JP6417342B2 - Image display device, image display method, and image display program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device that extracts a desired region from a plurality of pieces of high-quality image information constituting an entire imaging target and displays the region on a display screen.

  As represented by display technology for map information and the like, a technology for reading a plurality of image files (tile files) corresponding to each magnification and displaying them at high speed according to the enlargement / reduction ratio is generally used. Yes. The tiling technique for displaying map information is based on a hierarchical directory in which images captured with a predetermined number of pixels (for example, 128 × 128 pixels, 256 × 256 pixels) are displayed for each enlargement / reduction ratio. Prepared and arranged in a matrix. That is, the ground surface area expressed by one pixel differs according to the zoom level, and the details of the ground surface can be displayed as the magnification increases.

  As a technique related to image enlargement / reduction as described above, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disclosed. In the technique shown in Patent Document 1, the image data is in the Flashpix format (multiple-layer tile division method), the tile area including the window area + the extended tile is set as the image data area, and an appropriate image is selected depending on the area size displayed in the window. If you select a layer and there is no data in the current image data area when scrolling, update the image data area to maximize the missing tiles loaded in the scroll direction, or minimize the missing tiles loaded in the scroll direction If the image data area is updated and the enlargement ratio is not in the range of 1.0 to 2.0 when the display is enlarged and the highest resolution layer is not selected, the display reduction operation is performed by switching to the upper layer. If the lowest resolution layer is not selected at times, the lower layer is switched.

JP 2001-117554 A

  However, each of the above-described techniques requires the preparation of images with different resolutions, which increases the amount of information and requires a great deal of time and effort to collect the images. Have Further, there is a problem that image display can be performed only at a specific enlargement / reduction ratio corresponding to the resolution.

  The present invention provides an image display device that displays an imaging target while using the image information obtained by dividing the imaging target into a plurality of images while minimizing the use of a memory at an arbitrary enlargement / reduction rate. .

The image display apparatus according to the present invention, the corresponding information stored image information storage means for individually storing the image information of the multiple, the correspondence information of the image information for the entire subject including a plurality of the image information storage means, a display area specifying means for specifying the display target area to be Viewing object, based on the target region, the extracted information of the pixel corresponding to the display target region from a plurality of the image information Output control means for specifying the display target area and displaying it on the display screen is provided.

Thus, in the image display apparatus according to the present invention, there is no need to prepared in advance the whole image and the detailed image for each enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio of the particular, an effect called collection of images easily ing .

The image display device according to the present invention includes a pixel number adjusting unit that adjusts the number of pixels of the display target area to the number of pixels of the display screen and expands the memory.

As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, the entire pixel to be imaged is not expanded in the memory, but is expanded in the number of pixels corresponding to the number of pixels on the display screen, thereby reducing the memory usage rate. There is an effect that the processing efficiency can be improved by significantly reducing .

  The image display apparatus according to the present invention includes an enlargement / reduction unit that receives an operation for enlarging / reducing an image output on the display screen, and the display area specifying unit performs the display according to the operation of the enlargement / reduction. The target area is specified.

  As described above, the image display apparatus according to the present invention includes an enlargement / reduction unit that receives an operation for enlarging / reducing the image output on the display screen, and the display target area is set according to the operation of the enlargement / reduction. In order to specify, the display target area can be enlarged / reduced linearly in units of pixels, and it is possible to achieve high operability.

  The image display apparatus according to the present invention includes detailed image information means for storing one or more detailed image information obtained by imaging in detail the internal structure of the element included in the imaging target, and the display area specifying means includes the enlargement / When the enlargement ratio / reduction ratio received by the reduction means exceeds a preset enlargement ratio / reduction ratio threshold, the image information stored in the image information storage means and the detailed image information storage means The display target area is specified by switching the stored detailed image information.

  As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, one or a plurality of detailed image information obtained by imaging in detail the internal structure of the element included in the imaging target is stored, and the enlargement / reduction ratio received by the enlargement / reduction unit When the ratio exceeds a preset enlargement ratio / reduction ratio threshold, the display target area is switched between the image information stored in the image information storage means and the detailed image information stored in the detailed image information storage means. For example, when the object to be imaged is the appearance of a room, the interior of the room is displayed with detailed image information after the appearance of the room has been enlarged to a certain extent, It is possible to display a picture displayed in a room, a part of the picture, a micrograph of the paint) according to an enlargement ratio.

