Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A method for compressing a dynamic range of an image, with which an original image signal Sorg representing an original image is processed, and a processed image signal Sproc representing an image having a narrower dynamic range than the original image is thereby generated, the method for compressing a dynamic range of an image comprising the steps of: i) calculating the value of an unsharp mask signal Sus corresponding to each of picture elements in said original image by averaging the values of image signal components of said original image signal Sorg, which image signal components represent the picture elements belonging to a predetermined region surrounding each said picture element, and ii) calculating the values of said processed image signal Sproc with the formula Sproc = Sorg + f1(Sus) where f1(Sus) represents a function, the value of which decreases monotonously as the value of said unsharp mask signal Sus increases.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in Claim 1 wherein said original image is a radiation image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in Claim 2 wherein said radiation image has been stored on a stimulable phosphor sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as defined in Claim 3 wherein an image signal, which represents said radiation image and serves as said original image signal Sorg, is detected by exposing said stimulable phosphor sheet to stimulating rays, which cause said stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation, and photoelectrically detecting the emitted light.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in Claim 4 wherein said stimulating rays are a laser beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as defined in Claim 1 wherein said original image is an X-ray image which has been recorded on photographic film.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for compressing a dynamic range of an image, with which an original image signal Sorg representing an original image is processed, and a processed image signal Sproc representing an image having a narrower dynamic range than the original image is thereby generated, the method for compressing a dynamic range of an image comprising the steps of: i) calculating the value of an unsharp mask signal Sus corresponding to each of picture elements in said original image by averaging the values of image signal components of said original image signal Sorg, which image signal components represent the picture elements belonging to a predetermined region surrounding each said picture element, and ii) calculating the values of said processed image signal Sproc with the formula Sproc = Sorg + f2(Sus) where f2(Sus) represents a function, the value of which decreases monotonously as the value of said unsharp mask signal Sus increases, and the differential coefficient of which is continuous.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in Claim 7 wherein said original image is a radiation image.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in Claim 8 wherein said radiation image has been stored on a stimulable phosphor sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as defined in Claim 9 wherein an image signal, which represents said radiation image and serves as said original image signal Sorg, is detected by exposing said stimulable phosphor sheet to stimulating rays, which cause said stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation, and photoelectrically detecting the emitted light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in Claim 10 wherein said stimulating rays are a laser beam.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as defined in Claim 7 wherein said original image is an X-ray image which has been recorded on photographic film.