, Z116, W117. At the time of receiving an image file reading command from the user, the controller 101 successively issues the image block reading command to individual disks storing image file blocks and controlled by the controller 101 and successively reads out the image blocks to read out a series of image file data.

Seal impression register

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of registration leakage by checking the number of sheets set to an image reader and the number of sheets registered to a seal image file and automatically detecting the shortage of the registered sheets so as to detect unregistered image data. SOLUTION: A seal impression tag is read as image data, the whole seal impression tag is temporarily stored in a secondary storage medium 31 connected to a seal impression register, stored image data is read from the medium 31, image segmenting processing is executed and image data is registered in a seal impression filing device. The file number of a file storing image data of the whole seal impression tags in the medium 31 and the number of a file for reading stored image data, executing the input of an account number and image segmenting processing and storing registered information at the time of registering image data in the seal image filing device are compared with each other. Then at the time of integrality, image data of the seal impression tag is recognize-displayed as register leakage.

Digital x-ray camera

Abstract: PURPOSE:To enable the setting of conditions automatically by recording positional information of a drive section. X-ray conditions and collecting conditions simultaneously in an image file when an fluoroscopy is carried out to reproduce the conditions as they were later. CONSTITUTION:Fluoroscopy is performed for diagnosis of an object 1 and an image is recorded on a magnetic disc 15 or a digital VTR as file. At the same time, set data of an angle of a C arm 7, a distance between an X-ray tube 2 and II3 and a distance between the X-ray tube 2 and an object 2, a height and a position 0 of a top board 6 and the like are sent from a mechanical drive controller 8 to a system controller 14 and X-ray conditions are sent from an X-ray controller 10 thereto. Moreover, the system controller 14 holds the set data pertaining to the collection of images. When the image is recorded on the magnetic disc 15 and on the digital VTR 16, these conditions and image collecting conditions are recorded into a directory of the file. Later, when the fluoroscopy is performed again, an image data taken is read out of the magnetic disc 15 or the digital VTR 16 and at the same time, mechanical positional information, X-ray conditions and lecting conditions are read out of a master file.

Image data holding/displaying method

Abstract: PURPOSE: To display the images at a high speed by producing the rough image data of the rough image resolution from the standard image data and then selecting and displaying the standard or rough image data in response to the instruction of an operator. CONSTITUTION: In the preprocessing of display carried out by an image display processing part 50, both rough image data files 55 and 56 and a standard image data file 57 are produced from a multistage compression file to the image data which are displayed on a work file 51. When an operator has a display instruction for a rough entire image 52, the display data is produced and displayed on a screen with use of the file 55 having the roughest image resolution among those evolved image data. When the operator gives a display instruction for an image 53 of the medium magnification little larger than the standard level with a windowing operation, the display data is produced and displayed on the screen by means of the file 56 having the rough image resolution corresponding to the displayed magnification. COPYRIGHT: (C)1994,JPO&Japio

Medical image file managing system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To shorten retrieving time with a simplified procedure of retrieving images when an image taken with an own inspecting device is displayed by holding a directory for inspection images taken with the respective inspecting devices at terminals. CONSTITUTION:Inspecting devices 3a-3n used are, for example, an X-ray camera, an X-ray CT device, an MRI camera, an ultrasonic tomograph and an endoscope camera and the like. Inspection images taken with these inspecting devices 3a-3n are transferred to a filing device 2 at the center on line with a communication circuit 1 to be preserved in a batch. In the transfer of the inspection images, a name of an operator, inspection photographing date, name of a patient taken, an affected part taken and other photographing data are sent to be used for the generation of a preservation file of images to be preserved in the filing device 2. When the inspecting devices 3a-3n are made to display the inspection images which are taken with own devices and transferred to a filing device 2 again on the own device, the images from the filing device 2 can be called through the communication circuit 1 to be displayed.

Memory storing method for image processing and apparatus for performing this method

Abstract: PURPOSE: To increase the efficiency of memory use in the image compression application of a variable image format. CONSTITUTION: In this memory storage method for image processing, an image is processed in blocks whose size (H, V) represented as the number of pixels is integral power of 2, and the contents (pixel) of different blocks are stored in a memory by turns. A device which calculates the position of a pixel in the memory from the positions (x) and (y) of the said pixels in the image is composed of two substantial computing elements 11 and 12 which extract low- order bits (m) and (p) as integers such as 2 =H and 2 =V from (x) and (y), a multiplier 19 which multiplies the number NBLO of blocks in an image line by a vertical component ADBLOCV supplied from the computing element 12, and an adder 20 which adds the result supplied from the said multiplier and the coordinates ADBLOCH supplied from the computing element 11 together.

Hierarchical directory managing system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To easily make access to a directory by displaying not only slave directory information but information recorded on a slave directory information image file as image data when the directory to be accessed is selected CONSTITUTION:An operator selects, for example, a slave directory 8a from an image displayed on a display 6 by operating an input device 7, and transmits it to a central processing part 1 The central processing part 1 reads the slave directory information image file 5b of the slave directory via a slave directory information image file retrieval part 2 setting the slave directory 8a designated instead of a root directory 4 as a processing target, and displays the information of the slave directories 9a-9c on the screen of the display 6 as images Thereby, it is possible to easily make the directory accessible to the operator

Display device for monitoring manufacturing plant

Abstract: PURPOSE: To obtain a display device for monitoring a manufacturing plant where a plurality of operators can monitor a large number of measuring instruments of a manufacturing plant simultaneously at a same location commonly and, at the same time, which is clear to see and does not cause eyes to be fatigued even after a long-term usage. CONSTITUTION: Temperature, concentration, and liquid-level detection terminals 106, 108, etc., which are needed for monitoring a manufacturing plant, are provided at the manufacturing plant, the obtained detection data is transmitted to an electronic computer 1 for control, where the data signal is controlled to a desired graphic image. A desired image format is specified by a setting equipment 15 and an electrical signal is converted to an image signal by an image conversion processing device 11 and then is transmitted to a liquid crystal display 21. With a graphic image which is formed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 21, light is applied from a light source 22 and the transmission light is projected onto an incidence surface 32. The graphic image is expanded and displayed on an expansion display surface C of the other edge through a number of optical fibers 34. COPYRIGHT: (C)1993,JPO&Japio

Printing image-forming device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To simplify the structure of the above device by a method wherein lustered color image data are decoded by each of image files for respective colors, not by each of pixels, and the decoded data are transferred to page buffers in corresponding colors CONSTITUTION:Text data and lustered color image data are optionally inputted into an input buffer 1 A text/image sorting circuit 2 judges whether the inputted data are the text data or the lustered color image data In the case where the inputted data are the text data, the data are outputted to a control table- holding part 3a and a character generator 3b In the case where the inputted data are the lustered color image data, the inputted data are sent to a control table-holding part 4a and a monochrome image generator 4b Control blocks 21 and 22 are stored in the control table-holding part 4a, and a page buffer- selecting circuit 5 selects page buffers in corresponding colors in accordance with color-indicating flags of each of the control blocks 22