The image display device according to the present invention includes image dividing means for dividing each of the plurality of pieces of image information into a plurality of small-sized images of a predetermined size, and the image information storage means is divided into small-scale images. Image information is stored, and the display area specifying unit extracts and associates the small-scale image corresponding to the display target area from the image information storage unit.

As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, each of the plurality of pieces of image information is divided into a plurality of small-scale images having a predetermined size, and the small-scale image corresponding to the display target region is obtained from the image information storage unit. Extracting and associating results in the effect that the processing speed can be kept constant to some extent without being affected by the size of the input image information.

  In the image display device according to the present invention, when the image information having a different resolution is included among the plurality of pieces of image information constituting the display target area specified by the display area specifying unit, the display target area Resolution conversion means for converting the resolution of the image information into one common resolution is provided.

  As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, when the image information having different resolutions is included among the plurality of pieces of image information constituting the specified display target region, the image information of the display target region is stored. Since the resolution is converted to a common resolution, even if the resolution of the input image information differs depending on the image, it can be handled as the same resolution image, and the resolution of the image information is limited. In this way, the image information can be generated by freely imaging the imaging target.

  In the image display device according to the present invention, the resolution conversion unit converts the resolution of the image information stored in the image information storage unit, and the converted image information is stored in the image information storage unit. It will be remembered.

  As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, since the image information storage means stores the image information that has been converted to the common resolution, the resolution adjustment can be performed without reducing the speed during the display process. There is an effect that it becomes possible to perform.

  In the image display device according to the present invention, when the resolution conversion unit includes an image region having a different resolution in the display target region specified by the display region specifying unit, the resolution conversion unit Conversion is performed, and the pixel number adjusting means adjusts the number of pixels in the display target area whose resolution has been converted and develops the memory.

  As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, resolution conversion is performed when displaying in accordance with the display target area, and therefore, it is useless except when necessary (when displaying an image larger than a certain size). Resolution conversion processing is not performed, so that the processing efficiency can be improved and the disk area can be saved.

  In the image display device according to the present invention, the resolution conversion unit is configured to generate pixels based on the number of pixels of the display target area specified by the display area specifying unit and the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen. Whether to complement or subtract is performed.

  Thus, in the image display device according to the present invention, whether to complement or subtract pixels based on the specified number of pixels in the display target area and the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen. Therefore, it is only necessary to perform interpolation processing according to an image with a high resolution only when the image is enlarged to a certain size or more, and in the case of enlargement or reduction less than that, the memory expansion is performed in accordance with the number of pixels of the display screen. Since the processing only has to be performed, there is an effect that wasteful processing can be reduced and processing efficiency can be improved.

  The image display device according to the present invention includes capacity determination means for determining whether or not a storable area of the image information storage means exceeds a predetermined capacity, and when the capacity exceeds a predetermined capacity, Resolution conversion means performs resolution conversion on the image information stored in the image information storage means, the converted image information is stored in the image information storage means, and the capacity has a predetermined capacity. If it is lower, the resolution conversion means, when the display target area specified by the display area specifying means includes an image area having a different resolution, the resolution conversion for the display target area, The pixel number adjusting means adjusts the number of pixels in the display target area whose resolution has been converted and develops the memory.

  As described above, in the image display device according to the present invention, when there is sufficient capacity according to the image information storage area, the image information is interpolated and stored in advance in accordance with the high-resolution image. When the capacity is not sufficient, resolution conversion processing is performed at the time of display, so that the storage area can be used efficiently according to the use environment of the computer.

It is a figure which shows the image of the image information in the image display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of the image display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the case where arbitrary display areas are input as operation information. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image display apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of detailed image information. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the image display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process image in the case of performing the display process by dividing the input image into small-scale images. It is a 1st functional block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a 1st process image figure which converts resolution. It is a 2nd functional block diagram which shows the structure of the image display apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a 2nd process image figure which converts resolution.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements throughout the present embodiment.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
The image display apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The image display device according to the present embodiment displays, for example, the entire imaging target by arranging a plurality of pieces of image information in a matrix. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an image of image information in the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, imaging is sequentially performed in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the imaging target. In FIG. 1, 40 images in the horizontal direction and 40 images in the vertical direction are imaged in total, and 1600 images in total are imaged. A display image is constructed. One piece of image information is, for example, image information of horizontal 4608 pixels × vertical 3456 pixels≈16 million pixels, and the entire imaging target is horizontal 184320 pixels × 138240 pixels≈25.4 billion pixels.

