Variable density image processing method and variable density im

Details Variable density image processing method and variable density im Variable density image processing method and variable density im

1995-10-04

1998-03-03

Wong, Peter S.

Facsimile and static presentation processing

Facsimile

Recording apparatus

358452, H04N 121, H04N 1387

Patent

active

057241538

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention concerns a variable density image (grey scale image) processing method and an image processing apparatus which utilizes that method. More specifically, it concerns a variable density image (grey scale image) processing method, and variable density image (grey scale image) processing apparatus utilizing it, which can render identifiable a single-sheet photosensitive medium on which multiple images have been made, by simply and rapidly inscribing identifying information in a designated location on the medium.
This invention also concerns a more compact, lightweight variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus capable of utilizing this variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus.


BACKGROUND ART

In the medical field, an image created by imaging technology such as X-ray computed tomography (CT), scanning-type nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), after being converted to a digital image and magnified by a designated multiplier by means of a variable density image (grey scale image) processing apparatus, is broken down into its constituent graphic elements, and the digital image data, which contains that image's continuous series of gradients, is converted into a chronological series of analogue signals. An apparatus called a laser imager (hereinafter termed a "variable density image photographic apparatus") then uses a semi-conductor laser apparatus (cf. FIG. 20), employing a direct modulation formula, to irradiate silver-sodium film with these analogue signals, thus making them into photographs.
Each original image includes within it certain data specific to itself, as for example its identification number, patient name, or the date the image was created (cf. FIG. 21). However, the laser beams of the optical systems used in these variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus range between about 80 .mu.m and 100 .mu.m in diameter; in consequence, a written (i.e. alphabetic or numeric) character of the 16-dot size commonly used, for instance, comes out to a size of approximately 1.2 mm when inscribed by such a beam. As a result, one cannot decipher simply by looking at the film which patient it concerns, for example, or what its images are of.
Thus, at present, data used for identification of individual films (hereinafter termed "identifying data") is input by means of the variable density image (grey scale image) processing apparatus' input apparatus, and is inscribed onto the bottom of the film in a fixed size by means of the optical system; or, alternatively, an identification label is affixed to the bottom of the film following development. This interferes with the rapid handling of such medical films.
In their typical configurations, the basic constituents of the variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus currently in use are as follows: to the target location of the laser beam; it with a laser beam; perpendicular to the laser beam's direction of scan; image data, and image enlargement and reduction; operating the apparatus.
FIGS. 22-26 show examples of variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus configured from the constituents described above.
FIG. 22 depicts a variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus i, consisting of a film feeding cassette a, a film retrieval means b, an exposure means c, an image processing means d, and a control/power supply means e, configured from top to bottom in that order, and a film securing drum f, located next to the image processing means d. The various means in FIG. 22's variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus i are thus stacked one on top of another, resulting in a height of approximately 1,200 mm and a weight of some 290 kg. Symbol p in FIG. 22 represents a pick-up mechanism,and g represents a film conveyor means which feeds and also retrieves the film.
FIG. 23 depicts a variable density image (grey scale image) photographic apparatus i, consi

REFERENCES:
patent: 4303948 (1981-12-01), Arai et al.
patent: 4899227 (1990-02-01), Yamada et al.
patent: 4980706 (1990-12-01), Someya
patent: 5034806 (1991-07-01), Ikeda et al.
patent: 5280367 (1994-01-01), Zuniga

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