  In order to display the entire imaging target as shown in FIG. 1, 25.4 billion pixels need to be expanded in a memory and assigned to the pixels of the display screen. At present, it is impossible to develop such a large-capacity pixel in the memory, and for example, if the display screen is a monitor with a high image quality of 4096 pixels wide × 2160 pixels≈8 million pixels, When displaying the entire image, most of the image information is discarded, resulting in a waste of memory. In this embodiment, only the area necessary for display is extracted from such a plurality of image information, and adjusted according to the number of pixels of the monitor, thereby realizing a high-speed enlarged image display with a reduced memory usage rate. To do.

In addition, even when an instruction such as an enlarged display is given for an arbitrary region straddling a plurality of image information, a display image is generated by extracting a region necessary for display from each image information and associating them with each other. To display.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The image display device 1 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a hard disk (HD) 14, a communication I / F 15, and an input / output I / F 16. The ROM 13 and the HD 14 store an operating system, a program, image information, and the like, and the program is read into the RAM 12 and executed by the CPU 11 as necessary.

  The communication I / F 15 is an interface for performing communication between apparatuses. The input / output I / F 16 is an interface for receiving input from input devices such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse, and outputting data to a printer, a monitor, and the like. The input / output I / F 16 can be connected to a drive corresponding to a magneto-optical disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a removable disk such as a CD-R and a DVD-R, as necessary. Each processing unit is connected via a bus and exchanges information. The hardware configuration is merely an example, and can be changed as necessary.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. The image display apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the total body imaging target image information storage unit 2 for storing a plurality of image information constituting by imaging for each area of different the imaging target, mouse 8a, a keyboard 8b, an operation input unit 3 for inputting as operational information accepting information input from an input device such as a touch panel 8c, and a plurality of image information stored in the arrangement information and the image information storage unit 2 to the total body of the imaging object Based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 4 based on the operation information input from the operation information input unit 3 and the correspondence information storage unit 4 stored in association with the image information in the image information storage unit 2 Based on the display area specifying unit 5 that calculates and specifies the display target area, and the number of pixels of the image information corresponding to the specified display area and the number of pixels of the display screen 8d, the pixels of the display area The adjusted to the number of pixels the screen comprises a pixel number adjuster 6 for memory development, and an output control unit 7 for outputting a pixel information memory developed on the display screen 8d.

The image information storage unit 2 stores 16 pieces of image information as illustrated in FIG. In the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 4, the coordinate values of the pixels with respect to the entire imaging target (the horizontal axis is the X axis and the vertical is the Y axis, (X, Y) = (0, 0) to (18432). , 13824)), a respective image information is associated with an index, the coordinate values of the pixels definitive the whole of the imaging subject coordinate values in the respective image information ((x, y) = ( 0,0) ~ (4608, 3456)).

The display region specifying part 5, when the operation input unit 3 inputs the operation information to the effect that displays the entire imaging target, as shown in FIG. 1, 16 sheets stored in the image information storage 2 Read out pixels in all images. Then, the pixel number adjusting unit 6 adjusts the number of pixels of about 255,400 pixels to about 8 million pixels, which is the number of pixels of the display screen 8d, and develops it in the memory. The pixels expanded in the memory are expanded as they are into the respective pixels of the display screen 8d by the output control unit 7.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when an arbitrary display area 41 is input as operation information, the pixels in the entire imaging target corresponding to the area on the display screen designated by the display area specifying unit 5 obtains the coordinate values _{(X 1,2, Y} 1,2), based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 4, corresponding to the coordinate values _{(X 1,2, Y} 1,2) each The coordinate values (x ₁ , ₂ , y ₁ , ₂ ) of the image information (here, image information 10, 11, 14, and 15) are obtained, and based on the coordinate values (x ₁ , ₂ , y ₁ , ₂ ), Only a portion necessary for display (hatched portion in FIG. 4) is cut out and acquired from each image information. The pixel number adjustment unit 6 adjusts the acquired number of pixels (the number of pixels varies depending on the input operation information) to the number of pixels on the display screen 8d, and expands the memory. The pixels expanded in the memory are expanded as they are into the respective pixels of the display screen 8d by the output control unit 7.

As apparent from the above, in the case of enlarged display case and part for displaying the entire imaging target, although both are adjusted to 8 million pixels in the display screen 8d, the number of pixels before adjustment information lost because of the difference becomes more reduced image (the closer to whole of the imaging object) often. However, since the amount of information developed in the memory can be 8 million pixels on the display screen 8d, the amount of memory used can be minimized, and an enlarged image can be displayed with high image quality.

Next, the operation of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. First, the display area specifying unit 5 determines whether the operation information input to the operation input unit 3 is an entire display or a partial enlarged display (S1). In the case of the entire display, the display area specifying unit 5 reads out all the image information stored in the image information storage unit 2 (S2). The plurality of image information read out, based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 4 correspondence et al is, coordinates (X, Y) is specified as a display area (S3). The pixel number adjusting unit 6 adjusts the number of pixels in the specified display area to the number of pixels on the display screen (S4) and develops it in the memory (S5). The output control unit 7 outputs and displays the pixel values expanded in the memory on the display screen 8 (S6), and in preparation for the subsequent operation (for example, enlargement, reduction, movement, etc.) The motion prediction image corresponding to the display state is saved (cached) in the temporary memory (S7). As a result, when an operation such as enlargement, reduction, or movement is performed during display, the memory information cached in the temporary memory is used instead of performing the processing up to the memory expansion at the time of the operation. High-speed display is possible. After the process in step S7, the process waits until other image information is input. When other image information is input, the process returns to S1 and the same process is repeated. It is desirable that the pixel number adjusting unit 6 adjusts the number of pixels larger than the number of pixels on the display screen, and omits extra pixels on the display screen side when displaying.

If enlarged / reduced display part in step S1, first, the display region specifying unit 5, based on the operation information input to the operation information input unit 3, the total body definitive indicated area coordinates of the imaging target (X, Y) is specified (S8). Based on the correspondence information stored in the correspondence information storage unit 4, image information including the coordinates (X, Y) of the specified area is read from the image information storage unit 2 (S9). In the read image information, the coordinates (x, y) of the area of each image information corresponding to the coordinates (X, Y) of the designated area are specified for each image information (S10). Cut specified coordinates (x, y) the areas corresponding to the respective image information (S11), Ru association (S12). Subsequent processing is the same as the processing in steps S4 to S7 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The operation information input to the operation input unit 3 includes, for example, an initial image display, an enlarged display, a reduced display, and a rotation display. In particular, in the case of enlarged / reduced display, a part of image information of an enormous size originally (for example, an image configured by arranging 15 million pixel images in 100 vertical × 100 horizontal) is also applicable. Since only the data can be read and displayed, large-scale enlarged display is possible.

  As described above, in the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare an entire image or a detailed image in advance for each specific enlargement ratio or reduction ratio, and it is easy to collect images and By developing the memory with the number of pixels corresponding to the number of pixels on the display screen instead of expanding the pixels, it is possible to dramatically reduce the memory usage rate and increase the processing efficiency.

In addition, when an area to be displayed is designated, it is possible to easily identify which position in the entire imaging target the designated area corresponds to, and an image of the corresponding area based on the correspondence information, It can be easily extracted from a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the image information storage unit 2 and associated with display target areas.

  Furthermore, the display target area can be linearly enlarged / reduced in units of pixels, and high operability can be realized.

(Second embodiment of the present invention)
The image display apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The image display device according to the present embodiment is an extension of the function of the image display device according to the first embodiment, and the internal structure of the elements to be displayed when the enlargement operation is continuously performed. Etc. are displayed. In addition, in this embodiment, the description which overlaps with said 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. 3 differs from FIG. 3 in the first embodiment in that it includes a detailed image information storage unit 9 that stores one or a plurality of detailed image information obtained by imaging in detail the internal structure of an element included in the imaging target. is there.

  Detailed image information will be described with reference to the example of FIG. FIG. 7 illustrates a case where detailed image information is stored in two stages. In the case of FIG. 7A, image information of a landscape image composed of a plurality of pieces of image information is stored in the image information storage unit 2. Up to this point, the process is the same as in the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the detailed image information storage unit 9 (detailed image information storage unit 9a (not shown)) captures a flower included in the landscape image. Image information of one or a plurality of macro photographs is stored. Further, the detailed image information storage unit 9 (detailed image information storage unit 9b (not shown)) stores image information of one or a plurality of micrographs obtained by imaging a stamen included in a macro photograph of a flower.

  When the operation input unit 3 receives an input of an enlargement operation from a landscape image to a flower, the display area specifying unit 5 is configured to display an image information storage unit when the enlargement rate exceeds a preset enlargement rate threshold. The display area is specified by switching from the image information of the landscape image stored in 2 to the detailed image information of the macro photograph of the flower stored in the detailed image information storage unit 9a. Further, when the operation input unit 3 receives an input of an enlargement operation from the flower to the stamen, the detailed image information storage unit 9a stores the enlargement rate when the enlargement rate exceeds a preset enlargement rate threshold. The display area is specified by switching from the detailed image information of the macro photograph of the flower to the detailed image information of the micrograph of the stamens stored in the detailed image information storage unit 9b.

  The same applies to the case of FIG. 7B, and when an enlargement operation is performed on a predetermined building from a state in which image information indicating a map is displayed, the image is switched to detailed image information of an exterior photograph of the predetermined building. When an operation of enlarging the exterior of a predetermined building to a predetermined floor is performed, the detailed image information of the indoor photograph of the predetermined building is switched.

Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to switch the image information ⇔ detailed image information in accordance with the enlargement / reduction operation is displayed until the entire or et detailed internal structure of the imaging target.

  Next, the operation of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. Since the processing from step S1 to S7 is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  When part of the image is enlarged / reduced in step S1, the display area specifying unit 5 reads the corresponding image information or detailed image information according to the enlargement / reduction ratio (S8). That is, in the case of FIG. 7A, for example, if an operation such as whole display → enlargement → enlargement → maximum enlargement ratio → reduction → reduction → whole display is performed, the display area specifying unit 5 displays the image information storage unit. Image information of landscape image 2 → detailed image information of macro photo of flower of detailed image information storage unit 9a → detailed image information of stamen micrograph of detailed image information storage unit 9b → maximum enlargement of microphotograph → detailed image information storage Detailed image information of micrograph of stamen of unit 9b → detailed image information of macro photo of flower of detailed image information storage unit 9a → image information of landscape image of image information storage unit 2 according to the enlargement / reduction ratio The read image information or detailed image information is read and the subsequent processing is performed.

The display region specifying part 5, the read image information or detailed image information, the image information of the indicated area definitive the entire imaging target coordinates (X, Y) or the detailed image information in a specified area The coordinates (X1, Y1) are specified (S9), and image information or detailed image information including the coordinates (X, Y) or coordinates (X1, Y1) of the specified area is selected based on the correspondence information (S10). ). In the selected image information or detailed image information, each image information corresponding to the coordinates (X, Y) or coordinates (X1, Y1) of the designated area or the coordinates (x, y) or coordinates of the area of each detailed image information (X1, y1) is specified for each image information or each detailed image information (S11). An area corresponding to the specified coordinates (x, y) or coordinates (x1, y1) is cut out from each image information or each detailed image information (S12) and associated (S13). Subsequent processing is the same as the processing in steps S4 to S7 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the image information to be displayed is changed according to the enlargement / reduction ratio, but the first detailed image information (for example, a macro photograph of a flower) and the second detailed image showing further details. The relationship between the information (micrograph of stamens) is exactly the same as the relationship between the image information (for example, landscape image) and the first detailed image information (for example, macro photo of the flower). That is, in the processing of the above flowchart, the processing target is changed to image information or detailed image information, but the functions of the processing for the image information and the processing for the detailed image information are the same.

  Thus, in the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display up to the internal structure of the displayed element in accordance with the enlargement operation, and the user can perform more detailed confirmation work or the like.

(Third embodiment of the present invention)
The image display apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The image display device according to the present embodiment is an extension of the function of the image display device in each of the embodiments described above. When an input image is divided into small-sized images of a preset size and displayed. small image which is the association shall. In addition, in this embodiment, the description which overlaps with each said embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to the present embodiment. The difference from FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is that it includes an image dividing unit 90 that divides image information obtained by imaging an imaging target into small-sized images of a preset size and stores them in the image information storage unit 2. It is.

  A small-scale image will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing image when an input image is divided into small-scale images and display processing is performed. As shown in FIG. 10, image information (four pieces of image information of images A, B, C, and D) obtained by imaging an imaging target is input. At this time, the number of pixels of the images A to D is not constant according to the performance of the camera that captured the imaging target. That is, in some cases, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, images A to D of 8 million pixels are input as image information by imaging with the camera a, and in other cases, as shown in FIG. 10B. By taking an image with the camera b, for example, images AD of 32 million pixels are input as image information. In such a case, since the size of the original image information is completely different, the processing speed varies when the display process is performed. That is, the display processing speed is faster for 8 million pixels captured by the camera a, and the processing speed is slower for 32 million pixels captured by the camera b.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the image division unit 90 divides the input image information into small-scale images having a predetermined number of pixels. In the case of FIG. 10A, by dividing each of the 8 million pixel images A to D into four, the whole becomes 16 images (2 million pixels / sheet) of images A1 to D4. In the case of FIG. 10B, the 32 million pixel images A to D are each divided into 16 parts, so that the total becomes 64 images (2 million pixels / sheet) of images A1 to D16. The small-scale image in such a divided state is stored in the image information storage unit 2, and the display processing described in the above embodiments is performed on the small-scale image. Since the image information to be displayed is unified into a small image having a preset common size (2 million pixels in this case), it is possible to suppress the use of the memory and to improve the display processing efficiency. Variation in speed can be eliminated.

(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)
The image display apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The image display device according to the present embodiment is an extension of the function of the image display device in each of the embodiments described above. When the resolution of the input image information differs for each image, the resolution is converted and shared. By doing so, the processing efficiency is improved. In addition, in this embodiment, the description which overlaps with each said embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.

In the display process in the respective embodiments, method resolution that associates different images are two ways below.
(1) The input image information is reconstructed internally to unify the resolution.
(2) Unify resolution when deploying output pixels to memory.

  In any case, processing for aligning the low resolution image information with the resolution of the high resolution image information is performed. That is, the low resolution image information is complemented to obtain a high resolution. Since there are many conventionally known methods for image complement processing, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 11 is a first functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. Here, the structure in the case of processing by the method (1) is shown. The difference from FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is that a resolution conversion unit 120 that shares the resolution of the image information stored in the image information storage unit 2 for each imaging target is provided.

  The processing of the resolution conversion unit 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a first processing image diagram for converting the resolution. In FIG. 12B, the images (a), (c), and (d) are captured at a resolution of 2000 × 1500 pixels, and the image (b) is 4000 for the imaging target in FIG. This is image information captured at a resolution of × 3000 pixels. In this case, the region of the image (b) is stored in the image information storage unit 2 as image information with higher accuracy than other regions.

When image information with different resolutions is input to such a common imaging target, the resolution conversion unit 120, as shown in FIG. 12C, low-resolution image information (images (a), ( c) and (d)) are complemented and reconstructed so as to match the resolution of the high-resolution image information (image (b)). That is, all of the images (a) to (d) are converted to a resolution of 4000 × 3000 pixels and stored as image information in the image information storage unit 2. When display is performed across images with different resolutions by performing the display processing described in the above embodiments on the image information with the converted resolution (for example, each of the images (a) to (d) Even when a part of them is extracted and displayed on one screen in association with each other, it is possible to display them with the same resolution and the same accuracy.

  Regarding the operation of the method (1) of the image display device according to the present embodiment, in the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the operation of the image display device according to the first embodiment, an image information storage unit is executed before the process of step S1. The resolution conversion process for converting the resolution of the image information stored in 2 as described above is inserted. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing operation of FIG. 5 or FIG.

  In the case of the process (1), since the low-resolution image information is converted into the high-resolution image information, the disk area to be used becomes large. As a method for saving the disk area, the method (2) can be performed. FIG. 13 is a second functional block diagram showing the configuration of the image display apparatus according to this embodiment. Here, the structure in the case of processing by the method (2) is shown. The difference from the case of FIG. 11 is that the resolution conversion unit 120 converts the resolution after the display region specifying unit 5 specifies the display region. That is, the image information is not reconstructed in advance as in the method (1), but resolution conversion is performed immediately before output only for the display target area.

  FIG. 14 is a second processing image diagram for converting the resolution. In FIG. 14B, the images (a), (c), and (d) are captured at a resolution of 2000 × 1500 pixels, and the image (b) is 4000 for the imaging target in FIG. This is image information captured at a resolution of × 3000 pixels. In this case, the region of the image (b) is stored in the image information storage unit 2 as image information with higher accuracy than other regions.

If the display target area 150 is specified as shown in FIG. 14B, only the area 152 extracted from the image (b) has a high resolution, and the other areas 151, 153, and 154 have a low resolution, resulting in a sense of unity. There is a possibility that it will be displayed without. The resolution conversion unit 120 complements the display target area 150 identified in this way so that the resolutions of the areas 151, 153, and 154 coincide with the resolution of the area 152. By doing so, even when the areas 151 to 154 are associated with each other, it is possible to display with the same resolution and the same accuracy.

  In the method (2), the resolution conversion unit 120 complements the pixels in the low-resolution area based on the number of pixels in the display target area 150 and the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen 8d. It is determined whether or not to subtract pixels in a region with a high resolution, and the conversion process is executed.

  That is, when the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen 8d is smaller than the number of pixels in the region with the low resolution (regions 151, 153, and 154), the display target region 150 is as shown in the above embodiments. Since the pixels are subtracted by normal processing (pixels are thinned out) and developed in the memory, the processing speed is not affected and it is not necessary to perform resolution conversion. On the other hand, when the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen 8d is larger than the number of pixels in the low-resolution area (areas 151, 153, and 154) and smaller than the high-resolution area (area 152), For regions with low resolution (regions 151, 153, and 154), pixel interpolation is performed, and for regions with high resolution (region 152), pixels are subtracted and expanded into memory. Further, when the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen 8d is larger than the region with the high resolution (region 152), the entire display target region 150 is complemented with pixels and expanded in memory. At this time, the degree of complementation is naturally different between the regions 151, 153, and 154 and the region 152.

Thus, based on the relationship between the number of pixels displayable by corresponding with pixel number and the display screen 8d for each region in the display target area 150 specified, performs complementary / subtraction of a pixel for each of the areas As a result, it is possible to realize high-quality image display by sharing the resolution of the display image. In addition, although pixel complementation requires processing time, pixel complementation is performed only when necessary by considering the relationship between the number of pixels in the display target region 150 and the number of pixels in the display screen 8d. The processing efficiency can be improved and the processing speed can be improved.

Regarding the operation of the method (2) of the image display device according to the present embodiment, in the flowchart of FIG. 5 showing the operation of the image display device according to the first embodiment, the processing of associating with step S3 and step S12 is as follows. Before that, processing for converting the resolution of each of the regions 151 to 154 in the display target region 150 to be associated (pixel complementation / subtraction for each region) is inserted. The subsequent processing is the same as the processing operation of FIG. 5 or FIG.

As described above, in the image display device according to the present embodiment, even when image information of different resolutions is displayed in association with each other, the resolution of each image information is unified and high-quality image display is performed. Can be realized, and processing efficiency and processing speed can be improved.

  The method (1) and the method (2) may be selectively performed. That is, although the method (1) requires a large disk area, the processing speed at the time of image output is stabilized. On the other hand, the method (2) does not require a large disk area, but the processing speed during image output may not be stable (due to pixel interpolation). Therefore, the capacity determination unit (not shown) determines the disk capacity. If there is a free space of a predetermined capacity or more, the method (1) is used. If there is a free space less than the predetermined capacity, the method (2) is used. You may make it use. As described above, by appropriately performing the method (1) and the method (2), it is possible to perform appropriate processing according to the use environment of the computer.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image display apparatus 2 Image information storage part 3 Operation input part 4 Corresponding information storage part 5 Display area specific | specification part 6 Pixel number adjustment part 7 Output control part 8a Mouse 8b Keyboard 8c Touch panel 8d Display screen 9 Detailed image information storage part 11 CPU
12 RAM
13 ROM
14 HD (hard disk)
15 Communication I / F
16 Input / output I / F
41 Display area 90 Image segmentation unit 120 Resolution conversion unit 150 Display target area

Claims (11)

Image information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image information individually;
Correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information of the image information with respect to the entire imaging target composed of a plurality of the image information;
A display area specifying means for specifying a display target area to be displayed;
Based on the display target area, information on pixels corresponding to the display target area is extracted from the plurality of pieces of image information and specified as the display target area, and the number of pixels in the display target area is determined by the number of pixels on the display screen. Adjusting the number of pixels to be developed in the internal memory,
An image display device comprising: output control means for displaying information on pixels developed in the internal memory on the display screen. The image display device according to claim 1,
An enlargement / reduction means for accepting an operation for enlarging / reducing the image output on the display screen;
The image display device, wherein the display area specifying means specifies the display target area in accordance with the enlargement / reduction operation . The image display device according to claim 2,
Detailed image information means for storing one or a plurality of detailed image information obtained by imaging in detail the internal structure of an element included in the imaging target,
The display information specifying means stores the image information stored in the image information storage means when the enlargement ratio / reduction ratio received by the enlargement / reduction means exceeds a preset enlargement ratio / reduction ratio threshold. And the detailed image information stored in the detailed image information storage means to specify the display target area. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Image division means for dividing each of the plurality of pieces of image information into a plurality of small-scale images of a predetermined size ;
The image information storage means stores the image information divided into small-scale images, and the display area specifying means extracts the small-scale image corresponding to the display target area from the image information storage unit and associates it. An image display device characterized by that. The image display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the image information with different resolutions is included among the plurality of pieces of image information constituting the display target area specified by the display area specifying means, the resolution of the image information in the display target area is set to a common one. An image display device comprising resolution conversion means for converting to a resolution . The image display device according to claim 5 ,
The resolution conversion unit converts the resolution of the image information stored in the image information storage unit, and the converted image information is stored in the image information storage unit Display device. The image display device according to claim 1 ,
When the image information with different resolutions is included among the plurality of pieces of image information constituting the display target area specified by the display area specifying means, the resolution of the image information in the display target area is set to a common one. It has resolution conversion means for converting to resolution,
When the resolution conversion unit includes an image region having a different resolution in the display target region specified by the display region specifying unit , the resolution conversion unit converts the resolution of the display target region, and the pixel number adjusting unit The image display device , wherein the memory is developed by adjusting the number of pixels of the display target area whose resolution has been converted . The image display device according to claim 7 ,
Whether the resolution conversion means complements or subtracts pixels based on the number of pixels of the display target area specified by the display area specifying means and the number of pixels that can be displayed on the display screen. An image display device characterized by performing a conversion process after determination . The image display device according to claim 1 ,
When the image information with different resolutions is included among the plurality of pieces of image information constituting the display target area specified by the display area specifying means, the resolution of the image information in the display target area is set to a common one. Resolution conversion means for converting to resolution;
Capacity determining means for determining whether a storable area of the image information storage means exceeds a predetermined capacity,
When the capacity exceeds a predetermined capacity, the resolution conversion means converts the resolution of the image information stored in the image information storage means, and the converted image information is the image information. When the information is stored in the information storage means and the capacity is less than a predetermined capacity, the resolution converting means includes an image area having a different resolution in the display target area specified by the display area specifying means. An image display device , wherein the display target area is converted in resolution, and the pixel number adjusting means adjusts the number of pixels in the display target area in which the resolution is converted and expands the memory . Computer
A display area specifying step for specifying a display target area to be displayed;
Based on correspondence information of the image information with respect to the entire imaging target composed of a plurality of the image information, information on pixels corresponding to the display target area is obtained from the plurality of image information individually stored in the image information storage unit. Extracting and specifying as the display target area, and adjusting the number of pixels of the display target area to the number of pixels of the display screen and developing in the internal memory,
An image display method comprising: performing an output control step of displaying information on the pixels developed in the internal memory on the display screen. Image information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of image information individually;
Correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information of the image information with respect to the entire imaging target composed of a plurality of the image information;
A display area specifying means for specifying a display target area to be displayed;
Based on the display target area, information on pixels corresponding to the display target area is extracted from the plurality of pieces of image information and specified as the display target area, and the number of pixels in the display target area is determined by the number of pixels on the display screen. Means for adjusting the number of pixels to be developed in the internal memory
An image display program for causing a computer to function as output control means for displaying pixel information developed in the internal memory on the display screen.